In the 1980 Star Wars, Yodi made the statement “Do or do not. There is no try.” In my approaching two years of Peritoneal Dialysis, I find this statement to be both true and inspiring. I turned to Poe for its insights in this area with the following results:

Here is how I would apply the Yoda quote “Do or do not. There is no try.” to patients on peritoneal dialysis:

For patients on peritoneal dialysis, this quote emphasizes the importance of diligence and commitment to their treatment regimen. Peritoneal dialysis requires patients to perform dialysis exchanges sometimes multiple times per day, every day, without fail. There is no “trying” to do the exchanges – the patient must simply do them, as prescribed by their nephrologist.

Patients cannot approach peritoneal dialysis with a half-hearted “I’ll try my best” mentality. They must fully commit to the process and “do” the exchanges as directed, without leaving room for “not doing” them. Missed or skipped exchanges can have serious health consequences for the patient.

The Yoda quote reminds peritoneal dialysis patients that dialysis is not optional – it is a necessary treatment that they must embrace and perform consistently. There is no in-between, no room for wavering. Patients must take ownership of their dialysis regimen and “do” it, without the possibility of “not doing” it.

This mindset of decisive action rather than indecision or half-measures is crucial for the success of peritoneal dialysis. Patients who embody Yoda’s words and fully commit to “doing” their dialysis exchanges will be more likely to experience positive outcomes and avoid complications from inadequate or missed treatments. The “do or do not” philosophy leaves no room for non-adherence.