Dialysis: Types and Life Expectancy on Dialysis
The kidneys are responsible for filtering waste products from the blood. Dialysis is a procedure that is a substitute for many of the normal functions of the kidneys. The kidneys are two organs located on either side in the back of the abdominal cavity. Dialysis can allow individuals to live productive and useful lives, even though their kidneys no longer work adequately. Statistics from 2010 showed approximately 414,000 patients were receiving dialysis in the United States. More than an additional 179,000 patients had a functioning kidney transplant for end stage renal disease.
Dialysis helps the body by performing the functions of failed kidneys. The kidney has many roles. An essential job of the kidney is to regulate the body's fluid balance. It does this by adjusting the amount of urine that is excreted on a daily basis. On hot days, the body sweats more. Thus, less water needs to be excreted through the kidneys. On cold days, the body sweats less. Thus, urine output needs to be greater in order to maintain the proper balance within the body. It is the kidney's job to regulate fluid balance by adjusting urine output.
Another major duty of the kidney is to remove the waste products that the body produces throughout the day. As the body functions, cells use energy. The operation of the cells produces waste products that must be removed from the body. When these waste products are not removed adequately, they build up in the body. An elevation of waste products, as measured in the blood, is called "azotemia." When waste products accumulate they, cause a sick feeling throughout the body called "uremia
Is it normal to be scared about dialysis?
You’re not alone if you’re feeling worried about starting renal dialysis and wondering how it will affect your life. For you, is it fear of the unknown? Do you feel like you’re different from everyone else? Or maybe you’re nervous about the dialysis process?
A great way to combat your fear of the unknown is to proactively learn as much as you can about dialysis. You’ll feel more in control of your situation and will have a better idea how to maintain a rich, meaningful life once you start dialysis. DaVita offers instructor-led classes in neighborhoods across the country through the Kidney SmartSM program. It’s easy and quick to find a kidney disease class in your area.
Does kidney dialysis hurt?
Dialysis treatment itself is painless. Some people have discomfort when being connected to the hemodialysis machine or at the end of a PD drain cycle. If this happens to you, mention it to your healthcare team so they help reduce any minor pain you experience.
It may take you some time—perhaps a few weeks—to adjust to life on renal dialysis. Once you get used to the routine, you’ll most likely begin to feel much better physically and emotionally. That’s the miracle of dialysis.