If you are just learning that you need dialysis or your doctor has determined that you may need dialysis in the near future, hemodialysis in a dialysis clinic is one of your options. DCI operates dialysis clinics across the country where you will find a dedicated team that will care for you, encourage you, and be your partner in your kidney health journey.
Services
In-Center Dialysis
Hemodialysis
What is Hemodialysis
In-center hemodialysis is one treatment option for end-stage kidney disease. Hemodialysis does the job of your kidneys by removing blood from your body, cleaning out waste and toxins using an artificial kidney (filter), and then returning the blood to your body. If you and your doctor have determined you will need dialysis soon, we encourage you to contact a DCI clinic near you and ask for a tour.
What to Expect
If you have been given an appointment at a DCI dialysis clinic, you can expect that upon arrival, our staff will welcome you and escort you to your assigned dialysis chair in the dialysis treatment area. There will be other patients receiving dialysis at the same time, but we make every effort to ensure that your privacy and confidentiality are maintained at all times. Your weight will be taken before and after each treatment to make sure the right amount of extra fluid is removed during dialysis.
Hemodialysis requires an access to your blood stream so that blood can be safely removed and returned to your body. Arteriovenous (AV) fistulas or AV grafts are the preferred permanent vascular access options and are typically placed in one of your arms in a minor surgical procedure. An alternative access called a central venous catheter, typically placed in your neck or chest area, may be needed temporarily while your permanent access develops. You and your doctor will determine what type of vascular access is best for you.
Specially trained nurses and dialysis technicians will care for you while you are getting your dialysis treatment. After assessing your weight and vital signs, a nurse or technician will insert two needles into your AV fistula or graft. If you are using a central venous catheter, it will have two tubes coming out of the access that will be connected to the dialysis machine.
One of the needles/tubes pulls blood out of your body and the other returns it to your body after the blood has been cleaned. Only about a cup of your blood is outside your body at any one time. Nurses and technicians are there to monitor your blood pressure and how you are feeling during your treatment. Routine lab tests will be scheduled and completed on your treatment day.
Treatment Frequency
Hemodialysis treatments are usually performed three times per week, and each treatment typically lasts four hours or as specified by your doctor. During that time, you will be monitored by trained dialysis staff, and you can read, watch television, work remotely, use your laptop, sleep, or whatever other activity you normally would from a recliner.
Advantages and Disadvantages
Like many treatment options, there are both advantages and disadvantages to consider if you are thinking about hemodialysis.
| Advantages | Disadvantages |
|---|---|
| You have trained professionals available to you at all times for support and guidance in following your diet and fluid restrictions. | There are more diet and fluid restrictions than other dialysis options. |
| There is continual monitoring and supervision of your treatment by the facility staff. Medical help is readily available if there is an emergency. | You must follow the rules and schedule of the dialysis facility. |
| You can socialize with other people who are on dialysis. | Normally you are not allowed to have outside visitors on the treatment floor. |
| Your treatments are usually three times a week. You can do other activities on your days off. | You must leave home and travel to the facility. |
| Trained staff are available to insert the needles for you. A self-care option may be available which allows you to have more control over your treatment. | Two needles must be inserted every treatment with a fistula or graft. A permanent access is required. |
| Ordering of supplies and equipment is handled by the facility staff. Machine repair technician is available on-site. | You are less involved in the hands-on process of your treatment. |
Eating & Drinking on Hemodialysis
Patients on hemodialysis feel better and have fewer complications if they follow a “kidney friendly” nutrition plan and limit fluid intake between treatments. The dietitian at the clinic is specially trained and will recommend a well-rounded nutrition plan that is individualized for your needs. Your doctor and the care team will also let you know how much fluid is safe to consume since your kidneys are no longer continuously removing excess fluid from your body. Too much fluid intake may cause swelling, shortness of breath or high blood pressure.