When a body is unable to take care of itself and the kidneys are not working properly, many people are forced to use dialysis to help preserve their life. Dialysis is a common treatment option for people who do not have working kidneys. It is a regular treatment option for medical professionals. If you are looking to undergo dialysis or are suffering from failing kidneys, this can help you learn all about the dialysis process.

Who Needs Dialysis?

Dialysis may be needed for different reasons, including end-stage kidney failure or acute kidney failure. The majority of people who are placed on dialysis are those who have already lost eighty-five to ninety percent of their kidney operations. If you are suffering from acute kidney failure, you may use dialysis for a short amount of time until your kidneys are able to heal themselves. If you have end-stage kidney failure, you will likely remain on dialysis your whole life because this condition is not one that typically improves with time

What Is the Purpose of Dialysis?

Dialysis helps perform the bodily functions that your kidneys are no longer able to perform. It helps to remove bodily waste, water, and salt from your body. It ensures that there is a safe quantity of all chemicals in your body and that they do not build up in your body or get too low. Dialysis is also used to help you control your blood pressure since these chemicals all work to influence your blood.

Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is one type of dialysis that is a popular choice for people who have end-stage kidney failure. Your technician should always undergo certified hemodialysis technician training so that you know they are qualified and highly trained to give you the care you need. In this type of dialysis, you are given an artificial kidney that is used to function as a real kidney. This artificial kidney takes real blood from your body and uses it to help filter out and remove waste. A doctor is able to give you this artificial kidney by means of minor surgery.

This type of dialysis may vary for each person. The amount of time that you must spend getting treatment typically takes about four hours and occurs about three times a week. You can often receive this treatment in a hospital or in the comfort of your own home. The choice of where you get it may depend on your ability to move in and out of the home and your preference.

Peritoneal Dialysis

This is another well-known type of dialysis in which your blood does not need to be removed from your body and instead is cleaned inside. Typically, a doctor will perform minor surgery and place a catheter into your stomach area. They will pass the dialysate through the catheter and it will function as a healthy kidney by removing excess waste.

There are two main types of this dialysis treatment, including continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and automated peritoneal dialysis. If you are looking to use dialysis in the comfort of your own home and you do not want to use machines, you may get to use a continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis because it can be done alone. Automated peritoneal dialysis can also be done at home; however, it requires that you stay connected to a machine for a large portion of the day.

What to Expect From Dialysis

No matter where you receive your treatment, whether it be at home or in a hospital, the results of the treatment are the same. Receiving dialysis treatment is a long and tedious process. It does not hurt or cause you any pain. It often results in a drop in blood pressure which can make you feel ill, but this feeling typically goes away after a month or so of treatment.

If you are needing to start dialysis treatment soon, you should highly consider talking with people who have already gone through the process or are still undergoing the process. They can help you understand the steps you should take and any comfort items that you should bring along with you. Finding a support group can help you deal with your frustrations and find support for this long journey.