Editor's Note: Home hemodialysis, while a viable treatment option for some kidney patients, is not for everyone. Consult with your nephrologist and other members of your healthcare team for more information.

She had first attempted peritoneal dialysis, but was not comfortable with it.  Next, she tried in-center hemodialysis, yet this still did not seem to be the treatment that fit her lifestyle.  She received a donated kidney from her older sister, but unfortunately her body rejected the transplant.  It was at this point in her life that Ellie Durrett learned about the process of home hemodialysis and finally found a treatment choice that was right for her.

Ellie Durrett first learned she had kidney failure at the age of 31, and began dialysis treatment in October of 1979.  Ellie experimented with a variety of treatment options for approximately three years, before deciding that home hemodialysis suited her the best.  Ellie’s doctor was the first to approach her with the option of home hemodialysis.  After discussing the process with her husband, Ronnie, she decided to proceed with the treatment.  For the past 18 years, Ellie has been a home hemodialysis patient.

Ellie’s only son, Ronnie Jr., was four-years-old at the time she began dialysis, which made it difficult for her to make the trips to dialysis units.  In addition, her husband's irregular work hours made it even more difficult for Ellie to plan her dialysis schedule and care for her young son.  Therefore, time with her family is the most important reason why Ellie chose home hemodialysis.  This treatment option allows Ellie to make her own schedule, which also makes traveling much more flexible for her and her family.  “I’m not restricted to go into a unit, so I can do it my way, at my time.  I can be more flexible with my schedule, as long as I get the hours and days of treatment prescribed by my doctor.” says Ellie.

Ellie uses her home hemodialysis machine three days per week for three hours each day.  When she first began home hemodialysis, the dialysis machine did not have the technology that Ellie currently uses to dialyze.  Her equipment now is entirely computerized, which Ellie feels makes the process much easier and less time consuming.  Ellie’s supportive husband acts as her nurse, as well as her partner, by testing the machine and monitoring her blood pressure while she dialyzes.  Ronnie Jr., now 24-years-old, also acts as an essential support system for Ellie in assisting with her treatment.  Ellie feels that family encouragement is of vital importance.  “If I didn’t have their support, I don’t know where I would be,” said Ellie.

In many ways, the process of home hemodialysis is the same as in-center dialysis treatments.  Ellie made a smooth adjustment to home hemodialysis with very few complications. She went through four weeks of training with a home training nurse to learn the functions of the machine and how it operates.  Ellie has set up the dialysis machine in her bedroom and stores many of the supplies in a closet.  Although her husband helps her with many aspects of the dialysis process, Ellie inserts the needles herself.  She makes a visit to her doctor once every six weeks for a check-up.  Ellie’s medical supplies are delivered to her house once a month.  A technician also visits periodically to check the dialysis water system that is required to obtain clean, filtered water used for home hemodialysis.  Yearly maintenance is performed on the machine, and if any problems occur, Ellie calls her doctor.  Overall, the machine has good maintenance and only has a mechanical problem occasionally.  In addition, she is prepared with a generator just in case the electricity goes out for an extended period.  Ellie says, “It’s not really that much different from going to the dialysis center, and it allows more flexibility.”

While Ellie dialyzes, she enjoys talking on the telephone, watching television, crossword puzzles and reading. She particularly likes to update herself with news about kidney disease. "I always read new issues of aakpRENALIFE from cover to cover while I am dialyzing," says Ellie.

Ellie is currently the president of AAKP’s Middle Tennessee Chapter.  She has been the president since the chapter was chartered by AAKP in September of 1999.  Ellie brings a unique perspective to the support group discussions since she is the only member using home hemodialysis.  She enjoys her role in the chapter because she can help other kidney patients and their families through education and a great support system.  “Sometimes people are crying and crying and we tell them we have been there before.  They usually leave feeling a lot better knowing someone else truly understands what they are going through,” says Ellie.

Although home hemodialysis is not for everyone, it is an efficient treatment option for many kidney patients.  Ellie says, “Not everyone can do it because you need support.  I have my husband and my son who will always be my greatest support.”

This article originally appeared in aakpRENALIFE, Vol. 15, No. 5, May 2000

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