FAQs for New Dialysis Patients
Below are some frequently asked questions we hear from new dialysis patients.
Can I come only once or twice a week?No, since your normal kidneys work 7 days a week, even the 3 days per week is not ideal. The more dialysis you receive the better you will feel.
Who will I talk to about transportation or insurance problems?The Unit Social worker is available to help you with any issues related to transportation or insurance.
Why do I feel dizzy?You may feel dizzy during the dialysis treatment or at home if your blood pressure is too low. You can also feel dizzy if you get up to quickly from a sitting position.
How often will I be visited by my MD here?Your doctor or his/her associate will visit you at the dialysis unit 3-4 times per month. If you need to see them for a particular reason, you can call the office for an appointment.
Why do I have to weigh before and after?We weigh you before and after to see how much you gained between treatments and how much we were able to remove during dialysis. Ideally you should only gain 4-6 pounds between treatments.
What do I need to do to get a transplant?If you are interested in this as an option, talk with your doctor. He or she will refer you to a transplant center for an evaluation. You may be required to complete some additional tests, or change your lifestyle before being placed on the transplant list.
Can I continue to work on dialysis?Yes, we will try and work your dialysis around the work schedule. If for some reason we can’t, we will help you find a center that meets your needs, or you can consider home dialysis which gives you the freedom to schedule your treatments at a time that suits you.
Why do I need to limit fluids on my dialysis and how do I handle my thirst?Since your kidneys are not working, you are probably not getting rid of excess fluid. This can cause you to have swelling in your hands or feet or shortness of breath. To help with thirst you can suck on hard candies or small ice chips. The best way to manage fluid is to figure out what you can drink each day, and put it in a container. As you drink fluids or eat foods that go to fluids (ice cream, jello), you dump out the fluid consumed. When the container is empty you have drank your fluid limit for that day.
Does dialysis hurt?Not necessarily. You may have a little pain when the needles are inserted or feel sick if we try and remove too much fluid in a short time, but this is mostly discomfort, not pain.
Will I feel better on dialysis?As you adjust to dialysis and follow the dialysis prescription, take your medications as ordered and follow the recommended diet and fluid intake, you will begin to feel less tired and have a better appetite.
How do I know if I'm getting enough dialysis?We can tell if you are getting enough dialysis by looking at your blood work results. A normal treatment will last about 4 hours. If you are asking to get off early or coming in late, your lab work will reflect the missing treatment time.
What are my dialysis treatment options?In-center hemodialysis, home hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis, transplant, or no treatment. You do need to understand that without some type of replacement therapy, you will eventually die, as your body can not live indefinitely without your kidneys or a replacement.