Dialysis
Dialysis is a process by which waste products, toxins and unwanted water are removed from the blood by artificial means.
People usually go on dialysis prior to getting a kidney transplant. They can be on dialysis for years. I have been asked by some people why someone would even consider doing a Live Donation when the patient can have dialysis … believe me it is no picnic being on dialysis. Read the blogs re Kamal Shah and Judy Ladd (links in sidebar). In the meantime the below information may help to give a small insight into the dialysis process.
There are two types of dialysis, both of which can be equally effective:
Haemodialysis – This form of dialysis removes waste products from the blood by passing it out of the body, through a filtering system (dialyser) and returning it, cleansed, to the body.
Peritoneal dialysis – this is where the blood is cleansed inside the body.
Which form of dialysis is used can depend on several factors and a discussion with the doctor will help make an informed decision. Sometimes, perhaps due to a medical condition, only one type is suitable.
Here are some links that give excellent information regarding dialysis
Very useful and informative links re dialysis:
- All about dialysis – just what it says.
- Diet – Fluid Balance animation – restricted fluid intake can be important when on dialysis
- Advantages and Disadvantages – of Haemodialysis and Peritoneal dialysis
- Possible Side Effects – whilst on Dialysis.
- NHS video about haemodialysis – Dialysis patient Heather describes home haemodialysis.
- How Haemodialysis is performed – including tips on diet whilst on Haemodialysis.
- Haemodialysis – how it works – this is an animation well worth watching.
- Eat Right to Feel Right on Haemodialysis – how diet affects you.
- Peritoneal Dialysis – how it works – this is an animation well worth watching.
- NHS Video on Peritoneal Dialysis – Greater freedom of choice. 11th video down the page.
- Diet tips peritoneal dialysis – all about sodium, potassium, fluid etc intake
- Withholding and withdrawing from dialysis – pros and cons of deciding against dialysis with renal failure
- Downloadable leaflets regarding diet when on dialysis
- Various kidney related videos
The above links come from very informative websites, especially the Edinburgh Renal Unit one. Check out their other pages for even more information.
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