What is hemodialysis?
Hemodialysis is a treatment method used to help those with kidney failure continue living and maintaining an active, healthy lifestyle. During hemodialysis, a machine performs the function of your kidneys, filtering waste products from your blood when your kidneys aren’t capable of doing this work properly.
Along with a kidney transplant, hemodialysis is one of the main ways to treat kidney failure. To supplement hemodialysis, you’ll need to adhere to a strict treatment schedule, take prescribed medications regularly, and adopt dietary changes.
Undergoing hemodialysis is a serious, involved commitment, but not one that you need to take on alone. The team at Metro Renal Associates monitors your progress throughout and even offers both in-center and at-home hemodialysis options for your comfort and convenience.
Am I a good candidate for hemodialysis
The team at Metro Renal Associates determines whether or not you’re an ideal candidate for hemodialysis after a comprehensive physical exam and by taking into consideration factors such as your:
- Overall health and quality of life
- Personal preferences
- Severity of symptoms
- Kidney function
In most cases of kidney failure or chronic kidney disease where hemodialysis is deemed a viable treatment option, you’ll have your estimated glomerular filtration rate (eGFR). This measurement denotes your level of kidney function by weighing factors such as your blood creatinine test results, gender, age, and more.
How does hemodialysis work?
During hemodialysis, two needles get inserted into your arm through an access site. A flexible plastic tube connected to the hemodialysis machine is attached to each needle. In one tube, your blood gets filtered several ounces at a time and cleansed in a fluid. Through the second tube, the filtered blood is returned to your body.
In-center hemodialysis generally involves a treatment plan consisting of three visits per week to Metro Renal Associates. On the other hand, at-home hemodialysis sessions are often shorter but are needed more frequently. In-center treatment sessions take three to five hours each, while at-home treatment sessions take two to three hours each but may be needed daily.
The team at Metro Renal Associates can provide special training so you’re equipped to use the hemodialysis machine at home.
Are there risks associated with hemodialysis?
Even though hemodialysis treatment is often an effective way to combat lost kidney function, it can bring on some health risks, including:
- Low blood pressure (hypotension)
- High blood pressure (hypertension)
- Muscle cramps
- DIfficulty sleeping
- Bone diseases
- Depression
The team at Metro Renal Associates addresses any complications you experience with medication management and dietary monitoring.
To learn more about hemodialysis, call the office schedule an appointment online today.
