Kidney Dialysis Information Centre

Living with Kidney Dialysis

When first told they will need dialysis, many patients are worried and confused, due to a lack of easy to understand information. What exactly is involved in the treatment? Will it hurt? Will it ruin their life? Will it cure their kidney failure? How often will they need to visit a clinic or can dialysis be carried out at home? Can they still travel and have a holiday? What can be eaten and, more importantly, what cannot be eaten?

We aim to help you to: -

understand more about kidney dialysis
describe the two main forms of dialysis (hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis)
discuss possible risks involved for dialysis patients
provide dietary information for renal failure patients
provide you with useful links to some major charities and other organisations assisting kidney failure patients, and news about those carrying out research into kidney diseases in general
recognise the symptoms of renal failure
understand how your kidneys work and clean your blood
and include breaking news of interest to those with renal problems.

We aim to present you with useful information about dialysis in straightforward language, but with enough medical terms to help you understand what your doctor is saying. Don't be afraid to ask your doctor to explain any medical terms used - don't sit there confused and worried, ASK, it's your right to be told what is involved and what the medical terms mean.

Kidney failure need not be the end of your active life. In fact dialysis can be a new beginning, making life more bearable, and extending it considerably, compared to a life without dialysis. While your work will be affected to some extent, as you have to allow for your regular treatment, you are still capable of working.

Many organisations and authors produce useful booklets to help you understand more about dialysis, so we also recommend you read these for more information. The more high quality information you have to work from, the easier you will find it to handle any problems you may have during your treatment.

When it comes to dialysis, remember you, the patient, have a choice of the type of treatment you receive. Hemodialysis (also called haemodialysis) works more quickly than peritoneal dialysis, so it only needs to be done in short sessions, typically three times a week. Peritoneal dialysis is a simpler process, but needs to be performed several times every day. One form of peritoneal dialysis has the advantage that trips away do not require any special planning, unlike hemodialysis.

While we strive to give you accurate kidney dialysis information, we always recommend you listen to your doctor and follow their advice. They know all your renal case details.

We do have a separate blog, so pay Kidney Dialysis News a visit too. And a bookstore for those who wish to learn more about the topic.

PS Note that the correct spelling is dialysis, not dialisis or dialasis or dialis or dyalisis, for those writing assignment essays.

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