Your kidneys are a vital part of your body. They remove waste from your blood so it can be excreted from your body. Without your kidneys, dangerous waste products would accumulate in your system, causing infection and eventually death. Unfortunately, some people suffer from limited kidney function, either as a result of kidney disease or another condition. If your kidneys are failing, you require dialysis treatment.
Dialysis utilizes an alternate, artificial method of filtering waste from your body. In essence, dialysis performs the function of your kidneys when your kidneys cannot. Here are some different methods of dialysis treatment options:
Hemodialysis is the most common method of dialysis. During hemodialysis, your blood will be taken from your body. After it's removed, it will be filtered by a machine, then replaced once more. This process can take up to four hours. During your treatment, you may want to read a book, listen to music, or any other task that will allow you to sit still. Depending on the extent of your kidney failure, you may have to receive hemodialysis more or less often. In general, people get treatment three times a week, according to the National Kidney Foundation.
You can receive hemodialysis either at a dialysis clinic or at home. Dialysis clinics are the more cost effective option. However, if you're in poor health and unable to travel regularly, an in-home option may be easier for you. In any case, you will need an experienced dialysis technician to perform the procedure for you.
Peritoneal dialysis is the second type of dialysis available to you. Unlike hemodialysis, which relies on a machine to filter your blood, peritoneal dialysis allows your body to do the work. A cleansing fluid is injected into your abdomen through a catheter, into a membrane called the peritoneum. The dialysis fluid is left in place for several hours, so it can collect waste from your body. After it's been in place for long enough, you will drain it so it can be properly disposed of.
Peritoneal dialysis has the advantage of allowing you to move around during your treatment. However, you will have to be more hands-on with this type of dialysis. You'll be in charge of filling and removing your dialysis fluid according to schedule. Like in-home hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis can be performed in the comfort of your own house once the initial catheter has been placed.