Patients have their dialysis in the hospital as an out-patient and monitored by nephrologists, nurses and other key staff members.
Dietitians are also a key component for dialysis patients to ensure they are eating dialysis-friendly foods. In addition, to the unit Pharmacist will monitor medications and side effects that may occur with dialysis.
Two tubes are connect to your hemodialysis access port. Blood flows from your body into the machine through one of the tubes.
If additional medications are required during dialysis it will be added as part of your treatment.
A pressure monitor and pump work together in keeping the flow at the correct rate.
Your blood enters the dialyzer which acts as an artificial kidney where the blood is filtered.
Dialysate solution enters the dialyzer and it draws the waste out of your blood.
Your blood goes through another pressure monitor and an air trap to ensure it is safe to go back into your body.
Used dialysate solution is pumped out of the machine and discarded.
Your cleaned blood returns to your body through the second tube, attached to your access site.
An arteriosclerosis (AV) fistula is a surgical connection between a vein and an artery created by a vascular specialist.
An AV fistula is normally inserted in the arm, and if necessary, it can be placed into the leg.
Arteriosclerosis (AV) fistula
A venous catheter is a tube inserted into a vein in the neck, chest, or leg near the groin, usually only for short-term hemodialysis.
The tube splits in two after the tube exits the body. The two tubes have caps designed to connect to the line that carries blood to the dialyzer and the line that carries blood from the dialyzer back to the patient.
Venous catheter
Arteriovenous (AV) graft Is created through a surgical procedure in which the surgeon connects an artery to a vein using a small tube.
Arteriovenous (AV) graft
No matter the choice in your dialysis treatment, it is paramount that you keep the communications open with your medical support team. It is natural to feel overwhelmed and scared.
Though it is easy for one to say, however, if you can stay calm, stay positive and keep the channels open in expressing your feelings and concerns, you will feel a whole lot better and have better treatment outcomes.
Do not allow anyone to take a blood pressure reading on the same arm with the access.
While sleeping avoid placing pressure on the arm where the access is located.
Avoid placing pressure on the arm when you are lifting heavy items.
Do not allow any blood to be drawn from the arm.
Do not wear tight clothing around the access site or on the arm.
Do not use creams or lotions over the access site
Research has shown that starfruit contains a nerve toxin that can cause confusion, agitation, and in some cases death. Starfruit also known as Caramobla can be life threatening for those on dialysis.
If you do eat grapefruit or drink grapefruit juice, check with your doctor to make sure it is not harming you. Grapefruit and grapefruit juice, can interact with many medications.
Peritoneal Dialysis isn't an option for everyone with kidney failure. Does provide flexibility.
A kidney transplant is not a cure and comes with a lifelong commitment & medications.
Yes, the diet changes for those with KD and that's a good thing! Lets keep those kidneys going!
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