Dialysis

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD): If you have advanced CKD, your kidneys may lose most of their function, making dialysis necessary. Diabetes and hypertension are the most common conditions that lead to CKD requiring dialysis.

Acute Kidney Injury (AKI): Sudden kidney failure due to injury or illness may require temporary dialysis.

Severe Symptoms of Kidney Failure: Persistent nausea, fatigue, and fluid retention causing swelling or shortness of breath may indicate the need for dialysis.

High Levels of Waste Products or Chemicals in Blood: Blood tests showing high levels of waste products like urea and creatinine signal the need for dialysis as would a build-up of potassium or acid.

Other Treatment Options are Exhausted: When medications and other treatments don’t manage your kidney failure effectively, dialysis is necessary.

In-Center Hemodialysis: Done at a dialysis center where professionals manage your treatment, typically three times a week.

Home Hemodialysis: This is done by you or a caregiver at home, giving you more flexibility and the chance for more frequent treatments that can lead to your improved health.

Peritoneal Dialysis: Uses the lining of your abdomen to filter blood, which can be done at home and even during sleep. Peritoneal dialysis is easy to learn, gentler on your body than hemodialysis, provides more constant symptom improvement and provides much more freedom in your schedule which many patients find leads to a more enjoyable lifestyle.

Fatigue: Feeling tired after a hemodialysis sessions is common. This can last for less than 1 hour but in many patients can last for many hours or the rest of the day.  Avoiding fatigue after hemodialysis is a benefit of choosing peritoneal dialysis

Infection Risk: There is a risk of infection at the access site where hemodialysis needles or hemodialysis catheters are inserted that can become more serious by spreading to the bloodstream. Infections in the abdomen from peritoneal dialysis can also happen but spreading to the bloodstream rarely happens.

Blood Pressure Issues: Dialysis can sometimes cause low blood pressure, leading to dizziness or fainting.

Waste Removal: Effectively gets rid of waste products and extra fluids from your blood.

Blood Chemical (Electrolyte): Keeps your body’s electrolytes in the right balance.

Symptom Management: Reduces symptoms of kidney failure, improving your quality of life.

Make sure you get all of your dialysis treatments: The cornerstone of maximizing your health as a dialysis patient is to get all of your dialysis treatments.  Dialysis does not provide more treatment than you need so when you miss dialysis you suffer the effects of not getting enough dialysis including having more symptoms, having more chance of hospitalization even if you do not think you have symptoms of missing dialysis and even an increased chance of dying.

Diet and Fluid Restrictions: Follow dietary guidelines to control fluid intake and avoid foods high in potassium and phosphorus. Diet restrictions are stricter in hemodialysis than in peritoneal dialysis.

Medication Adherence: Take all prescribed medications as directed.

Access Site Care: Regularly clean and monitor the access site for signs of infection.

Initial Consultation: Schedule an appointment for an initial assessment with our nephrologist.

Pre-Dialysis Education: Attend educational sessions to understand the process and what to expect. This includes working with your nephrologist to make a modality choice and get prepared before you ever need dialysis.

Regular Scheduling: Set up a regular dialysis schedule based on your treatment plan and personal needs. Schedule an appointment with our top-rated providers today and take the first step toward better health and peace of mind.