Services
Mercy Dialysis Center
The Basics of Dialysis Treatment
Dialysis can only replace part of kidney function. As a result, there are a few changes that you may need to make. Think of these as the treatment “basics.”
- Watching the type/amount of foods you eat
- Watching what/how much you drink
- Monitoring medications
- Adhering to your dialysis schedule
The “basics” may help you to enjoy a better quality of life and reduce treatment side effects. You still can enjoy your friends and family. You still can be active. You still can engage in many hobbies, work and activities you did before starting dialysis.
What is Hemodialysis?
Hemodialysis
is the process of cleaning the blood by removing the impurities and excess
fluids because the kidneys no longer are able to accomplish this on their
own. It is the process of using diffusion, osmosis and filtration to affect
the electolyte, pH and fluid levels within the blood stream. This is performed
with a special machine and a separate filter which through the cleansing
occurs. There are several types of machines and filters in which the physician
can choose to use.
The process of hemodialysis requires access to the patient bloodstream. This is accomplished through a catheter placed into a large blood vessel in which the blood is both removed and returned. The process takes anywhere from two and one-half to as much as five hours. The process is performed three times per week.
The physician and nurses work together in order to provide the best treatment possible for the patient. Each person's tolerance is different for the treatment. For the first month or so a person's body is adjusting to the treatment. Dialysis treatment is only an approximate of the normal function of the kidneys.
There are two satellite sites (Algona and Charles City) which perform hemodialysis just as the Mason City unit does. However, the satellite units do not offer peritoneal dialysis. The support for this is only offered at the Mason City unit. All of the services of lab work, chest x-rays, physician visits, etc. are provided through the satellites units as well.
The acute dialysis unit (inpatient) is available for patients who require hospitalizations for medical conditions. A patient who requires surgery or possibly treatment for a serious medical condition still can receive dialysis in the hospital. A patient’s peritoneal dialysis routine is to be followed while in the hospital as well.
Types of Access for Hemodialysis
