If you or a loved one has been recently diagnosed with kidney disease, you probably have a lot of questions, concerns and worry. While being told you have kidney disease is never welcome news, dialysis is a treatment that can help. Dialysis replaces the many vital functions of the kidneys and restores your blood to a normal, healthy state.
What do kidneys do?
Healthy kidneys work hard day and night to filter out harmful waste and excess fluid from the blood. This process keeps your blood healthy and you body functioning properly. Every day, these bean-shaped organs process 120 to 150 quarts of blood and produce approximately one to two quarts of urine. They are also responsible for regulating the amount of sodium, phosphorus and potassium in your body.
How does dialysis treatment work?
Dialysis is an artificial replacement for lost kidney function and is often used as a holding measure until a kidney transplant can be performed. Dialysis can help otherwise healthy people live full and active lives.
Before beginning dialysis treatments, your doctor will insert a fistula or catheter into your vein to help your blood to flow more easily from your body to the dialysis machine. Before your treatment, your doctor may give you a numbing medicine to eliminate any discomfort you may feel while the needle is inserted into the fistula or catheter. The needles are essential because they create a complete loop through the pump and filter of the dialysis machine.
What happens during dialysis treatment?
Your blood will flow from your body through the dialysis machine and back again. The process generally takes about three hours per session. Your blood pressure, weight and temperature will be taken before and after the procedure to confirm enough waste has been removed and you are in a condition that is suitable for leaving the facility.
Your doctor will then turn on the pump of the dialysis machine and set a timer. About every half hour your blood pressure will be taken to ensure it does not become too low. Low blood pressure can occur when too much fluid is removed from the blood.
What happens after treatment?
Following treatment, you may experience fatigue or physical weakness. This may last anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours. To help avoid or limit any fatigue and physical weakness, you may need to lengthen the time between your dialysis treatments. Lengthening the time in between dialysis treatments will help remove waste more slowly and lessen the severity of any side effects.
While dialysis can be uncomfortable, it’s a necessary treatment for those suffering from kidney disease or kidney failure. If you’re interested in learning more about dialysis treatment or in-home dialysis treatment, please contact experienced doctors at South Texas Renal Care Group. We are ready to support your kidney health and provide compassionate care during your dialysis treatments. Contact us today to schedule an appointment at 210-212-8622.