DPC Board Member’s battle to return to peritoneal dialysis after complications from surgery

Beverly Schroeder has not been one to let her kidney failure get in the way of life.  At 76 years old, “Bev” is more active than most people half her age.  In her earlier years Bev devoted her career to public service, working for the Social Security Administration and the Department of Health, Education and Welfare.  After having children, Bev decided to stay at home, but she continued to devote much of her time to volunteering for a domestic violence hotline, working with abused children and doing other various volunteer activities. 

When Bev developed kidney failure in 2004 due to complications with diabetes, she chose peritoneal dialysis (PD) because it gave her the power to take control of her own treatments as well as the flexibility to continue volunteering, including serving as a Patient Ambassador, Board Member for the past four years and now Board Secretary for DPC.  While on PD, Bev continued with her busy volunteer schedule speaking in community churches and at other organizations to raise awareness about kidney disease and educate others who may be at risk, among other activities.  Bev is also presently the primary caretaker of her husband Jack who is battling his own health issues. 

While on PD, Bev experienced great success.  She remained diligent with following her prescribed diet, taking her medications as ordered by her doctor and never missed a treatment.  Over the years Bev had several hernia operations and in late 2009 she required another major hernia operation it was after this operation that Bev had to have her PD catheter removed and she began in-center hemodialysis three times per week.  Once healed from that surgery Bev underwent surgery to get a new PD catheter.  However, upon returning to PD, she could not achieve the clearance rates she had before.   For about six months Bev continued to receive hemodialysis treatments in-center.  Not only did this consume a great portion of her day, but Bev also felt weak and tired even on her non-dialysis days.  Being the type of person who does not give up easily, Bev discussed her options with her surgeon and agreed to try additional surgeries in order to again make her a candidate for PD. 

“I am a strong believer that patients should have the choice and ability to do the type of dialysis that makes them feel best and fits their lifestyle, in-center hemodialysis works for many people, but  for me PD was the best fit,” stated Bev.

Extremely persistent and strong-willed, Bev conducted research and underwent three more surgeries to be able to return to PD successfully. 

Once she had recovered from the final operation, and with the continued help of her PD nurse, Lisa Wood, Bev resumed PD.  She started out doing daily, multiple manual exchanges (CAPD).   To do so, she worked closely with Lisa who regularly ensured Bev’s PD catheter was flushed properly and that she had the supplies and training needed to perform the manual exchanges.   After achieving successful results with CAPD, Bev was ready to try the cycler again (CCPD).   Currently, Bev is back to regularly dialyzing with her cycler at night while she sleeps, and thus far she is achieving good results!

“I could not have done all this without the unbelievable support Lisa and my family gave me through this,” says Bev. 

She hopes that by sharing her story, she will inspire other patients who do not feel well enough to have a full life because they are on dialysis to be persistent in seeking possible solutions.  Bev is proof that taking control of your health care can pay off and that it is possible to live well with kidney failure.  She also acknowledges it is important to have a strong relationship with your health care team and to show them how grateful you are for their care and support.