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Hemodialysis
What is Dialysis?
Dialysis is a treatment for people in the later
stage of chronic renal insufficiency (kidney failure). This treatment cleans the
blood and removes wastes and excess water from the body. Normally, this work is
done by healthy kidneys.
Sometimes dialysis is a temporary treatment. However, when the loss of kidney function is permanent (as in end-stage kidney failure), you must continue to have dialysis on a regular basis. The only other treatment for kidney failure is a kidney transplant. There are two types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. In hemodialysis, your blood is passed through an artificial kidney machine to clean it. Peritoneal dialysis uses a filtration process similar to hemodialysis, but the blood is cleaned inside your body rather than in a machine. What is Hemodialysis?
Hemodialysis means "cleaning the blood"-and that
is exactly what this treatment does. Blood is circulated through a machine which
contains a dialyzer (also called an artificial kidney). The dialyzer has two
spaces separated by a thin membrane. Blood passes on one side of the membrane
and dialysis fluid passes on the other. The wastes and excess water pass from
the blood through the membrane into the dialysis fluid which is then discarded.
The cleaned blood is returned to your
bloodstream.
How are you attached to the Dialysis Machine? You can be attached to the dialysis machine in
different ways. The most common method of providing permanent access to the
bloodstream for hemodialysis is an internal fistula in your arm. This
involves having an artery and a vein connected surgically. When they are joined,
the stronger blood flow from the artery causes the vein to become larger.
Needles can be inserted in the enlarged vein to connect you to the dialysis
machine.
Another way to provide access to the bloodstream is to insert an internal graft . In this procedure an artery is surgically connected to a vein with a short piece of special tubing placed under the skin. Needles can be inserted in this graft. Sometimes, when it is necessary to gain access to the bloodstream quickly, or when the veins in the arms are too small to provide enough blood for hemodialysis, a central venous catheter is used. A soft tube is surgically inserted into a large vein in the neck or near the collarbone. This method is usually temporary until a permanent access site is ready. Does Hemodyalysis
Hurt?
Insertion of the needles causes pain but only
for a brief time. This can be difficult for some people. Occasionally nausea,
muscle cramps or dizziness can occur due to the fast removal of extra water from
your body which may cause your blood pressure to drop.
How Long does Hemodyalysis
Take?
Each hemodialysis treatment normally takes three
to five hours, and usually three treatments a week are needed. Only a small
amount of your blood is out of the body at one time. Therefore your blood must
circulate through the machine many times before it is cleaned.
Wher can Hemodialysis be
Done?
Hemodialysis may be done in a hospital dialysis
unit, in a self-care centre (with some assistance from the staff), or at home
with the help of a partner or nurse. Special training is needed for self-care or
home hemodialysis.
What about Proper
Nutrition?
You will need to learn appropriate food choices
to meet your nutritional needs and control the build-up of food wastes and
water. Your dietitian will work with you to design an individual eating plan
that is healthy and enjoyable. Medications and vitamins may also be
prescribed.
What other Changes are needed with
Hemodialysis?
You will need to plan your week around your
hemodialysis schedule. You may have to take time off work or school before you
start hemodialysis and when the treatments begin. However, once your health is
more stable, you should be able to return to your normal activities. Depending
on your energy level, you may have to make some adjustments in your work
situation or limit your activities.
Is Travel Possible with
Hemodialysis?
There are dialysis units across Canada and in
many parts of the world. They have suitable facilities for visitors who need
hemodialysis treatment. However, it is necessary to plan several months in
advance due to limited space and staff. Your dialysis unit and local Kidney
Foundation office can provide more information and advise you about travel costs
and arrangements.
What Type of Dialysis Treatment is
Best?
The type of dialysis treatment you receive
depends on what is most appropriate for your particular needs. It may also
depend on what is available in your community. Each type of dialysis has
strengths and limitations. Your healthcare team can provide information and
support to help you understand all the options and answer any questions you or
your family may have.
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