New to PD and HD patients

Hi Gordon - Welcome to the group. I have a pre-sternal chest catheter; which means my catheter comes out of the upper chest cavity. My physcian actually suggested this type of catheter as it is less likely to become infected, less irrating, and less likely to cause a hernia.

I’m uncertain that you will be allowed to do some of the exercises you have mentioned - especially while you have fluid in you. I have a weight limit of 15 lbs, as to much weight can cause a hernia while the peritoneal cavity is full - this was according to my surgeon. Yoga & pilates are generally ok - if you are completely drained - but you may have to watch some of the stretching exercises with your catheter, you really don’t want to pull much. Hiking is a wonderful activity and you shouldn’t have any problems with that.

Frankly - when I am full of fluid, I feel like I am about 9 months pregnant. Fortunately, I am dry during the day; so it doesn’t effect my daily life to much, but there are always adjustments.