Hemodialysis
Treatment for Kidney Failure

• Introduction to Hemodialysis
• When Your Kidneys Fail
• How Hemodialysis Works
• Adjusting to Changes
• Getting Your Vascular Access Ready
• Equipment and Procedures
• Tests to See How Well Your Dialysis Is Working
• Conditions Related to Kidney Failure and Their Treatments
• How Diet Can Help
• Financial Issues
• Hope Through Research
• Resources: Organizations That Can Help

Introduction to hemodialysis

Hemodialysis is the most common method used to treat advanced and permanent kidney failure. Since the 1960s, when hemodialysis first became a practical treatment for kidney failure, we've learned much about how to make hemodialysis treatments more effective and minimize side effects. In recent years, more compact and simpler dialysis machines have made home dialysis increasingly attractive. But even with better procedures and equipment, hemodialysis is still a complicated and inconvenient therapy that requires a coordinated effort from your whole health care team, including your nephrologist, dialysis nurse, dialysis technician, dietitian, and social worker. The most important members of your health care team are you and your family. By learning about your treatment, you can work with your health care team to give yourself the best possible results, and you can lead a full, active life.

When Your Kidneys Fail

Healthy kidneys clean your blood by removing excess fluid, minerals, and wastes. They also make hormones that keep your bones strong and your blood healthy. When your kidneys fail, harmful wastes build up in your body, your blood pressure may rise, and your body may retain excess fluid and not make enough red blood cells. When this happens, you need treatment to replace the work of your failed kidneys.

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