|
| |
|
| |
What is dialysis? |
Back up |
| |
Dialysis is a method of removing waste products and excess fluids from your body after your kidneys have failed. Kidney dialysis is an artificial process that performs the two main functions of the kidneys:
|
| |
| 1 |
Filtering waste from the blood; and
|
| 2 |
Balancing the body’s fluid levels. |
|
| |
|
| |
What are the types of dialysis available? |
Back up |
| |
There are two types of dialysis:
|
| |
| 1 |
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) and
|
| 2 |
Haemodialysis (HD) |
|
| |
|
| |
What is Haemodialysis (HD)? |
Back up |
| |
Haemodialysis (HD) is a machine-assisted blood filtration method which removes waste and excess fluid from your blood in a dialyser (or artificial kidney) outside your body. It usually requires a doctor to surgically create permanent access to your blood stream, via your arm or thigh, allowing blood to be diverted from your body, through the dialyser and back into your blood stream |
| |
|
| |
What is Peritoneal dialysis (PD)? |
Back up |
| |
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) uses the peritoneum, a natural membrane lining the cavity of your abdomen. The membrane has tiny holes that allow waste products and fluid to filter from your blood. The process of waste removal, as in haemodialysis, is called diffusion. The removal of excess water, osmosis, is aided by another substance within the dialysis fluid, usually glucose. |
| |
|
| |
How many types of peritoneal dialysis are there? |
Back up |
| |
There are two types of PD:
|
| |
| 1 |
Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis (CAPD) |
| 2 |
Automated peritoneal dialysis (APD). |
|
| |
Both types of PD allow you to be relatively independent and manage your own care at home. For now, PD is not widely available in Nigeria. |
| |
|
| |
How does dialysis filter waste from the blood? |
Back up |
| |
| • |
During dialysis, waste and excess water pass from the blood into a liquid called dialysate for removal from the body by a process called diffusion. |
| • |
A thin layer of natural tissue (in peritoneal dialysis) or of synthetic plastic (in haemodialysis), known as the dialysis membrane, keeps the blood separate from the dialysis fluid.
|
| • |
Blood cells are too large to pass through the dialysis membrane, though waste and water can diffuse into the dialysis fluid.
|
| • |
Wastes are then removed from the body by extracting the dialysis fluid. |
|
| |
|
| |
How does dialysis balance the body’s fluid levels? |
Back up |
| |
| • |
In both Haemodialysis and Peritoneal dialysis, a process called ultrafiltration removes excess fluid.
|
| • |
In haemodialysis, the fluid is simply drawn from the blood by the dialysis machine. The amount of water to be removed can be varied by changing the dialyser’s settings.
|
| • |
In peritoneal dialysis a substance (most commonly glucose) is added to the blood to draw water out in a process called osmosis. Peritoneal dialysis solution containing a lot of glucose will draw out more fluid than a weaker solution. |
|
| |
|
| |
Will dialysis cure me? |
Back up |
| |
| • |
Haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are treatments that help replace the work your kidneys did.
|
| • |
These treatments help you feel better and live longer, but they don’t cure kidney failure. |
|
| |
|
| |
How long can I be on dialysis? |
Back up |
| |
You can be on dialysis for as long as it takes to get a kidney transplant or for the rest of your life. |
| |
|
| |
When and why is dialysis given? |
Back up |
| |
When end-stage renal failure occurs treatment is necessary to replace the function of the kidneys. Dialysis is a life-saving option until a suitable organ donor is found, but it is not a cure for end-stage renal failure. |
| |
|
| |
Who can I talk to in order to learn more about dialysis treatments? |
Back up |
| |
There are a number of people you can talk to including your doctor, renal care team and other people with renal failure. |
| |
|
| |
Where is the closest dialysis centre? |
Back up |
| |
There are a number dialysis centres across Nigeria, especially in the urban areas. Your doctor can advise you of the nearest centre and how to access it. |
| |
|
| |
Can I change to a different form of treatment once I’ve started dialysis? |
Back up |
| |
Yes. It is quite common for people to change treatments as their health and lifestyle needs change. You may have several methods of dialysis treatment throughout your life. |
| |
|
| |
Should I change my diet when I start dialysis? |
Back up |
| |
Yes. All forms of dialysis restrict diet to some extent. |
| |
| • |
Some treatment options like Haemodialysis (HD) have more restrictions than others. |
| • |
Peritoneal dialysis (PD) lets you have more protein, fluids and potassium in your diet. |
| • |
Your renal care team will advise you on changes to your diet plans and eating habits while on dialysis. You should also discuss these changes with the renal dietician. |
|
| |
|
| |
What is the diet for patients on Haemodialysis? |
Back up |
| |
Haemodialysis and a proper diet help reduce the wastes that build up in your blood. A dietitian is available at all dialysis centers to help you plan meals according to your doctor’s orders. |
| |
|
| |
What is the diet for patients on Peritoneal dialysis? |
Back up |
| |
A peritoneal dialysis diet is slightly different from that of a haemodialysis diet. |
| |
|
| |
Will I be able to continue my normal activities once I start dialysis? |
Back up |
| |
Working, driving and normal housework activities are typically not restricted on dialysis. Your level of freedom and flexibility will depend on the treatment you chose, whether it is a fixed schedule of HD, or PD. |
| |
|
| |
Is it dangerous to skip dialysis? |
Back up |
| |
Yes, this can lead to fluid overload and accumulation of waste products in the body. It can also lead to breathing problems due to a serious condition called pulmonary edema where fluid gets accumulated in the lungs. |
| |
|
| |
What is the cost of dialysis? |
Back up |
| |
A session of haemodialysis costs on average N35,000 (Thirty Five Thousand Naira). For it to be effective, a patient should have 3 sessions per week. |
| |
|
| |
What are the possible complications of haemodialysis? |
Back up |
| |
| 1 |
Infection, |
| 2 |
Blockage from clotting, |
| 3 |
Poor blood flow |
| 4 |
Muscle cramps and |
| 5 |
Hypotension—a sudden drop in blood pressure |
|
| |
You can avoid many side effects if you follow a proper diet, limit your liquid intake, and take your medicines as directed. |
| |
|
| |
What are the possible complications of peritoneal dialysis? |
Back up |
| |
The most common problem with peritoneal dialysis is peritonitis, a serious abdominal infection. It requires antibiotic treatment by your doctor. |
| |
|
| |
|
