Kidney dialysis manages kidney failure when your kidneys don’t work, but it’s not a cure; discover key facts about dialysis, including when to start, life expectancy, fertility, and busting common myths.
Is kidney dialysis something that primarily affects older folks, or those with moderate health challenges? When does someone have to start dialysis? We’ve got all the answers right here.
Let’s dive in, shall we?
Information About Dialysis
Here’s what you need to know:
1. When Does a Patient Need to Start Dialysis?
Typically, doctors recommend starting dialysis when:
- Kidney function drops to about 15% of normal. That’s a significant decrease, y’know?
- The patient experiences severe symptoms related to kidney disease, such as fluid retention, shortness of breath, muscle cramps, nausea, and vomiting. Nobody wants those.
2. How Long Can You Expect to Live While on Dialysis?
Dialysis is what keeps ya going when your kidneys aren’t up to the task.
The National Kidney Foundation notes that some folks have lived well on dialysis for 20 to 30 years.
Life expectancy on dialysis can vary greatly. It depends on the individual’s overall health and how well they stick to their treatment plan, and their specialized healthcare team’s advice.
3. Are Dialysis Patients Happier Than Healthy People?
Turns out, dialysis patients who are committed to their treatment are often happier than healthy individuals. Why? Because they learn to appreciate life and adapt, to adjust and deal with their health proactively.
4. Is Peritoneal Dialysis Better for Blood Patients?
It appears patients on peritoneal dialysis often feel more comfortable. They tend to tolerate treatment better than those on hemodialysis.
With hemodialysis, blood is removed from the body, cleaned of toxins using a filter and special chemical solutions, and then returned. Peritoneal dialysis, on the other hand, cleans the blood inside the body using the lining of the abdomen as a natural filter.
5. What’s the Link Between Kidney Dialysis and Fertility?
Dialysis can affect a person’s fertility. Successful pregnancies are rare, only about 1% in older women, after starting dialysis.
Doctors often advise women with kidney failure about the challenges of pregnancy. Sometimes, pregnancy requires intensive dialysis sessions to ensure a healthy baby.
Now, thinking about overall wellness for dialysis patients, a lot of times the focus is primarily on the medical treatments, right? But what about the emotional and mental well-being? Managing chronic kidney disease can be incredibly stressful, and it’s easy to feel overwhelmed. We haven’t touched on how important it is to have access to resources like support groups, mental health professionals, or even just a strong network of friends and family who understand what you’re going through. These things can make a huge difference in quality of life.
6. Is Kidney Dialysis Painful?
While you might feel some discomfort when the needle is inserted, kidney dialysis isn’t really painful, thanks to technological advancements.
If you feel pain, investigate the possible reasons. It might be equipment-related, and the staff can help.
Myths About Kidney Disease You Should Overcome
Here’s what you should know:
- Dialysis patients can’t work, travel, or live a relatively normal life like anyone else, but they should be careful. Following a diet and sticking to their treatment schedule is key. Plus managing dialysis appointments which might need to be three times a week.
- Dialysis won’t make you weak. Dialysis helps remove toxins, which gives you strength and energy. You can boost your energy by eating well and exercising. You’ll feel much better if you follow a healthy diet and get advice on controlling fluids.
- Relying on dialysis means you’re dependent on the machine for the rest of your life. While it’s true dialysis is essential, some patients can get kidney transplants.
Key takeaways
- Dialysis is not the end of the road; many people live long and fulfilling lives on it.
- Sticking to your treatment plan and maintaining a healthy lifestyle are crucial for your well-being on dialysis.
- Emotional and mental support is as vital as the medical treatment itself.
FAQ, Myth & Facts
Is dialysis a cure for kidney disease?
No, dialysis is not a cure. It’s a treatment that helps manage the symptoms and complications of kidney failure when the kidneys can no longer function adequately. It performs some of the functions of healthy kidneys, such as removing waste and excess fluids from the blood, but it does not repair or restore kidney function.
Can dialysis be stopped if my kidney function improves?
In some rare cases, if the underlying cause of kidney failure is treated and kidney function recovers significantly, dialysis may be stopped. This is uncommon, but it’s essential to discuss the possibility with your healthcare team.
Is it possible to travel while on dialysis?
Yes, it is possible to travel while on dialysis. Hemodialysis patients can often arrange for dialysis treatments at centers in other locations. Peritoneal dialysis offers more flexibility as it can be performed at home, but you’ll need to ensure you have enough supplies and a suitable, clean environment.
Myth: Dialysis is only for old people.
Fact: Kidney failure can affect people of all ages, from newborns to the elderly. Dialysis is a treatment option for anyone whose kidneys have failed, regardless of their age.
I was so scared when I first started dialysis. I thought my life was over. But the nurses and doctors at the clinic were so supportive, and I quickly realized that I could still live a full life. I still travel, spend time with my family, and enjoy my hobbies. It’s not always easy, but dialysis has given me a second chance at life.
The biggest challenge for me was accepting that I needed help. I’ve always been independent, so relying on a machine to keep me alive was tough. But I’ve learned to appreciate the small things and to focus on what I can do, rather than what I can’t. I’ve also found a great support group of other dialysis patients, and we help each other through the tough times.
I was diagnosed with kidney disease at a young age. It was hard to accept that I would need dialysis for the rest of my life. But I’ve learned to manage my condition and to live a healthy, active life. I work full-time, exercise regularly, and eat a healthy diet. Dialysis has given me the opportunity to live a long and fulfilling life, and I’m grateful for that.
So, circling back to where we started, dialysis isn’t necessarily a life sentence for one particular age group or health profile. It’s more of a lifeline, a tool that helps people keep living their lives, often much longer and more fully than they might have thought possible. It’s not always easy, but understanding the facts and managing expectations can make all the difference. That’s what I’ve learned, anyway.
