Entering a Hemodialysis Center
What Patients Can Expect During In-Center Dialysis Treatments
Oct 12, 2009
The reality is scientists have not yet discovered a cure for kidney failure. Dialysis is a life-saving, kidney treatment process which requires sacrifices and generates great rewards. It’s important for patients to access any and all available resources to help them better understand and to get the most out of their hemodialysis experience.
What Happens During Hemodialysis
During hemodialysis treatments a patient’s blood is filtered and cleaned by a machine called a dialyzer. The dialyzer serves as an artificial kidney-cleansing the blood of excess chemicals and waste products, while also eliminating any excess fluids which have accumulated (in the body) since the patient’s last dialysis treatment.
Factors Which Influence Dialysis Success
The successfulness of dialysis treatments depends on a number of variables, listed here are just a few:
- Function of vascular access
- Adherence to doctor’s advice
- Patient’s fluid intake between dialysis treatments
Kidney dialysis works best when patients take proper care of their vascular access, follow their doctor’s advice, and limit their fluid intake.
Inside the Hemodialysis Facility
Though each hemodialysis treatment facility may look a little different, they all have several features in common. Listed are some of the things you will find upon entering almost any hemodialysis center:
- A central nursing station with head nurse
- Individual dialysis station (with curtains) for each patient
- Individual seating and/or bedding for each patient
- Television at each station
- Nephrologists on call
- Nurses
- Technicians
- Social worker on staff
- Dietician on staff
Advantages of Hemodialysis
Listed are a few advantages for kidney patients who choose hemodialysis as their preferred treatment option:
- Nurses and technicians facilitate treatment.
- Immediate assistance available if something goes wrong.
- No need to dial a hotline for technical assistance.
- Doctors are on call.
- Patients attend every other day.
Disadvantages of Hemodialysis
Below are a few aspects of the hemodialysis process that kidney patients may find less than favorable:
- Must travel to dialysis center at least 3X per week.
- Each treatment typically lasts 3-5 hours.
- Painful needle inserts.
- Duration of kidney dialysis treatments is for a lifetime, unless transplantation option is sought and granted.
Tolerating Hemodialysis Needles
It’s important to note that there are prescription creams available to help minimize local pain patients experience during needle insertions. However, patients may rest assured that once dialysis needles have been successfully inserted, the remainder of the hemodialysis treatment is pain-free. Any pain or discomfort experienced after needle insertion is atypical and patients should inform the nursing staff immediately. Any complications or pain experienced between dialysis treatments will warrant a visit to the hospital emergency room.
Dialysis Tips to Thrive By
Kidney dialysis patients can get the most out of their treatments and thrive while enduring years on hemodialysis by making adjustments and engaging certain practices:
- Be aware of your surroundings.
- Get to understand your fistula, graft, or catheter.
- Learn all you can about your dialysis treatment.
- Inquire about financial assistance for kidney patients (Medicare, Medicaid, prescription assistance programs, and more)!
- Inquire about travel accommodations to the dialysis center.
- Get to know the dialysis machine.
- Understand your blood tests results.
- Ask questions.
- Follow your doctor’s orders.
- Know your patient’s rights and responsibilities.
- Talk with other kidney patients.
- Keep a positive attitude.
Remember, it’s your body and you have every right to know what’s happening to it. You have the potential to be your best healthcare advocate. Stay aware and stay informed.
Point to Ponder
This article is intended for informational purposes only. It does not take the place of a doctor’s advice. Before making decisions regarding your health, seek the consultation of a well-trained, medical professional.
External Links
- Dorland’s Medical Dictionary for Healthcare Consumers, “renal failure” www.Mercksource.com
- American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) www.aakp.org
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