She later joined the nephrology team after earning her MS in Nursing. She returned to the transplant team in 1994 and has since completed an NP certificate program. FSRD patients make up the largest group of patients awaiting transplants. Dialysis patients use either a peritoneal or a hemodialysis machine. Holechek said in the United States, hemodialysis is the most common form of treatment, however more patients are moving toward peritoneal dialysis treatment because it gives them more freedom and independence.
Transplantation provides even more freedom and independence.
Unfortunately, the donor pool can't keep up with the needs. Ten or twelve years ago, she said, kidney patients waited six to 18 months for cadaveric kidneys. Now it's two to five years or more. Unfortunately, the donor pool can't keep up with the needs. Ten or twelve years ago, she said, kidney patients waited six to 18 months for cadaveric kidneys.