Question 1

Will dialysis cure my kidney disease?

Accepted Answer

Unfortunately, dialysis is not a cure for kidney disease. Still, you will feel better and live longer with dialysis! Dialysis helps your body filter your blood, a job that healthy kidneys perform independently, but damaged kidneys need help with. This blood filtration helps to improve blood pressure, eliminate extra salt and fluid from the bloodstream, and balance minerals and electrolytes in the body.

Question 2

How often will I need dialysis each week, and for how long?

Accepted Answer

The frequency and duration of dialysis sessions are tailored to individual factors, including your body size, the amount of waste in your blood, and the specific dialysis method prescribed by your doctor. Typically, dialysis is performed three times a week, with each session lasting about four hours. However, some treatment plans may involve more frequent sessions, such as five days a week, with adjustments to session length as needed. This approach aims to more closely replicate the continuous function of healthy kidneys, potentially leading to improved outcomes and quality of life. Your healthcare team will work with you to determine the most suitable dialysis schedule based on your medical needs and lifestyle considerations.

Question 3

What can I expect during a dialysis treatment within a Skilled Nursing Facility?

Accepted Answer

When receiving dialysis treatment within a skilled nursing facility, you will be hooked to a dialyzer or filtration machine via your vascular access point. This vascular access site will be created before starting hemodialysis treatment. The dialyzer removes extra fluid and waste products from your blood and then returns the filtered blood to your body.

Question 4

What can I expect from home dialysis treatment?

Accepted Answer

During home dialysis treatment, Dialyze Direct provides a dedicated care team—including your nephrologist, dialysis nurse, dietitian, and social worker—to coordinate and support your care. You and your caregiver will receive thorough training to perform treatments safely and confidently, or Dialyze Direct can arrange for a caregiver to perform treatments for you. Many patients find they have improved energy levels and greater control over their care. Your care team remains available to answer questions, make necessary adjustments to your treatment plan, and ensure you feel comfortable and empowered in managing your health at home.

Question 5

Will I be able to eat or drink during dialysis?

Accepted Answer

Eating or drinking during dialysis can cause hypotension or low blood pressure and put you at an increased risk of choking. It is not recommended that you eat or drink during dialysis treatment. Small snacks or sips of water may be allowed at times during your treatment but should be discussed with your care team before starting your treatment. Eating a meal that is low in fiber and high in sugars or starches about two hours before dialysis treatment is highly recommended.

Question 6

How will dialysis affect my daily life and energy levels?

Accepted Answer

The most commonly experienced side effect of dialysis is increased fatigue and feeling tired or worn out after treatments. This will affect your energy levels on the days you attend treatment. However, dialysis treatment improves your body’s health and function. It allows you to continue to live your day-to-day life. You can continue to work/study, go on vacations, swim, drive, and exercise as you would normally. With Dialyze Direct, we believe in giving you more control over your life and your dialysis treatment by offering dialysis at home or in skilled nursing facilities. Get time back by eliminating travel time to and from your dialysis appointments and spending more time in the comfort of your home.

Question 7

What should I do if I feel sick or dizzy during treatment?

Accepted Answer

Immediately notify your nurse or treatment team if you feel sick or dizzy during dialysis. These may be signs of hypotension, a common side effect of dialysis. Your care team can adjust your treatment by slowing your filtration rate or giving you medication to stabilize your blood pressure. At Dialyze Direct, our regulation and gradual dialysis rates are easier on the body, especially the heart. This helps reduce dialysis-related side effects and shorten recovery times after dialysis treatment.

Frequently Asked Questions

For Patients

Will dialysis cure my kidney disease?

How often will I need dialysis each week, and for how long?

What can I expect during a dialysis treatment within a Skilled Nursing Facility?

What can I expect from home dialysis treatment?

Will I be able to eat or drink during dialysis?

How will dialysis affect my daily life and energy levels?

What should I do if I feel sick or dizzy during treatment?

For Family Members

What side effects should we watch for after dialysis treatments?

How serious are the risks of infection with the dialysis catheter or fistula?

What happens if my loved one misses a dialysis session?

Can my loved one continue daily activities, such as work or exercise?

How do I ensure my family member receives the appropriate transportation for dialysis appointments?

How do we arrange for dialysis if my family member is relocating or moving facilities?

For Caseworkers

What kind of follow-up care will be needed after dialysis treatments?

Are there social or financial assistance programs available for dialysis patients?

What are the options for in-home dialysis?