Please ensure Javascript is enabled for purposes of website accessibility

Dialysis Care Center

Starting on Dialysis

Knowing what to expect helps you feel more comfortable with your new treatment routine when getting ready for dialysis. Before starting dialysis, your doctor will explain the different treatment options to you, and you can choose the one that works best for you and your lifestyle. Your care team will be there with you every step of the way, providing guidance and support during the planning, training, and learning process of dialysis, helping you to adapt and do well.

Starting-on-dialysis

What is Dialysis?

Dialysis is generally started when your kidney function drops to 15% or less or if you have severe symptoms caused by your kidney disease. Shortness of breath, fatigue, muscle cramps, nausea, or vomiting are severe symptoms that may occur. When your kidneys cannot remove extra fluid and waste from the body, then dialysis is generally recommended.
Your nephrologist will assist you in determining the appropriate time to begin dialysis, considering factors such as your remaining kidney function as determined by tests and your symptoms. It is advised to start preparing for dialysis well ahead of time, typically when your kidney disease progresses to stage 4, where the glomerular filtration rate (GFR) falls below 30 mL/min. Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) often progresses slowly. Often, individuals are unaware of the extent of their discomfort until they commence dialysis, which can lead to a significant improvement in how they feel. To improve your well-being, it is crucial to adhere to the treatment plan recommended by your healthcare team, including doctors, nurses, dietitians, and social workers. Following their guidance can help you maintain the healthiest lifestyle possible. 

Choosing the dialysis option

Selecting a dialysis option that suits your current way of life can enable you to continue enjoying the activities you love while keeping your health in check. Home peritoneal dialysis, home hemodialysis, or in-center dialysis are viable choices for most individuals. Making an early decision allows for more preparation time and can contribute to a greater sense of control over your health.

With in-center hemodialysis (HD), you’ll typically go to the dialysis center thrice per week for about 3 to 5 hours per session to have your blood filtered, depending on your doctor’s schedule. Throughout your treatment, a needle will be used to connect you to an artificial kidney (dialyzer) through your access site. Your healthcare team will closely monitor and oversee the entire dialysis process, ensuring that you have all the necessary support and resources you require.

With home hemodialysis (HD), you are connected via a needle in your access site to an artificial kidney (dialyzer) that filters your blood. Opting for home-based treatment gives you the flexibility to schedule your prescribed treatments according to your daily activities. Treating at home eliminates the need to travel to a treatment center, saving travel time and transportation expenses.

Home peritoneal dialysis (PD) involves using the peritoneum and the lining of your abdomen to filter your blood. Unlike other forms of dialysis, PD does not require needles, and your blood remains inside your body throughout the process. One of the advantages of PD is its flexibility, allowing you to perform treatments in various settings such as your home, workplace, or even while traveling. Initiating PD at an early stage may contribute to preserving any remaining kidney function.

Frequently asked questions

Private insurance usually covers dialysis and other treatment for kidney failure. If you don’t have private insurance, most people who need dialysis or a transplant can qualify for Medicare, even under 65 years old. Different plans cover dialysis, like HMOs, Healthcare exchanges, Medicaid, and programs from the state or local government. Contact our admissions specialist at 844-466-3436 to help you find programs and determine coverage.

Diet is based on your health requirements determined by your doctor and dietitian.

Although dialysis slightly reduces some diet restrictions, people on this type of therapy need to follow an eating plan regulated by their healthcare professionals. Learn more

Fluid intake is reduced when patients with chronic kidney disease are on dialysis. Too much fluid can cause lasting adverse effects like high blood pressure, shortness of breath, and heart damage. Discuss with your physician how much water you can drink each day. Learn more

Patients on dialysis can travel. The portable systems use a peritoneal dialysis cycler or home hemodialysis machine. Patients can arrange for their dialysis supplies to be shipped in advance to their travel destination, and the dialysis machines can easily pass through airport security. In the case of in-center dialysis, treatment coordinators at the dialysis center can assist in locating a clinic near the travel destination and scheduling appointments for the patient during their trip. Learn more

Peritoneal dialysis and home hemodialysis treatments can be conducted according to your schedule at home, allowing you to continue working without much difficulty. If you are undergoing in-center dialysis, you can inform the center about your work commitments, and together, you can arrange a treatment schedule that accommodates your working hours. Learn more

Absolutely. Individuals on dialysis can continue to engage in their hobbies, participate in their communities, spend time with friends, and even exercise. Your healthcare team will work in collaboration with you to ensure that you can maintain as normal a life as possible while undergoing dialysis.

Yes. Patients can remain on dialysis for a lifetime and enjoy a good quality of life.

While it’s true that you may require dialysis for the rest of your life unless you receive a transplant, it’s essential to know that the type of dialysis you choose initially can potentially be modified in the future under your doctor’s supervision.

Whatever treatment option you choose, you will have a team of doctors, nurses, social workers, dietitians, and technicians to help care for you during your treatment. Healthcare professionals will help you manage all aspects of your disease and treatment. The team will answer your questions and ensure you have a smooth and stress-free experience Learn more options about in-center, peritoneal, and home hemodialysis.

#LeadingwithCare

Chair-time schedule guaranteed within 2 hours

Talk to our admissions specialist