A hemodialysis procedure is a type of procedure where a dialysis machine and a special filter, also known as an artificial kidney, are used in order to clean the blood of patients with chronic kidney disease. In order to link your blood vessels to the dialyzer, minor surgery is performed on your body and the location most likely is your arm.
There are some conditions that you need to follow when using a hemodialysis procedure to treat your kidney disease. These conditions are as follows:
- You need to follow a strict treatment schedule
- You need to consume your medicines regularly without any fail
- You also need to make certain changes in your diet
Getting a hemodialysis procedure is a serious responsibility. However, you are not alone when it comes to the procedure. Your health care team usually assists and guides you with the procedure. The procedure can also be carried out at home.
WHY HEMODIALYSIS PROCEDURE?
There are several factors that help your doctor determine when your process can begin. These are as follows:
- The overall health of the patient
- How is the kidney functioning
- The severity of the disease
- Personal preferences
- Quality of life
Usually, kidney failure is the reason why one requires a hemodialysis procedure. Kidney failure can be due to the following reasons:
- Diabetes
- Hypertension or high blood pressure
- Inherited diseases that lead to kidney diseases
- Constant use of anti-inflammatory drugs or other drugs that can harm the kidney
Sometimes, kidneys can also fail suddenly due to acute kidney injury. This can be caused due to an illness, a complicated surgery, a heart attack, or some other serious chronic disease.
WHAT ARE THE RISKS OF GETTING this?
Most people seeking this are already crippled with some other chronic diseases. Hemodialysis has, of course, been efficient in prolonging the lives of many people, but, life expectancy of people who need this procedure is less than the life expectancy of the general population.
However, following are some of the risks that one may have to encounter with:
- Low blood pressure or hypotension – This is a common side effect of hemodialysis. This side effect can also be followed by some other effects like shortness of breath, cramps in the abdomen, muscle cramps, nausea etc.
- Itching – Many people have reported an itchy skin during or just after the hemodialysis procedure.
- Sleep problems – After a hemodialysis procedure, one may experience trouble sleeping. This may occur due to shortness of breath, aching or restless legs.
- Anemia – This is an extremely common side effect of kidney failure and hemodialysis procedure. Poor absorption of iron, dietary restrictions, frequent blood tests etc. due to hemodialysis procedure can lead to anemia.
- Depression – This is a common side effect that is accompanied by kidney failure. Changes in mood, anxiety, etc. are common after the procedure. You can ask your health care team to provide you mental health services.
It is important that you follow a proper and prescribed diet and take your medicines regularly in order for the hemodialysis procedure to actually be useful.
