You need dialysis if your kidneys no longer remove enough wastes and fluid from your blood to keep you healthy. This usually happens when you have only 10 to 15 percent of your kidney function left. You may have symptoms such as nausea, vomiting, swelling and fatigue. However, even if you don’t have these symptoms yet, you can still have a high level of wastes in your blood that may be toxic to your body. Your doctor is the best person to tell you when you should start dialysis.
Where is hemodialysis done?
Hemodialysis can be done in a hospital, in a dialysis center that is not part of a hospital or at home. You and your doctor will decide which place is best, based on your medical condition, and your wishes.
How long will each hemodialysis treatment last?
In a dialysis center, hemodialysis is usually done 3 times per week for about 4 hours at a time.
Your doctor will give you a prescription that tells you how much treatment you need. Studies have shown that getting the right amount of dialysis improves your overall health, keeps you out of the hospital and enables you to live longer. Your dialysis care team will monitor your treatment with monthly lab tests to ensure you are getting the right amount of dialysis. One of the measures your dialysis care team may use is called urea reduction ratio (URR).
Do I need to eat a special diet?
Yes. Generally speaking, patients on dialysis are advised to increase their protein intake and limit the amount of potassium, phosphorus, sodium, and fluid in their diet. Patients with diabetes or other health conditions may have additional diet restrictions. It’s important to talk with you dietitian about your individual diet needs.
Your dialysis care team will monitor your treatment with monthly lab tests to ensure you get the right amount of dialysis and that you are meeting your dietary goals. For more information on nutrition and hemodialysis
Can dialysis cure my kidney disease?
In some cases of sudden or acute kidney failure, dialysis may only be needed for a short time until the kidneys get better. However, when chronic kidney disease progresses to kidney failure over time, your kidneys do not get better and you will need dialysis for the rest of your life unless you are able to receive a kidney transplant
Will I be uncomfortable on hemodialysis?
When you begin hemodialysis, the needles put in your fistula or graft may be uncomfortable. Most patients get used to this in time. Your dialysis care team will make sure you are as comfortable as possible during your treatment. Symptoms like cramps, headaches, nausea or dizziness are not common, but if you do have any of them, ask your dialysis care team if any of the following steps could help you:
Slow down your fluid removal, which could increase your dialysis time.
Increase the amount of sodium in your dialysate.
Check your high blood pressure medications.
Adjust your dry weight, or target weight.
Cool the dialysate a little.
Use a special medication to help prevent low blood pressure during dialysis.
You can help yourself by following your diet and fluid allowances. The need to remove too much fluid during dialysis is one of the things that may make you feel uncomfortable during your treatment
How will I pay for my dialysis?
Dialysis is expensive. However, NHIF pays 80 percent of all dialysis costs for most patients. Private health insurance may also help with the costs.
