By Erin Hagan
Most of us don’t spend a lot of time thinking about our kidneys. But maybe we should. After all, they are essential to our everyday survival and well-being. That’s because kidneys are responsible for filtering blood and removing waste and extra fluids from our bodies.
March is National Kidney Month, the perfect time to recognize the critical role of kidneys and gain a better understanding of what it means to be living on dialysis – a treatment that helps patients with severe kidney disease live longer, fuller lives by performing several of the kidneys’ normal functions.
| Dynarex offers a full line of premium dialysis products to help medical practitioners provide the highest quality treatment to their patients. |
Who Needs Dialysis?
A patient with kidney disease may reach a point where their kidneys no longer function on their own. If this goes untreated, harmful wastes may begin to build up—potentially harming other organs in the body. To prevent this from happening, a kidney specialist (nephrologist) may recommend dialysis. Today, more than 700,000 Americans suffer from kidney failure and more than 500,000 are on dialysis.
How Does This Treatment Work?
Hemodialysis, the most common form of dialysis, is a treatment that mechanically filters out harmful substances and fluids from the blood through a dialyzer machine outside the body, which acts as an artificial kidney. The machine circulates and filters the blood and then returns the clean blood to the body.
Adjusting to a New Routine
Starting dialysis treatment is a major commitment that can involve substantial lifestyle changes. But with planning, many patients integrate dialysis into their lives in ways that are manageable and sustainable.
Here are a few points to consider:
| Utilize Dialysis Time. Treatments typically take place three days a week in sessions lasting 3-5 hours. Many patients take the opportunity to stay productive during sessions – such as catching up on work and emails, taking in a new TV series, or just reading a good book. Consistency Is Key. Keeping up with scheduled treatments is extremely important in preserving your health because these treatments are personalized to your body’s needs. Be sure to work with your medical provider or dialysis center to come up with a treatment schedule you can maintain. Monitor Your Mood. It’s common to experience a drop in energy after treatments – and some patients may be at increased risk for depression. Stay alert to symptoms such as changes in your sleep pattern or lack of interest in previously enjoyable activities. Don’t hesitate to alert a medical professional if symptoms persist. |
What’s Next? Working Together for Healthier Outcomes
There is no doubt that dialysis can be a powerful, often life-saving treatment for those with kidney failure. But living on dialysis can be challenging, especially at first. National Kidney Month gives medical providers and caregivers an excellent opportunity to work together with patients to help them stay informed, plan ahead, and make decisions that help to promote longer, more fulfilling lives.