Types of Dialysis
What is dialysis and how does it work?
Dialysis is a process that uses special fluids, a mixture of water and chemicals, to gently extract waste, salt, and excess water out of your blood without removing the nutrients that your body needs. This allows you to be able to maintain safe levels of minerals, vitamins, and other essentials so that your body will be able to function.
Does dialysis hurt?
Dialysis itself is painless, however becoming adjusted to a vascular access modality (catheter or fistula) may cause some discomfort. There may also be some discomfort at the end of a treatment cycle.
What are the different forms of dialysis?
The most prominent forms of dialysis treatments include In-Center Hemodialysis, In-Center Self-Care Hemodialysis, In-Center Nocturnal Hemodialysis, Home Hemodialysis, and Peritoneal Dialysis.
Hemodialysis
Whether In-Center, In Center Self-Care, or In-Center Nocturnal dialysis is performed, your body will be connected to a devise which is capable of cleansing your blood while leaving essential nutrients. This process ordinarily takes place three times a week for approximately four hours each time. In-Center dialysis involves having the center treatment team perform all of the necessary components of the procedure, while Self-Care In Center dialysis means that the patient independently performs the procedure. Nocturnal dialysis is that which is performed at night, In Center. Another option is to perform Hem
dialysis at home (after extensive training and with the assistance of a partner).
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal Dialysis can be performed after a catheter has been inserted into the abdominal membrane. Since this form of dialysis can be performed during the day or at night, the length of sessions may be shorter. Additional advantages of this type of dialysis are that there are no needles, patients can schedule sessions based on thier lifestyle or work schedule, and patients may be able to use an "auto cycler". This form of dialysis also provides less fluid and dietary restrictions.
Organ Transplant
Many patients are "wait listed", or on a list for a kidney transplant. This option provides the best remedy for kidney disease because it eliminates the need for dialysis. Organs, however, are in short supply, and the average wait time is seven years.
The following websites provide detailed and accurate information about kidney disease and dialysis:
Visit: www.kidneybuzz.com