What Is Dialysis and When Would I Need It?

Dialysis is a procedure needed to filter out waste, toxins, and excess fluid from the body when the kidneys don’t work the way they should. Your trusted Texas Advanced Renal Health team will guide you through this process to manage your condition and enhance your quality of life. You can always count on us for exceptional, compassionate care!

Why Would You Need Dialysis?

Your kidneys filter your blood, removing extra fluid and waste products from your body. The waste is then sent to your bladder and eliminated through your urine. If your kidneys fail, meaning they are performing at only 10 to 15 percent of their normal function, dangerous levels of electrolytes, waste, toxins, and fluid can build up in your body.

There are only two options to manage kidney failure, dialysis or a kidney transplant. A kidney transplant isn’t an immediate option, with waiting lists, donor matches, and many considerations. Kidney dialysis will save your life, and you’ll keep doing the things you love!

What Are the Signs of Kidney Failure?

Kidney failure requiring dialysis often leads to changes in urination. Patients typically see a decrease in urine output. However, increased urine production may also be a sign of kidney failure. Warning signs include bubbly or foamy urine and pressure when urinating.

Patients requiring dialysis usually experience swelling of the legs, ankles, and feet due to excess fluids in the system. Fluids may also build up in the lungs, leading to shortness of breath or around the heart, resulting in chest pain.

Additional signs of kidney failure include increased blood pressure that’s hard to control, decreased mental sharpness, headaches, fatigue, weakness, back pain, itching, loss of appetite, vomiting, and difficulty sleeping. Some patients also report muscle cramps and twitching, ammonia breath, and a metallic taste in the mouth.

If you experience any of these symptoms, talk to your trusted team at Texas Advanced Renal Health. We’ll evaluate your unique needs and create a personalized treatment plan to best manage your condition.

What Is Dialysis and What Should You Expect?

Dialysis treatments take over your kidney function by filtering toxins, fluid, and waste from your blood through a semipermeable membrane. There are two types of dialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Each uses a different method to filter toxins from your body.

• Hemodialysis: Your blood circulates through a dialysis machine, which cleanses it before returning it to your body. This procedure typically occurs at a dialysis center, although home hemodialysis treatment is possible.
• Peritoneal dialysis: This procedure removes waste and excess fluid through the blood vessels lining the walls of your abdomen, called the peritoneum, so your blood never leaves your body. Peritoneal dialysis typically takes place at home.

Our Texas Advanced Renal Health team will recommend the dialysis option that’s best for you.

Life with Dialysis – A New Normal

Learning you need to start dialysis can cause fear and anxiety. It is life-changing and comes with a set of challenges. However, once you adjust to the treatment and your “new normal,” you’ll feel better than you’ve felt in a long time.

Make sure you stick to the prescribed diet, limiting salt, potassium, phosphorus, and fluid intake. Set reminders to take your medications and make a point of getting regular physical activity. Reach out to your Texas Advanced Renal Health team if you feel stressed or anxious about the process. We’ll address your concerns and support you every step of the way!

Trusted Kidney Care Near Me

Contact Texas Advanced Renal Health in McKinney, TX, to learn more about managing chronic kidney disease to maintain your best quality of life. You can always count on our team for exceptional care and service. Call us at 972-548-4833 to schedule your appointment today!