When Is Hemodialysis Necessary?

Hemodialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that filters waste and excess fluids from your blood when your kidneys cannot do so adequately. It is typically needed when your kidney function has declined to less than 10-15% of normal.

Stages of Kidney Disease

Kidney disease progresses through five stages, with stage 5 being the most severe. Hemodialysis is generally considered when you reach stage 4 or 5.

• Stage 4 (Severe Kidney Disease): Your kidneys are functioning at 15-29% of normal, and you may have symptoms such as fatigue, nausea, and swelling in your hands and feet.
• Stage 5 (Kidney Failure): Your kidneys are functioning at less than 15% of normal, and you will need dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive.

Symptoms of Kidney Failure

The symptoms of kidney failure can vary depending on the severity of your condition. Common symptoms include:

• Fatigue
• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Confusion
• Muscle cramps
• Swelling in your hands, feet, and ankles
• Frequent urination
• Difficulty sleeping

Causes of Kidney Failure

Kidney failure can be caused by a variety of factors, including:

• Diabetes: Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney failure in the United States.
• High blood pressure: High blood pressure can damage the blood vessels in your kidneys, leading to kidney failure.
• Glomerulonephritis: This is an inflammation of the glomeruli, the small filters in your kidneys that help remove waste from your blood.
• Polycystic kidney disease: This is a genetic condition that causes cysts to grow in your kidneys, damaging them over time.
• Kidney stones: Large or multiple kidney stones can block the flow of urine, leading to kidney failure.

Risk Factors for Kidney Failure

Certain factors can increase your risk of developing kidney failure, including:

• Age: As you get older, your kidneys naturally become less efficient.
• Race: African Americans and Native Americans are at higher risk of developing kidney failure than other races.
• Family history: If you have a family history of kidney disease, you are more likely to develop it yourself.
• Other medical conditions: Diabetes, high blood pressure, and heart disease can all increase your risk of kidney failure.

Benefits of Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis can help you:

• Remove waste and excess fluids from your blood
• Control your blood pressure
• Improve your appetite and energy levels
• Sleep better
• Reduce swelling in your hands, feet, and ankles

Risks of Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis can also have some risks, including:

• Infection: The dialysis machine and the needles used to access your blood can introduce bacteria into your bloodstream.
• Low blood pressure: Hemodialysis can sometimes cause your blood pressure to drop, which can make you feel dizzy or lightheaded.
• Muscle cramps: Hemodialysis can also cause muscle cramps, especially in your legs.
• Bone disease: Hemodialysis can remove calcium from your blood, which can lead to bone disease.
• Anemia: Hemodialysis can also cause anemia, a condition in which your blood does not have enough red blood cells.

How to Prepare for Hemodialysis

Before your first hemodialysis treatment, your doctor will need to:

• Insert a fistula or graft: This is a small surgical procedure to create an access point for the dialysis machine.
• Teach you how to care for your fistula or graft: This includes keeping it clean and dry, and checking for signs of infection.
• Tell you what to expect during your treatments: Hemodialysis typically takes about four hours, and you will need to go to the dialysis clinic three times per week.

What to Expect During Hemodialysis

During hemodialysis, you will be seated in a comfortable chair next to the dialysis machine. The machine will filter your blood through a dialyzer, which is a special filter that removes waste and excess fluids. The filtered blood is then returned to your body.

What to Do After Hemodialysis

After your hemodialysis treatment, you may feel tired or weak. It is important to rest for a few hours and to drink plenty of fluids. You may also need to take medications to help manage your blood pressure and anemia.

Common Mistakes to Avoid with Hemodialysis

There are a few common mistakes to avoid with hemodialysis, including:

• Not following your doctor's instructions: It is important to follow your doctor's instructions carefully to avoid complications.
• Not taking care of your fistula or graft: Your fistula or graft is your lifeline to dialysis, so it is important to take care of it properly.
• Not eating a healthy diet: A healthy diet is important for people with kidney failure, as it can help to manage your blood pressure, anemia, and other health problems.
• Not exercising: Exercise can help to improve your overall health and well-being.
• Not getting enough sleep: Sleep is important for people with kidney failure, as it can help to reduce fatigue and improve your mood.

Hemodialysis and Your Lifestyle

Hemodialysis can have a significant impact on your lifestyle. However, there are many things you can do to adapt and live a full and active life. Here are a few tips:

• Be proactive: Learn as much as you can about hemodialysis and kidney disease. This will help you to make informed decisions about your care.
• Stay positive: A positive attitude can go a long way in helping you to cope with the challenges of hemodialysis.
• Join a support group: There are many support groups available for people with kidney disease. This can be a great way to connect with others who understand what you are going through.
• Take breaks: It is important to take breaks from hemodialysis and kidney disease. This will help you to avoid burnout.

The Future of Hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is a life-sustaining treatment, but it is not a cure for kidney failure. However, there are many new and innovative treatments for kidney failure being developed. These treatments may one day make hemodialysis obsolete.

Call to Action

If you have kidney disease, it is important to talk to your doctor about hemodialysis. Hemodialysis can help you to live a longer, healthier life.

Additional Resources

• National Kidney Foundation
• American Association of Kidney Patients
• National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases

Stories

Story 1:

A man named John was diagnosed with kidney failure when he was in his early 50s. He was scared and didn't know what to do. However, he decided to learn as much as he could about hemodialysis and kidney disease. He also joined a support group and began exercising and eating a healthy diet. John's positive attitude and proactive approach helped him to adjust to hemodialysis and live a full and active life.

Story 2:

A woman named Mary was diagnosed with kidney failure when she was in her 20s. She was depressed and didn't want to start hemodialysis. However, her doctor convinced her to give it a try. Mary was surprised at how well she felt after her first treatment. She began to feel more energetic and her appetite improved. Mary is now grateful that she started hemodialysis and is living a full and happy life.

Story 3:

A man named Tom was diagnosed with kidney failure when he was in his 40s. He was a successful businessman and didn't want to let his illness slow him down. Tom continued to work full-time and travel for business. He also made sure to take care of his fistula and follow his doctor's instructions. Tom's determination and positive outlook helped him to continue living a full and active life despite his kidney failure.

Takeaways

• Hemodialysis is a life-sustaining treatment that can help you to live a longer, healthier life.
• There are many new and innovative treatments for kidney failure being developed.
• It is important to be proactive and learn as much as you can about hemodialysis and kidney disease.
• A positive attitude and a strong support system can help you to adjust to hemodialysis and live a full and active life.