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If you would like to discuss your kidney diagnosis with our trained members of staff, ring our free-to-call number. The NKF Helpline is available Monday to Thursday 08:30 am - 5:00 pm Friday 8.30 am – 12.30 pm on 0800 169 09 36 or email [email protected] 

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Why do I need dialysis?

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.

What is 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.

How does haemodialysis work?

Blood is 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 fluid which is known as dialysate flowing along the other side. The dialysate fluid contains a regulated amount of minerals normally present in the blood in safe levels. In renal failure they are present in excess. The membrane has tiny holes of different sizes so that the excess fluid and substances which are at high levels in the blood pass through to the dialysate and this effectively cleans the blood. This happens at different rates, small molecules such as potassium are removed quickly and larger ones more slowly, until the blood levels of the toxic waste products from the body are at a safe level.

A haemodialysis machine regulates how fast the blood flows, at what pressure and how quickly the exchange happens.

As only a very small amount of blood is in the dialyser at any given time, blood needs to circulate round from patient to dialyser to patient again for about 4 hours. Treatment is usually 3 times per week. This is known as the dialysis dose and is decided by the dialysis nurses and doctors for each patient in a prescription.

This type of dialysis needs access to the blood stream. 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:

1.  Fistula

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.

2.  Central Venous Catheter

A soft plastic tube is inserted in a large vein, either in the side of the neck or, less often, into the top of the leg and comes out further down on the chest wall or top of the leg after passing underneath the skin.

Where will I have my treatment?

Some patients dialyse in hospital; others have the equipment installed at home. This will depend on what facilities your hospital can offer, on your medical conditions and on your own preference. Many renal units have developed satellite or minimum care units which may be near your home.

Most renal units now encourage patients to consider home haemodialysis to enable you to have control over your therapy. Advantages include flexibility, more time spent with family and friends, and not needing to rely on transport. Things to consider include how you feel about the responsibility of being in control of your dialysis and how it will affect others that live in your home. Talk to your haemodialysis team who will be able to give you further information about this therapy. If you have no room for a dialysis machine, have no carer or need medical supervision, hospital or satellite haemodialysis is a better option. Your home is free of the equipment but you will lose flexibility as you have to fit your life around the renal unit’s regime and travelling is time consuming.

We all have different needs, hence you should discuss with your doctor and specialist nurses at the renal unit as to which system best suits your lifestyle.

Will dialysis cure my kidney failure?

Dialysis takes over the role of the kidneys but it will not cure your kidney failure.

For some people whose kidneys have failed after an operation or a bad infection, kidney failure will only be temporary and the kidneys will recover in time. For most people, though, the kidneys will not recover and the need for dialysis will continue. Some people may decide not to have dialysis and this will result in death from kidney failure. If you are medically suitable, you can be considered for a kidney transplant.

Will dialysis keep me well?

There is no real substitute for your own healthy kidneys, and we cannot promise that you will feel as fit as you did before kidney failure. To stay as well as possible, try and focus on the 3 Ds - dialysis, diet and drugs. Eating out is possible with a little care.

The following medications are commonly prescribed for haemodialysis patients:

• • Erythropoetin (EPO) is very helpful in treating anaemia, which is common in many people with kidney failure.
  • Iron levels need to be optimised for EPO to work and treat anaemia.
  • Active Vitamin D helps balance of calcium, phosphorous and parathyroid hormone levels. This is vital to manage loss of minerals from bones.
  • Phosphate binders, which you take with meals, help prevent the build-up of phosphate which combines with calcium to damage the blood vessels. Examples are calcium carbonate, sevelamer and lanthanum.
  • Potassium binders, used in the rare occasion if there is a danger of high blood potassium level as this is a life-threatening condition.
  • Multi-vitamin, eg Renavit- water soluble vitamins such as Vitamin Bs and C.
  • Anti-coagulation, typically heparin is injected into the blood circuit to thin blood and maintain smooth blood flow.

There will be times when you will feel very tired – it is 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.

I’m not sure I can cope – Who can I talk to?

In addition to the doctors and nurses you meet, most renal units have a dietitian, social worker, psychologist, and pharmacist. Thousands of patients have successfully passed through difficult early stages of renal failure and there is nothing quite like talking to someone who has ‘been there’. The National Kidney Federation can put you in touch with your local Kidney Patients Association or you can contact the Helpline for support on 0800 169 0936

Will I be able to continue with my job or studies?

In most cases, yes. A heavy job may be difficult, some people on dialysis do have the strength for this, others are restricted to lighter work. Some people adjust their working hours; others fit dialysis into evenings and weekends.

Can I claim social security benefits?

Haemodialysis patients might be entitled to Personal Independence Payments or Employment Support Allowance. You may get more information from a Renal Social Worker or Citizen’s Advice Bureau. You can also request the NKF Know Your Benefits pack by calling the NKF Helpline on 0800 169 0936

Will I be able to go on holiday?

Yes. Arrangements can be made to dialyse at other units at home and abroad – provided they can fit you in. You will have to make contact with the relevant renal unit. Speak to your home dialysis unit, they will be able to help you with the relevant paperwork. Most Kidney Patients Associations have holiday facilities or organise group holidays. Plan in advance.

Is dialysis treatment painful?

Once you get used to the needles being placed, dialysis is not painful but it can be uncomfortable. Your biochemical levels of toxins 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 people are not affected by this at all. If symptoms persist you should tell your doctor as you may need an adjustment to your dialysis regime.

Are there any complications?

Kidney failure in itself leads to common complaints including lethargy, cramp, skin irritation, nausea and weight loss. These symptoms are due to uraemia (excess of waste products in the blood). 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 after starting dialysis, along with the medications such as EPO and iron. Long term problems may include depression, diminished sexual function, abnormal bone regeneration and bone pain.

Dialysis itself has complications. One of the most common complications is of infection as haemodialysis needs access to the blood stream. Patients on haemodialysis have a higher risk of heart attacks and strokes. It can be difficult to reduce the fluid intake as much as is required, leading to fluid on the legs and lungs.

Most patients experience some of these complications ... but that does not mean you are bound to get all of them!

Will I need dialysis for the rest of my life?

As long as you have no kidney function, you will need dialysis. Many 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 medications to take.

Living with kidney failure

Becoming a dialysis patient is a turning point in your life. Modern medicine makes it possible for you to live and continue with many day-to-day activities.

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..

Last reviewed July 2025
Next review July 2028

Reviewed by Dr Oshini Shivakumar 'Specialist Renal Registrar'

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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.