Think of your kidneys as your body's cleanup crew - these fist-sized organs work 24/7 to keep you alive and well. Every day, they filter about 150 quarts of blood (that's enough to fill a small bathtub!). Our nephrology doctor explains it this way: imagine your kidneys as a sophisticated recycling plant - they know exactly what to keep and what to trash.
But here's the thing: kidney problems sneak up on you. Many people don't realize anything's wrong until a routine checkup shows significantly high blood pressure. Your kidneys don't just filter nasty stuff out - they're busy making hormones, keeping your bones strong, and telling your body how much water to hold onto.
When these bean-shaped powerhouses stop functioning properly, things can quickly become problematic. Toxins build up in the body, causing symptoms like swollen ankles and an overall feeling of illness. This is where dialysis comes into play—it acts as an artificial kidney, taking over the work of your own kidneys when they can no longer perform their function.
Dialysis is a medical procedure that mimics the kidneys' job of filtering waste products and excess fluids from the blood. This treatment becomes necessary when kidneys are no longer able to function adequately due to conditions like chronic kidney disease (CKD) or acute kidney injury. Without dialysis, waste and toxins can accumulate, leading to life-threatening complications.
Dialysis serves as an artificial kidney, maintaining the balance of fluids, salts, and other chemicals in the blood. It is not a cure for kidney disease but a method to manage symptoms and sustain life.
There are three primary types of dialysis, each tailored to different patient needs and circumstances.
Intermittent hemodialysis (IHD) is the most common form of dialysis. In this process:
IHD typically requires three sessions per week, each lasting 3-4 hours. It can be performed in a hospital, a dialysis center, or at home under specific conditions.
Home dialysis requires proper training, a supportive home environment, and a willingness to manage the treatment independently.
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) offers a different approach by using the lining of the abdominal cavity (peritoneum) to filter blood.
This process can be done multiple times daily (Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis - CAPD) or overnight using a machine (Continuous Cyclic Peritoneal Dialysis - CCPD).
Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT) is designed for critically ill patients in intensive care units (ICUs). Unlike intermittent dialysis, CRRT operates continuously over 24 hours, offering a gentler approach to fluid and toxin removal.
Dialysis is essential for individuals with end-stage renal disease (ESRD) or kidney failure. Common causes of kidney failure include:
Patients with ESRD typically have less than 15% of their normal kidney function. Dialysis may be a temporary solution while awaiting a kidney transplant or a long-term treatment for managing the disease.
Starting dialysis involves significant preparation. A healthcare provider will assess the patient’s condition and determine the most suitable type of dialysis. For hemodialysis, minor surgery is required to create access points for the catheter. Peritoneal dialysis demands the placement of a catheter in the abdomen.
Patients should discuss their lifestyle, work schedules, and health goals with their care team to choose the best dialysis method.
Dialysis has life-saving benefits but also comes with risks and lifestyle adjustments.
Related: Diet for Kidney Patients: Foods to Include and Avoid
Starting dialysis brings significant changes to daily life - it affects not just your health routines, but your entire lifestyle. Understanding and adapting to these changes takes time, and it's completely normal to feel overwhelmed at first.
The schedule of dialysis treatments requires careful planning. Whether you're receiving treatment at a center or doing home dialysis, you'll need to adjust your daily activities around these essential sessions.
Many centers now offer flexible scheduling options, including early morning or evening appointments, to help you maintain your work and family commitments.
Dietary changes become a crucial part of your care. Your healthcare team will guide you through specific nutritional requirements, as managing certain nutrients becomes essential. Monitoring potassium, phosphorus, and sodium intake requires attention, but with time, these dietary adjustments often become second nature.
Physical activity remains important, though it may look different now. Many patients find that gentle exercise like short walks or light stretching helps maintain their strength and energy levels. It's important to discuss any exercise plans with your healthcare team to ensure they're appropriate for your situation.
Remember that adjusting to life with dialysis takes patience. Focus on taking things one day at a time, and don't hesitate to reach out to your healthcare team when you need support or have questions. With proper care and support, many people on dialysis maintain active, meaningful lives while managing their treatment effectively.
