Before switching to home dialysis Eda was frustrated about missing school two days a week to get treatment. Moreover, she was experiencing symptoms that made it hard for her to concentrate in school. She often couldn’t quickly recall the answers to her teacher’s questions, although she knew them.
For most teenagers, having an active social life is a big part of growing, developing and becoming an adult, and Eda was no exception. However, regular dialysis limited the time she could spend with her friends.
Last year, Filiz Çalisir, head nurse at Eda’s dialysis centre, told Eda and her parents about a new treatment method: gradual but longer dialysis, which could also be performed at home. It could help eliminate some of her symptoms so she could attend school and be more successful. Her mother was hesitant at first but Eda insisted on trying. At 13 her biggest wish was to feel better and be academically successful so she could become an emergency medical technician who helps patients.
So Eda and her mother began practicing performing dialysis at the centre. Everybody was surprised about how skilfully Eda inserted the needles into her vein. After a while, Eda and her mother realised it wasn’t as hard as they’d thought, which also set a good example for other patients.
In addition to learning how to perform the Actual dialysis, in-home treatment required the installation of a comprehensive dialysis machine and water system in Eda’s family home. In many respects, Eda is lucky to live in Turkey: her country supports patients who want to try home dialysis but this is not the case in all countries.