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Patient Information
Adjusting to the lifestyle changes required by dialysis can be overwhelming, so we at Dialyspa congratulate you on taking this important step to improving your health and restoring your quality of life. We want to provide you with a thorough understanding of what you can expect as you begin dialysis or await your transplant, as well as the services and resources available to you as a member of the Dialyspa family. The goal of dialysis, and our goal at Dialyspa, is to help alleviate the symptoms of renal failure so you are once again able to focus on developing your talents, pursuing your interests, and enjoying all the opportunities your life has to offer.
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ABOUT KIDNEY DISEASE
Kidney Function & Kidney Failure
Kidneys are the body’s filtration system. Our bodies have two kidneys, and they regulate the amount of fluid, chemicals, and salt in the blood stream as well as remove wastes we ingest in our diets. These excess substances are then flushed out in the form of urine. Renal failure occurs when kidneys are no longer able to properly filter the blood. Renal means “pertaining to the kidneys.” Nephrons are the individual filtration units that make up the kidneys. The doctor who looks after your kidneys is called your nephrologist. The physical effects of renal failure range from fatigue to nausea to trouble urinating. Below are a few symptoms you might have noticed because of reduced kidney function.
PHYSICAL EFFECTS OF RENAL FAILURE
Lack of Energy
Difficulty Concentrating
Loss of Appetite
Nausea and Vomiting
Difficulty Breathing
Swollen Ankles, Feet, and Hands
Frequent Urge to Urinate
Itchy Skin
Erectile Dysfunction
COMMON CAUSES OF ACUTE RENAL FAILURE
Physical Injury
Loss of Blood Flow to the Kidneys
Urinary Tract Obstruction
Exposure to Toxins
Complications of Autoimmune and Other Illnesses
COMMON CAUSES OF CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE
Diabetes Type I and Type II
High Blood Pressure (Hypertension)
Kidney Inflammation (Glomerulonephritis)
Polycystic Kidney Disease
Focal Segmental Glomerluosclerosis
Lupus and Other Autoimmune Conditions
Over-Consumption of Some Medications
Renal failure can happen suddenly or over a long period of time. When it happens quickly, it is usually due to a traumatic event or complications of other conditions and is known as acute renal failure. With proper treatment, it is sometimes possible for kidneys affected by acute renal failure to recover normal function. Chronic renal failure happens when the kidneys gradually lose their ability to remove the body’s waste. There are many causes of chronic renal failure, including genetic conditions and autoimmune diseases, but the most common are diabetes and hypertension (high blood pressure). These two conditions can wear out the kidneys due to the extra effort required to filter out the extreme levels of fluid, salts, and waste that result from their effect on the body.
Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) and End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD)
Continued deterioration of kidney function is known as chronic kidney disease (CKD). The progress of CKD is measured in five stages, marked by how well the kidneys can filter blood. A doctor runs tests to determine the level of kidney function. Stage 5 CKD is diagnosed when kidney function has fallen to 15% or less of normal filtration ability. Stage 5 is also known as end stage renal disease (ESRD). “End stage” only means that the kidneys have reached the “end” of their ability to cleanse the blood and now need help removing harmful wastes from the body. Proper treatment to remove the build-up of excess fluid, salts, and waste is essential. If these are not removed from the body, they can quickly become toxic—even fatal. Fortunately, there are treatment options that can effectively replicate the kidneys’ waste removal function.
End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) Treatment Overview
Dialysis is a process that filters excess fluid, salts, and waste from the body with the help of a cleansing solution and a substitute filter. Dialysis treatments are typically scheduled three to five times per week, for three to five hours per session. You can learn more about dialysis options here.
While some ESRD patients remain on dialysis, others have the option to receive a kidney transplant. Dialysis is often used as a “bridge” to keep your body healthy while you await your transplant. With a transplant, you will receive a single healthy kidney, either from a family member or organ donor. One kidney is all your body needs to properly filter your blood, so if you receive a kidney from a living donor, you both will be able to lead healthy lives.
If CKD is diagnosed early, you will begin preparing for dialysis or a transplant at Stage 4. Because CKD can progress over the years, it can be easy to overlook symptoms that get worse very slowly. It is common that CKD can go undetected until Stage 5. When this happens, you will begin dialysis or prepare for a kidney transplant right away. No matter the cause of renal failure or the time of diagnosis, with proper treatment, many people have gone on to lead long and active lives with ESRD—and so can you!
We Can Help
TREATING KIDNEY DISEASE
Total Wellness & Luxury
For beginning dialysis patients and those awaiting kidney transplants, there are three commitments essential for maintaining a full and healthy life despite renal failure. At Dialyspa, we make committing to kidney health a simple transition by providing the relaxation and luxury comfort you deserve.
RECEIVE DIALYSIS TREATMENTS AS SCHEDULED
Dialysis replicates the kidneys’ waste removal function using one of two filtration methods called modalities, hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis uses an external blood filter with a dialyzer acting as an artificial kidney. In peritoneal dialysis, the filtration takes place internally using the blood vessels in the abdominal lining (the peritoneum). Hemodialysis is typically performed within a clinic, while peritoneal dialysis most often takes place within the patient’s home.
You and your doctor will select the best dialysis modality and treatment schedule for you. Healthy kidneys function 24 hours per day to remove excess fluid, salts, and waste products from your blood, but the average dialysis schedule allows for just 12 hours per week to perform the same function. It is important to maintain your treatment schedule to prevent these wastes from reaching unhealthy levels.
STICK TO YOUR PERSONAL DIET PLAN
Although dialysis replicates some kidney functions, you’ll need to regulate the amounts and proportions of fluids, salts, and nutrients introduced into your bloodstream. Our on-site nutritionist will help you create a personal diet plan based on your unique dietary needs and tastes.
Sticking to your diet plan will replenish important nutrients lost during dialysis, limit the amount of harmful wastes introduced into your bloodstream, and make your dialysis treatments less stressful for your body.
Most important, following a healthy diet will improve your energy and quality of life in between your dialysis treatments and keep you active, energized, and revitalized for years to come.
BE THE LEADER OF YOUR HEALTH CARE TEAM
As you undergo dialysis and prepare for your kidney transplant, you’ll have a team of experts ready to answer your questions, address your concerns, and ensure you receive the maximum benefit from the time you spend in treatment.
Your team will include your nurses, patient care technicians, nutritionist, social worker, and nephrologist. But the most important member of the team is you.
As team leader, your job is to speak openly and honestly about your treatment, especially if you experience discomfort or setbacks. Many patients develop close relationships with their social workers and find it easiest to bring all concerns to the social worker first.
The social worker will then act as a patient advocate to coordinate the efforts of the entire team. The Dialyspa team will make sure your treatment plan is working for you and that you feel supported, encouraged, and optimistic about your life with dialysis.
