The Gift of Renewed Life
Your kidneys are two bean-shaped organs that perform several vital functions in your body, including filtering waste products and excess fluid from your blood. When your kidneys are no longer able to function properly due to chronic kidney disease (CKD), waste products and fluids can build up in your body, leading to serious health complications.
Dialysis is a lifesaving treatment that takes over the job of your kidneys when they can’t function on their own. There are two main types of dialysis:
Chronic kidney disease (CKD) progresses through several stages. When CKD reaches an advanced stage and your kidneys can no longer function adequately, dialysis becomes necessary. Some signs that dialysis may be needed include:
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. However, even if you don’t have above 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.
There are two main types of dialysis : hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Both methods help remove waste products and excess fluid from your blood when your kidneys can’t function properly. Here’s a simplified overview of the general dialysis process:
Hemodialysis treatments are usually done three times a week. Each treatment lasts about four hours, but you may need more time to ensure that enough wastes and fluid are removed. The amount of dialysis you need depends on:
Research indicates that maintaining some level of kidney function can lead to better outcomes for patients undergoing dialysis. To help preserve any remaining kidney function you have, consider discussing the following strategies with your dialysis care team:
Blood Pressure Management: Adhere to your doctor’s instructions regarding blood pressure medications, as certain medications can help safeguard remaining kidney function.
Avoid Kidney-Harming Medications: Refrain from using medications known to harm the kidneys, such as nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) and specific antibiotics.
Consider Diuretics: Discuss with your doctor the potential benefits of taking diuretics (water pills) to assist in removing excess salt and water from your blood.
Manage Underlying Conditions: Ensure that conditions such as diabetes and high blood pressure are well-controlled, as unmanaged conditions can further compromise kidney function.
By actively addressing these factors, you can potentially preserve and optimize your remaining kidney function, leading to improved outcomes and quality of life.
If you or a loved one are in need of dialysis treatment to manage kidney disease, our dedicated team is here to support you every step of the way.
No, dialysis is not a cure for kidney disease. While it can significantly improve your quality of life, it does not fully replace the work of healthy kidneys. Dialysis helps manage waste products and excess fluid in your blood, but it doesn’t address all the functions of healthy kidneys.
Talk to your doctor about how dialysis can help you and what other treatments might be necessary.
Peritoneal Dialysis Overview
Types of Peritoneal Dialysis:
Considerations:
Absolutely! Many people with kidney disease can travel safely. Here are the key things to keep in mind:
Yes, dialysis expenses are typically covered by health insurance plans designed for kidney patients. for detail and terms and condition contact your insurance provider.
It is important to follow the doctor’s advice regarding the number of dialysis sessions. Adequate dialysis is crucial for appetite, food intake quality, and overall health. Insufficient dialysis can result in appetite loss, weight loss, anemia, and breathing difficulties.
Kidney Dialysis Testimonial
Undergoing dialysis for my relative was a life-changing experience, and I’m grateful for the care and support I received throughout the process. From the very start, Dr. Pritam’s approach has been both professional and compassionate. The team’s genuine care and understanding have created a warm and comfortable environment.
Thanks to the personalized care and support received at the hospital, my relative has been able to face the challenges of dialysis with strength. I am really thankful for Dr. Pritam’s expertise and the exceptional care provided by the entire team. I would highly recommend Dr. Pritam’s clinic to anyone in need of dialysis treatment.