Living well with PD

At 70 years old, Velusamy Saraswathy is no stranger to community life. A long-time volunteer with her Residents’ Committee and Community Centre’s Indian Activity Executive Committee, she has spent more than 20 years bringing people together through walks, gatherings and social events.

A life-changing diagnosis

Last year, however, her life changed. When her doctor told her daughter and son-in-law that her kidneys were deteriorating and dialysis was necessary, Velusamy was deeply saddened. “I felt very tired all the time and I told myself that I would have to go for dialysis regardless,” she recalls.

Choosing home-based dialysis

From the start, she chose home-based peritoneal dialysis instead of haemodialysis, which is done three times a week at a community-based dialysis centre and requires travel. At first, the idea was daunting. She felt that the treatment was too unfamiliar and that she was not ready. But after learning more from her doctor and the PD nursing team, she decided to proceed. Nine months on, she has no regrets.

Velusamy performs PD four times a day at home, each session taking about 30 minutes. Using a simple bag system, the procedure is painless because there is no need to poke a needle and is convenient as it does not require a machine.

Her treatment costs are heavily subsidised by the government and NKF, reducing the financial burden of dialysis treatment. More importantly, PD has given her back her independence and quality of life. “Before PD, my appetite was very poor. I could hardly eat and only drank water. Now, my energy has returned to the same as before. I can do everything I used to, and I can even do my treatment in the comfort of my home.”

Living life to the fullest

Today, Velusamy enjoys a full and active lifestyle. On a typical day, she visits the market for groceries, shops at the mall, spends time with her grandchildren or visits her elderly mother.

She is able to take care of her own daily needs and keeps her mind sharp by playing computer games and puzzles on quieter days.

Her husband and helper provide daily home support, while her family remains her strongest pillar, always ensuring she is well. The guidance from NKF’s PD nurses has also been invaluable. “They guided me through the process, taught me the do’s and don’ts, giving me the confidence to manage PD on my own. I feel empowered, not dependent.”

“Along with my family’s encouragement and support, treatment has given me the strength to take charge of my health.”

Velusamy Saraswathy

Giving back, moving forward

For Velusamy, PD has not only helped her regain her health but also allowed her to continue the things she loves most – volunteering, socialising and engaging with her community. Looking ahead, she hopes to join NKF’s peer support group and activities, inspiring others along the way.

Her advice to fellow patients is simple yet heartfelt: “Don’t give up, you can get through this. Treatment works and makes you feel better.”

Understanding peritoneal dialysis

Here’s what you need to know about this life-saving home-based treatment for kidney failure patients.

What is peritoneal dialysis (PD)?

PD is a daily, non-intermittent home treatment that uses the peritoneum, a thin lining in the abdomen, as a natural filter to remove waste and excess fluid. Dialysis solution (dialysate) is introduced into the abdomen through a catheter. Waste and fluid from the blood pass into the dialysate, which is then drained from the body.

Benefits of PD

How It Works

Types of PD