Whether you want to find a hemodialysis center because you just learned you have to start dialysis, or you just want to change the center you've been going to, the dialysis center checklist can help you make comparisons. By visiting a center and asking the right questions, you may be able to find the hemodialysis center that will keep you as healthy as possible, and make you happy.
You perform dialysis treatments regularly and follow the advice of your doctor and health care professionals to feel your best, but is there a way to know if dialysis is really working for you? In addition to asking you how you feel, there are several lab tests your doctor will perform to make sure you are receiving adequate dialysis.
Dialysis is a treatment to replace the filtering function of the kidneys when they reach end stage renal disease. When kidney function goes below about 15%, kidney dialysis is necessary to clean the blood. Find out more about kidney failure and dialysis.
When you learn you need dialysis to replace the function of your kidneys, you and your doctor will decide which dialysis treatment is best for your health and lifestyle and you will also need to choose a dialysis center. Learn about the different types of dialysis and how to choose a dialysis center that will meet your needs.
People on dialysis have unique issues to deal with both physically and emotionally. In addition, family members and caregivers must also embrace life changes once a loved one is diagnosed with end stage renal disease. People with kidney failure and their loved ones should seek out support to help them deal with the changes to their lives and to discover that kidney disease can be treated so everyone can still enjoy an excellent quality of life.
Many people with kidney failure who are told they need to start dialysis are unsure of what to expect. It is common to want to know if dialysis hurts or when the treatment will begin to help the chronic kidney disease patient feel better. Learn the answers to these questions and others asked by people before they begin dialysis.
A dialysis access is necessary for people with kidney failure who choose dialysis as their treatment. For those doing hemodialysis, they will need a temporary catheter in their chest area or permanent vascular access, usually a fistula or graft in the arm, to get blood from the body to the artificial kidney for cleaning. People on peritoneal dialysis will need a catheter access to fill and drain the dialysis fluid from their abdomen. Find out about types of dialysis access and how to care for them.
People with end stage renal disease who must begin dialysis to treat kidney failure will experience many lifestyle changes. However, people with chronic kidney disease can still enjoy a good quality of life. By learning about changes happening to the body, medications and nutritional needs, people with kidney disease can know what to expect to help make the lifestyle transition easier.
Chronic kidney disease patients on dialysis can find it challenging to schedule their life around dialysis. But many people on dialysis find that keeping a job and allotting vacation time are great ways to get out and enjoy life. You do not have to quit work when you are on dialysis. Whichever dialysis modality you choose, you can schedule dialysis around your work. Travel is also doable if you make sure to plan before you head out on the open road, in the air or on the high seas. Learn how you can work and travel on dialysis.
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