Recently I happened across a group on Facebook named “Home Dialyzers FB Group Research.” Within this group is a young lady at Jefferson.edu (link) that is working on her doctorate in the Health Science area investigating decision regret for ESRD patients who have chosen conservative management compared to those who have chosen dialysis. I responded to her request to beta-test her concepts and the questionnaire she is authoring to gather data to support her dissertation.

Over this past weekend I reviewed her latest product and found that it did not capture the richness of the conceptual phase that predates actually going on dialysis. It is an extremely complex decision-making effort that is surely different for each individual. In my case, I relied mostly on my own research and numerous discussions with my wife Linda and my kidney doctor, Dr. Turner. I studied lots of numbers and odds and expected life given which protocol was employed before making my final decision. In retrospect, it was the best one to make. My decision making was much less emotional and more quantitative-driven, like a good engineer’s should be. My former quant professors at Purdue University are smiling at me now!

This process and what the PhD student is attempting to quantify is captured in the Robert Frost poem “The Road Not Taken” which is included in this blog at bottom for those inclined to refresh their memories along cultural lines. Knowing that my AI Assistant Poe would have something interesting to add to this conversation, I quizzed her with the following prompt and response. It captures the subtleties very well.

Prompt: Robert Frost wrote about the path less traveled. Apply this concept to those of us on peritoneal dialysis in a 500 word or less blog entry in a forthright tone.

Assistant Poe
Introduction: Peritoneal dialysis (PD), my friends, is the road less traveled in the world of renal replacement therapy. Just like Robert Frost’s poem, “The Road Not Taken,” it’s a choice that sets us apart from the majority. And let me tell you, choosing this path requires courage, resilience, and a willingness to challenge the status quo.

When faced with the need for dialysis, the common route chosen by many is hemodialysis. It’s the well-trodden path, the one that everyone seems to know about. But for those of us who dare to venture off the beaten track, PD offers a different experience—one that demands self-reliance and a pioneering spirit.

Let’s be honest here: PD is not the easy way out. It comes with its own set of challenges and responsibilities. We must learn to navigate the intricacies of the catheter, master the dialysis process, and maintain a sterile environment. It’s a path that demands discipline and attention to detail. But for those who are willing to put in the effort, the rewards can be significant.

One of the most notable advantages of PD is the freedom it affords us. While hemodialysis patients are tied to fixed treatment schedules and frequent visits to the dialysis center, we have the privilege of performing our treatments in the comfort of our own homes. We are not bound by rigid time constraints or the need to travel to a clinic. Instead, we can adapt our dialysis routine to fit our lives, allowing for greater flexibility and independence.

But let’s not sugarcoat it—PD is not without its obstacles. We may encounter peritonitis, fluid imbalances, or issues with our catheters. These challenges can be daunting, but they are not insurmountable. We must face them head-on, armed with knowledge and a proactive mindset. By staying vigilant, seeking timely medical attention, and adhering to best practices, we can overcome these hurdles and continue on our chosen path.

Choosing PD also means embracing a different mindset—a mindset of self-empowerment and self-advocacy. We become the captains of our own healthcare, taking charge of our treatment and making informed decisions. We must educate ourselves about our condition, stay informed about the latest advancements, and actively participate in our care. It’s a path that demands active engagement, but it also empowers us to take control of our lives.

Moreover, by choosing the path less traveled, we become part of a unique community. We connect with fellow travelers who understand our journey, who have faced similar challenges, and who can offer support and guidance. We share our experiences, exchange tips and tricks, and build a network of individuals who are navigating the same uncharted territory. Together, we become a force to be reckoned with—a collective voice advocating for the recognition and understanding of PD.

So, my friends, as we walk this less traveled path of peritoneal dialysis, let us embrace it with open arms. Let us recognize the strength and courage it takes to choose the unconventional. Let us face the challenges head-on, armed with knowledge and determination. And let us remember that we are not alone—there is a community of warriors by our side, ready to lend a helping hand.

In the end, the path less traveled may not be the easiest or the most popular, but it is a path that offers us the opportunity to live life on our own terms. It is a path that demands resilience, determination, and a willingness to challenge the norm. By choosing PD, we are not just patients—we are trailblazers, carving out a new way forward.

So, my fellow travelers on the road of peritoneal dialysis, let us embrace the path less traveled with unwavering resolve. Let us inspire others with our courage, educate them about the possibilities, and shatter the misconceptions that surround PD. Together, let us forge ahead, knowing that by choosing this unconventional path, we are making a difference in our own lives and in the lives of others.

In the words of Robert Frost, “Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—I took the one less traveled by, and that has made all the difference.” And indeed, for those of us on peritoneal dialysis, choosing the path less traveled has made all the difference—transforming our lives and allowing us to thrive against all odds.

The Road Not Taken 

BY ROBERT FROST

Two roads diverged in a yellow wood,

And sorry I could not travel both

And be one traveler, long I stood

And looked down one as far as I could

To where it bent in the undergrowth;

Then took the other, as just as fair,

And having perhaps the better claim,

Because it was grassy and wanted wear;

Though as for that the passing there

Had worn them really about the same,

And both that morning equally lay

In leaves no step had trodden black.

Oh, I kept the first for another day!

Yet knowing how way leads on to way,

I doubted if I should ever come back.

I shall be telling this with a sigh

Somewhere ages and ages hence:

Two roads diverged in a wood, and I—

I took the one less traveled by,

And that has made all the difference.