Doing Home Dialysis Has Turned My Life Around

I had diabetes when I was only 17 years old. With my whole life ahead of me, diabetes was an unwelcome burden. So I chose to ignore it. I did not take my medications, skipped doctors’ appointments, did not follow a proper diet and never exercised.

Ignored the Warning Signs
My father was also a diabetic and a kidney failure patient. Sadly, my father passed away due to heart complications almost 18 years ago. Despite all the warning signs and seeing how my father went through so much suffering, I still did not bother with my own
health. The effects of my 20 years of having diabetes eventually took its toll. My left leg started to feel numb and my vision became increasingly distorted. Doctors warned me that it could lead to amputation, blindness and kidney failure. It was no surprise when I succumbed to kidney failure and needed dialysis. I was worried about the expensive dialysis cost as I had lost my job
as a technician.

I am now leading a
productive life,
doing dialysis at
night and working as an administrative
assistant in the day.
I also feel reassured
as I have full
support from NKF’s
PD nursing team.

Mr Kelvin Ng, 37
Started Peritoneal Dialysis Thanks to NKF
Thankfully, NKF accepted me into their dialysis programme and I pay nothing out of pocket. I started peritoneal dialysis (PD) in January this year, which I carry out at home for about 10 hours every night while I sleep. When I first started PD, the nurse came to my home to help and guide me. Now, I have no problems doing it myself and the process is painless. I can also get in touch with the PD nurse easily by phone should I have any concerns with my treatment.
Regained My Sense of Worth
Another good thing about PD is that since I do the treatment at night, I can work in the day. That’s why when I heard about NKF’s Patient Employment Rehabilitation Programme which helps patients find jobs within or outside NKF, I quickly applied. I’m now an Administrative Assistant at NKF. In fact, there are plans for me to be trained as a Patient Service Associate, a role that will enable me to assist and encourage fellow patients to cope with their dialysis. I find that my life now has a sense of purpose.

Be Healthy, Be Conscious
I would like to advise others to take care of their health.
Listen to your body. If you feel something is not right, go
and see a doctor. Prevention is better than cure.

Benefits of PD
  • A good alternative treatment to haemodialysis (HD) where it can be carried out at home or the workplace.
  • Painless as no vascular access or needling is required.
  • It is a gentler treatment hence, patients have lesser food restrictions and experience lesser side effects.
  • More flexibility and control of their lifestyle.
NKF NKF’s PD Home Support Programme provides comprehensive support to help PD patients start and stay well on dialysis.
For assistance on our PD programme, please contact
6299 0200 pd.support@nkfs.org