Will you also have to undergo dialysis? Let's find out everything about this!

Sometimes our doctor says, "Your kidney function has decreased a little, let's keep an eye on this." At such times, we get a little scared, don't we? Especially the question "Will I have to do dialysis?" arises somewhere in our minds. This is actually a fear that many people have. So today, let's talk about what dialysis really is, who needs it, and how it is done in a very simple way, in a way that you can understand.

First, let's see what dialysis is.

Simply put, dialysis is when your kidneys can no longer do their job properly, and they do it artificially, either with the help of a machine or some other method. Think of it this way: your kidneys are like two super filters. They are bean-shaped organs located on either side of your spine, just below your rib cage. Their main job is to filter your blood and remove waste and excess fluids from your body as urine. In addition, your kidneys also control your blood pressure, keep your bones strong, maintain the right levels of minerals like potassium and sodium (salt) in your blood, and produce hormones that help make red blood cells. When your kidneys stop working properly, toxins start to build up in your body. That's when dialysis becomes a life-saving treatment.

Who needs dialysis treatment?

When kidney disease becomes severe, meaning your kidneys are too weak to keep up with your body's functions, you may need dialysis or a kidney transplant. Kidney disease can be caused by conditions like high blood pressure, diabetes , lupus, certain accidents, or even for no reason at all. Dialysis is usually started when you start to develop symptoms of kidney failure or when blood tests show that your blood has too many toxins. Symptoms include nausea , fatigue, swelling, and vomiting . Your doctor will decide when you should start dialysis and which method is best for you, based on your age, energy level, overall health, blood test results, and how committed you are to your treatment plan.

What types of dialysis are there?

There are two main types of dialysis. Let's take a simple look at the difference between the two. In addition, there is a special method called `Continuous Renal Replacement Therapy (CRRT),` which is administered slowly 24 hours a day for critically ill patients in the Intensive Care Unit (ICU) who cannot tolerate regular dialysis.

A little more about hemodialysis

In this method, a machine draws blood from your body. This involves a small surgical procedure to create an access point under the skin of your arm that can connect to blood vessels. There are three main methods for this.

• Fistula: This involves connecting an artery and a vein in your arm. This is the best and most permanent method. However, it takes about 6 weeks to be able to use it.
• Graft: This involves connecting an artery and a vein using a plastic tube. This can be used for as short as 2 weeks. However, it does not last as long as a fistula.
• Catheter : If you need to start dialysis quickly, a flexible tube (catheter) is inserted into a large vein in your neck, arm, or groin . This is a temporary solution.

During the treatment, while you lie in a chair, a technician inserts two needles into the fistula or graft in your arm. One needle draws blood out of your body, cleans it through a machine, and the other needle returns the cleaned blood to your body. This treatment takes about 3-5 hours and is done about three times a week.

Details about Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)

This method is a little different. Here, the thin membrane that lines your abdominal cavity (peritoneum) acts as a natural filter. About 3 weeks before your treatment starts, a small surgical procedure is performed to permanently insert a soft tube (catheter) into your abdomen. Then, dialysis fluid is pumped into your abdomen through this tube. This fluid works to remove waste products from your blood over a few hours. The waste products are then drained into another bag. This process is called an "exchange." You can do this at home, so you don't need to go to the hospital as often. There are two ways to do this:

• Automated Peritoneal Dialysis: This exchange process occurs overnight, while you sleep, using a machine.
• Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis: You have to do this exchange process manually, several times a day.

Are there any side effects of dialysis?

Dialysis is not painful. However, you may experience some side effects during or after the treatment. If you experience any pain, tell your doctor right away. Common side effects include:

• Itchy skin
• Low blood pressure (especially in diabetics)
• Sleep problems
• Fluid overload
• Infections (especially at the catheter site)
• Depression or mood changes
• Nausea and vomiting
• Muscle cramps
• Extreme fatigue

Take care of these things to stay healthy during this treatment:

• Check your access site daily for redness, pus, or swelling. If you notice any of these, call your doctor immediately.
• Always keep the bandage covering the catheter clean and dry.

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