What does dialysis do?
Dialysis is a medical treatment used for people whose kidneys don’t work well. The kidneys are important organs that help filter waste, salt, and extra water from the blood. When kidneys fail, waste builds up in the body, which can make a person very sick. Dialysis helps remove this waste and keep the body in balance.
There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Hemodialysis: This type uses a machine to clean the blood. Here's how it works:
Two needles are placed into a blood vessel, usually in the arm, that has been surgically altered accommodate the necessary blood flow.
Blood is drawn from the body and channeled through a specialized dialysis machine, which houses a dialyzer—often referred to as an artificial kidney. This device separates harmful substances from the bloodstream while simultaneously preserving essential components such as vital electrolytes and necessary nutrients.
Once the blood has been adequately filtered, it is returned to the body.
Hemodialysis usually happens three to four times a week, and each session takes about 3 to 5 hours. People can go into a center or do it at home. I do hemodialysis at home (mostly).
Peritoneal Dialysis: This type uses the lining of the abdomen (belly) to filter blood. Here’s the process:
A doctor puts a tube into the abdomen to fill it with a special fluid.
This fluid absorbs waste and extra fluid from the blood through the abdominal lining.
After a few hours, the used fluid is drained out and replaced with fresh fluid.
Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home and usually requires doing the treatment every day.
Both types of dialysis help people with kidney failure to stay healthy and can improve their quality of life. However, they are not a cure for kidney disease. Unless a person receives a kidney transplant they will need to do dialysis their entire life. While this life-saving treatment is indispensable for many, hemodialysis can also present a range of challenges, such as dietary restrictions that must be adhered to, the ongoing need for a reliable vascular access point, and potential side effects that can arise during treatment. These factors underscore the vital importance of comprehensive care and robust support systems for patients as they navigate the complexities of this treatment option, ensuring their wellbeing throughout the process.
