Does anyone use a K1 bath? I am currently on a K2 bath and my dialysis nurse wants to switch me to a K1 because my potassium is up to 6.3. My diet has been run by the dietician and it is fine, and as far as I know, I don't have any internal bleeding. My concern is that after doing a pre and post potassium, I started with a 6.2, but ended with a 4.0, so I am starting high coming off the machine. Is there any way to set the machine so that it takes off the proper amount of potassium, or does anyone have any suggestions?

If you are a Home DAILY Dialysis Patient, one of the attractions is a freer diet with no constraints, as well as, reduction of medication needs, on the average. A 1 K Bath is an option for you and should be discussed with your Physician. Glad to see you are actively managing your own care.

Your nurse is probably concerned with the fact that your K is to high pre-dialysis. It shouldn't be that high pre. Of course it will decrease after because that is what it is supposed to do. The problem comes when it is too high pre. So if you are eating good and following you correct diet, then you would need to lower your bath to a 1K so that there is less K in your treatment solution. This will help with keeping your pre K lower but only if you are eating correctly. Remember, the K affects your muscle and your heart is nothing but muscle. Too much K could cause lots of complications with your heart.

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Originally posted by Home Hemo:
Does anyone use a K1 bath? I am currently on a K2 bath and my dialysis nurse wants to switch me to a K1 because my potassium is up to 6.3. My diet has been run by the dietician and it is fine, and as far as I know, I don't have any internal bleeding. My concern is that after doing a pre and post potassium, I started with a 6.2, but ended with a 4.0, so I am starting high coming off the machine. Is there any way to set the machine so that it takes off the proper amount of potassium, or does anyone have any suggestions?