Overview

Dialysis is a process that filters wastes from the blood when your kidneys can no longer do the job. It is not a cure, but it can help you live longer and feel better. It is a life-saving treatment when you have kidney failure.

Normal kidneys work 24 hours a day to clean wastes from your blood. Your kidneys are not able to do this job, so a process called dialysis will do some of the work for your kidneys. You and your doctor will decide which type of dialysis you should have. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your belly (peritoneum) to filter your blood. You can do it at home, on a daily basis. Hemodialysis uses a man-made filter called a dialyzer to clean your blood. Most people need to go to a hospital or clinic 3 days a week for several hours each time. Sometimes hemodialysis can be done at home.

It is normal to have questions about your treatment, and you have a right to know what is happening to you. Learning about dialysis can help you take an active role in your treatment. Dialysis does not cure kidney disease, but it can help you live longer and feel better. You will need to follow your diet and treatment schedule carefully.

What do you need to know about peritoneal dialysis?

Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of your belly (or peritoneal membrane) to filter your blood. Before you can begin peritoneal dialysis, your doctor will need to place a thin tube called a catheter in your belly. This is the dialysis access.

• Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home or in any clean place. You may be able to do it while you sleep.
• You can do it by yourself. You don't have to rely on help from others.
• You can do it at the times you choose as long as you do the right number of treatments.
• It has to be done every day of the week.
• Some people find it hard to do all the required steps.
• It increases your chance for a serious infection of the lining of the belly (peritoneum).

What do you need to know about hemodialysis?

Hemodialysis uses a man-made membrane (dialyzer) to clean your blood. You're connected to the dialyzer by tubes attached to your blood vessels. Before you start dialysis, your doctor will create a site where the blood can flow in and out of your body during your sessions. This site is called your hemodialysis access. The access can either be a catheter that’s placed in your neck or a surgically created fistula or graft in your arm.

• Hemodialysis is done mainly by trained health workers. They can watch for problems.
• You can do it at a centre where other people are doing dialysis. This can help provide emotional support.
• You can schedule your treatments in the evenings and maybe at home. This gives you more control over your schedule.
• It usually needs to be done on a set schedule 3 times a week.
• It can cause side effects, like low blood pressure and muscle cramps. These can often be treated easily.
• It requires being poked by a needle at each treatment. This bothers some people. Others get used to it and can do it themselves.
• You may have the option to learn how to do your hemodialysis in your home. Home hemodialysis allows you flexibility to schedule your treatment time. You can be more involved in your care. Many people have a better sense of well-being doing their own hemodialysis at home.
• You (and a support person if you have one) are trained to do hemodialysis. Home hemodialysis allows you the freedom and flexibility to schedule your treatment time and be more involved in your care.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Be sure to have all of your dialysis sessions. Do not try to shorten or skip your sessions. You have a better chance of a longer and healthier life by getting your full treatment.
• Your doctor or health care team will show you the steps you need to go through each day before, during, and after dialysis. Be sure to follow these steps. If you do not understand a step, talk to your team.
• Your doctor and dietitian will help you design menus that follow your diet. Be sure to follow your diet guidelines.
  • You will need to limit fluids and certain foods that contain salt (sodium), potassium, and phosphorus.
  • You may need higher levels of protein in your diet.
• Your doctor may recommend certain vitamins. But do not take any other medicine, including over-the-counter medicines, and natural health products, without talking to your doctor first.
• Do not smoke. Smoking raises your risk of many health problems, including more kidney damage. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor about stop-smoking programs and medicines. These can increase your chances of quitting for good.
• Do not take ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), naproxen (Aleve), or similar medicines, unless your doctor tells you to. These medicines may make kidney problems worse.
• If you get sick (throwing up, diarrhea, fever), you may need to stop taking some of your medicines until you are well again. Ask your doctor which medicines to pause when you are sick.