What Happens During Dialysis?

Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment for individuals with chronic kidney disease (CKD), particularly when the kidneys are no longer capable of performing their essential function of filtering waste from the blood. At Shifa Dialysis, we understand that starting dialysis can be a significant adjustment. Patients often come with questions and concerns about what to expect during the process. Our goal is to demystify dialysis, providing a clear, comprehensive guide to what happens during treatment to ensure our patients feel informed, comfortable, and empowered.

The Basics of Dialysis

Dialysis serves as an artificial replacement for lost kidney function. It helps remove excess waste, salt, and water from the body, maintain a safe level of certain chemicals in the blood (like potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate), and control blood pressure. There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

Hemodialysis: The Procedure Step by Step

1. Preparation: Before starting the treatment, a nurse or technician will check your vital signs and ensure your dialysis access site is clean and infection-free.
2. Accessing the Bloodstream: Blood is accessed through a surgically created vein known as an arteriovenous (AV) fistula, an AV graft, or a catheter.
3. Blood Filtration: A dialysis machine pumps blood through the filter, or dialyzer, where waste products and excess fluids are removed. Clean blood is then returned to the body.
4. Monitoring: Throughout the process, your blood pressure and the machine’s settings are continuously monitored to ensure the treatment is proceeding correctly.
5. Conclusion: Once dialysis is completed, the needles are removed, and the access site is cleaned and covered. Your vital signs are checked again, and you can then go home or back to your usual activities.

Peritoneal Dialysis: The Procedure Step by Step

1. Preparation: This begins with the placement of a soft catheter in your abdomen, which stays in place permanently. Before each treatment, you’ll perform a hand hygiene routine and prepare the dialysis solution bags.
2. Filling: The dialysis solution flows through the catheter into your abdomen, where it stays for a prescribed period, known as the dwell time.
3. Dwelling: During this time, waste products and excess fluid pass from your blood into the solution across the peritoneal membrane.
4. Draining: After the dwell time, the now waste-filled solution is drained from your abdomen, and the cycle starts again with fresh solution.

What to Expect During and After Dialysis

Patients undergoing hemodialysis typically have treatments three times a week, with each session lasting about four hours. Peritoneal dialysis is usually done daily at home. During treatment, you might feel a bit cold, experience slight discomfort, or feel tired. After dialysis, it’s common to feel fatigued, but many patients report feeling more energetic once they get used to the routine.

Support and Comfort at Shifa Dialysis

At Shifa Dialysis, patient comfort and safety are our top priorities. Our team is dedicated to making your dialysis experience as smooth and comfortable as possible, providing support and care tailored to your individual needs. We encourage patients to bring books, music, or other forms of entertainment to help pass the time during treatment comfortably.

We understand that starting dialysis is a significant life change. Our team at Shifa Dialysis is here to support you every step of the way, from explaining the process in detail to addressing any concerns you may have. If you or a loved one are preparing to start dialysis, don’t hesitate to reach out to us for information, support, and care.