What’s it really like? Patient experiences of haemodialysis
You need dialysis because you have suffered kidney (renal) failure. Your kidneys have stopped – or almost stopped – working. The kidneys are the body’s filter system, preserving the fluid and chemicals which you need and getting rid of what is not required. Kidney failure, if left untreated, is fatal but modern medicine has provided us with a life saving therapy – dialysis.
Dialysis is a process of removing waste products and excess fluid which build up in the body when the kidneys stop working. The word comes from the Greek ‘dia’ – to pass through, and ‘leuin’ meaning to loosen. Dialysis uses a membrane as a filter and a solution called dialysate to regulate the balance of fluid, salts and minerals carried in the bloodstream. The membrane may be man made as in haemodialysis or natural as in peritoneal dialysis.
Blood taken from the body to be cleaned in a filter known as a dialyser (artificial kidney). A dialyser works on the principle of blood flowing along one side of a semi-permeable membrane made of cellulose or a similar product, with the dialysate flowing along the other side. The dialysate contains a regulated amount of minerals normally present in the blood, but in renal failure they are present in excess. The membrane has tiny holes of different sizes so that the excess fluid and substances in the blood pass through at different rates, small molecules quickly and larger ones more slowly, to be taken away in the dialysate until a correct balance in the blood is achieved.
A kidney machine regulates blood flow, pressure and the rate of exchange.
As only a very small amount of blood is in the dialyser at any given time, blood needs to circulate from patient to dialyser to patient for about 4 hours. Treatment is usually 3 times per week. The time and strength of dialysis can be programmed for each patient.
Blood is carried from the patient to the dialyser and returned through dialysis lines (plastic tubes) which are connected to the patient in one of two ways:
The joining of a vein and artery just under the skin, usually on the forearm makes the vein swell to allow needles to be inserted and removed after each treatment. Between treatments only a small scar and swelling are visible.
A soft plastic tube inserted into the internal jugular vein. This protrudes and is capped off and left in place when not in use. Click here for more information.
Some patients dialyse in hospital; others have the equipment installed at home. This will depend on what facilities your hospital can offer, on medical criteria and on your own preference. A satellite or minimum care unit may be near your home. Such units are suitable for patients who are in good general health, not needing the services and care of a main renal unit.
Initial treatment and training is given at a renal unit usually found only in larger hospitals. You may then prefer the flexibility of home dialysis but there are disadvantages. You will need help with the treatment and taking all the responsibility for dialysis can be stressful for both patient and carer.
If you have no room for a kidney machine, have no carer or need medical supervision, hospital dialysis is a better option. Your home is free of the equipment but you will have to fit your life around the renal unit’s regime and travelling is time consuming.
Patients have different needs and you should discuss with your doctor which system best suits your lifestyle.
Dialysis takes over the role of the kidneys. It will not cure your kidney failure.
There are only two alternatives to kidney dialysis: death and transplantation. On very rare occasions kidneys have been known to make a temporary recovery – but don’t count on it!
There is no real substitutes for your own healthy kidneys and we cannot promise that you will feel as fit as you did before kidney failure. To keep as well as possible your treatment will consist of the 3 Ds - dialysis, diet and drugs.
The haemodialysis diet is quite strict, limiting your intake of fluid and foods which are high in salt, potassium and protein. This is not as bad as it sounds and imaginative cooking can produce nourishing and tasty meals. Eating out is possible with a little care.
Commonly prescribed drugs are calcium carbonate and aluminium hydroxide to prevent a build-up phosphate which combines with calcium to damage the blood vessels. Resonium is taken if there is a danger of high blood potassium level as this is a life threatening condition. Some patients need vitamin and iron tablets and medication for high blood pressure. Erythropoetin (EPO) is very helpful in treating renal anaemia.
There will be times when you will feel very tired – it’s the same with most chronic illnesses. Stick to the advice you are given and you should be well enough to do most normal activities, even if you do need to pace yourself carefully.
In addition to the doctors and nurses you will meet, most renal units have a dietician, social worker, psychologist and home sister.
Thousands of patients have successfully passed through difficult early stages of renal failure and there’s nothing quite like talking to someone who’s ‘been there’.
The National Kidney Federation can put you in touch with your local Kidney Patients Association.
In most cases, yes – although a heavy job is not advised. Some people adjust their working hours; others fit dialysis into evenings and weekends.
Patients who dialyse at home at least twice per week can claim Disability Living Allowance (Attendance Allowance if you are over 65). Other benefits are assessed on individual medical and financial circumstances. If in doubt – claim. Contact your Social Worker, local Welfare Rights Officer or Citizens Advice Bureau.
Yes. Arrangements can be made to dialyse at other units at home and abroad – provided they can fit you in. Most Kidney Patients Associations have holiday facilities or organise group holidays.
Once you get the knack of inserting needles, dialysis is not painful but it can be uncomfortable. Your biochemical levels rise between treatments and drop rapidly during dialysis. This may cause you to feel faint, generally unwell, have a headache or feel ‘washed out’ after treatment. These feelings should pass quickly and some patients are not affected at all. If symptoms persist you should tell your doctor as you may need an adjustment to your dialysis regime. You are more likely to feel unwell during dialysis if you break the 3D guidelines.
Common complaints are anaemia, cramp, skin irritation, weight loss and uraemia (excess of waste products in the blood). Long term problems may include depression, diminished sexual function, abnormal bone regeneration and bone pain.
Most patients experience some of these complications ... but that does not mean you’re bound to get all of them!
Patients have reported that many of the symptoms of renal failure – itching, lethargy, mood fluctuations, interference with sleep patterns and sexual function - have been much improved by taking the drug erythropoetin (EPO).
As long as you have no renal function you will need some form of dialysis. Most patients can look forward to having a kidney transplant. Unfortunately, some are medically unsuitable. Your doctor will advise. If you have a successful transplant then dialysis treatment will cease – no dialysis, no renal diet – there will still be drugs.
Becoming a dialysis patient is a turning point in your life. Modern medicine makes it possible for you to live long and continue with many day-to-day activities.
As patients, we know that the path will not always be easy. Dialysis is now part of your life and that of your family. Do not let it dominate – the aim is to enable you to enjoy a good quality of life.
Above all, at the National Kidney Federation we aim to show that living with kidney failure can be life well worth living – why not join us?
NKF Controlled Document No. 218, Haemodialysis, written 30 October 2004. Last reviewed 29 January 2008.
The National Kidney Federation cannot accept responsibility for information provided. The above is for guidance only. Patients are advised to seek further information from their own doctor.
Page created: 30 October 2004
Last updated: 29 January 2008
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