Understanding Dialysis

March is recognized as National Kidney Month. This month we are bringing you information from the National Kidney Foundation on how dialysis works.

What is dialysis and when is it needed?

Dialysis is a treatment that does some of the things done by healthy kidneys. It is needed when your own kidneys can no longer take care of your body's needs. You need dialysis when you develop end stage kidney failure - usually by the time you lose about 85 to 90 percent of your kidney function and have a Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) of <15.

What does dialysis do?

When your kidneys fail, dialysis keeps your body in balance by:

• removing waste, salt and extra water to prevent them from building up in the body

• keeping a safe level of certain chemicals in your blood, such as potassium, sodium and bicarbonate

• helping to control blood pressure

Some kinds of acute kidney failure, also known as acute renal failure, get better after treatment. In some cases of acute kidney failure, dialysis may only be needed for a short time until the kidneys get better.

In chronic or end stage kidney failure, your kidneys do not get better, and you will need dialysis for the rest of your life. If your doctor says you are a candidate, you may choose to be placed on a waiting list for a new kidney.

Will dialysis help cure kidney disease?

No. Dialysis does some of the work of healthy kidneys, but it does not cure your kidney disease. You will need to have dialysis treatments for your whole life unless you are able to get a kidney transplant.

Is dialysis uncomfortable?

The dialysis treatment itself is painless. However, some patients may have a drop in their blood pressure. If this happens, you may feel sick to your stomach, vomit, have a headache or cramps. With frequent treatments, those problems usually go away.

How long has dialysis been available?

Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis have been done since the mid 1940's. Dialysis, as a regular treatment, was begun in 1960 and is now a standard treatment around the world.

How long can you live on dialysis?

If your kidneys have failed, you will need to have dialysis treatments for your whole life unless you are able to get a kidney transplant. Life expectancy on dialysis can vary depending on your other medical conditions and how well you follow your treatment plan. Average life expectancy on dialysis is 5-10 years; however, many patients have lived well on dialysis for 20 or even 30 years. Talk to your healthcare team about how to take care of yourself and stay healthy on dialysis.

Is dialysis expensive?

Yes. Dialysis costs a lot of money. However, the federal government pays 80 percent of all dialysis costs for most patients. Private health insurance or state Medicaid programs also help with the costs.

For more information regarding dialysis or kidney health, contact CCH Complex and Internal Medicine/Nephrology at 307.688.3535.

Source: Dialysis | National Kidney Foundation