Are you or a loved one being recommended for dialysis? If so, let’s filter out myths that surround dialysis.
Dialysis is a treatment that removes excess fluid, toxins, and waste from your body if your kidneys can’t do this on their own. Without this ability, your body would retain waste that would poison your blood. So dialysis is a life saving treatment! Over 500,000 Americans are on dialysis.
There are two types of dialysis, hemodialysis (HD) and peritoneal dialysis (PD). Hemodialysis requires an access site in your arm and peritoneal dialysis requires an access site in your abdomen. Hemodialysis is typically conducted in a dialysis center on a regularly scheduled basis (3x/week) with nurses specially trained to administer it for you and your doctor visits you there. PD is done on your own time, at home, under certain conditions, and you have monthly appointments with your dialysis physician and nurse. This allows many people to keep their jobs.
Which type of dialysis is best for you? That depends on many factors, most importantly, your overall health condition and your lifestyle. Dialysis may seem mysterious, even frightening, at first, but not to worry! Below are some debunked myths to help you stay strong and positive about this life-saving treatment that can help restore your energy and sense of well-being.
Dialysis treatment is painful
False
Dialysis is not affordable
False
I can eat and drink whatever I please now that I am on dialysis
False
Staying consistent with my prescribed schedule for dialysis is not important
False
I will never be able to travel or work again
False
PD is not an option for overweight patients
False
My doctor’s at CKHC only want the best for me
True!
At CKHC we encourage our patients nearing dialysis first and foremost, to get on the transplant list. The second option we promote is to get evaluated for peritoneal dialysis, with hemodialysis being an excellent option as well. Your doctor here will guide and support you. He’ll help you move toward the decision, so you can prepare well in advance for the road ahead, and make the decision that’s best for you.
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