Frequently Asked Questions<\/h1><\/div>Whether you\u2019re new to dialysis or have new questions, we\u2019re here to help. These are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
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<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>How will I feel during and after my dialysis treatments? <\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\nDuring\u202fdialysis treatments<\/a>, it\u2019s possible to experience low blood pressure since it\u2019s often your body\u2019s reaction when it senses that fluid is being removed. This might make you feel flushed, hot, lightheaded or nauseated. Additionally, you may feel cold during treatment, so it is a good idea to bring warm, comfortable clothing. We do everything we can at our\u202flocal dialysis facilities\u202f<\/a>to try to make you as comfortable as possible during treatment.<\/p>\nAfter treatment, you may feel tired or weak. This is very common and should improve with time as you adjust to your dialysis treatments. If possible, try to take a nap when you get home. Some patients do experience shortness of breath after treatment. If this happens, please alert your nurse or technician before you leave as it could be the sign of something that requires immediate medical attention.<\/p>\n
But remember \u2014 not every patient will experience low blood pressure. It\u2019s not uncommon for a new patient to feel great, too!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>What happens if I do not run my whole dialysis treatment time? <\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\nIt would be best to stay for the recommended time at one of our\u202fin-center dialysis<\/a>\u202ftreatment clinics. Remember, healthy kidneys work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many dialysis treatments last about four hours and are done three times per week. Every minute on treatment is important to and for your health. Shortening your treatment time may cause you to feel sick or may result in the need for hospitalization.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>What happens if I miss a treatment? <\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\nIt is extremely important to attend all of your scheduled dialysis treatments since each treatment removes waste and excess fluid from your blood. Fluid buildup from missed treatments can have lasting negative effects, including causing heart damage, increasing blood pressure and increasing the risk of stroke or heart attack. Extra fluid may also make you feel short of breath.<\/p>\n
Additionally, missing dialysis treatments reduces the number of wastes that are removed from your blood, which can leave you feeling weak and tired, and can make you more susceptible to infection or put you at risk for hospitalization. Missing dialysis treatments can also mean you\u2019re missing doses of medications you would normally receive during kidney treatment for your\u202fCKD<\/a>. These medications are important to your health, whether they treat common ailments found in patients with ESRD, like anemia or bone disease, or help manage other conditions.<\/p>\nDialysis also helps regulate electrolytes and minerals \u2013 such as sodium, potassium and phosphorus \u2013 that the body needs to keep all systems running correctly. Too much or too little of any of these nutrients can cause serious health problems.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>What am I allowed\/able to eat? <\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\nThere are a variety of tasty, healthy foods that are part of the complex ESRD diet. Your renal dietitian will work with you to develop a diet that works for you. In fact, our renal dietitians are able to provide you with a grocery list the first time you meet to help you more effectively plan your renal-friendly meals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
Whether you\u2019re new to dialysis or have new questions, we\u2019re here to help. These are some of the most frequently asked questions we hear.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/span><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>How will I feel during and after my dialysis treatments? <\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\nDuring\u202fdialysis treatments<\/a>, it\u2019s possible to experience low blood pressure since it\u2019s often your body\u2019s reaction when it senses that fluid is being removed. This might make you feel flushed, hot, lightheaded or nauseated. Additionally, you may feel cold during treatment, so it is a good idea to bring warm, comfortable clothing. We do everything we can at our\u202flocal dialysis facilities\u202f<\/a>to try to make you as comfortable as possible during treatment.<\/p>\nAfter treatment, you may feel tired or weak. This is very common and should improve with time as you adjust to your dialysis treatments. If possible, try to take a nap when you get home. Some patients do experience shortness of breath after treatment. If this happens, please alert your nurse or technician before you leave as it could be the sign of something that requires immediate medical attention.<\/p>\n
But remember \u2014 not every patient will experience low blood pressure. It\u2019s not uncommon for a new patient to feel great, too!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>What happens if I do not run my whole dialysis treatment time? <\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\nIt would be best to stay for the recommended time at one of our\u202fin-center dialysis<\/a>\u202ftreatment clinics. Remember, healthy kidneys work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many dialysis treatments last about four hours and are done three times per week. Every minute on treatment is important to and for your health. Shortening your treatment time may cause you to feel sick or may result in the need for hospitalization.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>What happens if I miss a treatment? <\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\nIt is extremely important to attend all of your scheduled dialysis treatments since each treatment removes waste and excess fluid from your blood. Fluid buildup from missed treatments can have lasting negative effects, including causing heart damage, increasing blood pressure and increasing the risk of stroke or heart attack. Extra fluid may also make you feel short of breath.<\/p>\n
Additionally, missing dialysis treatments reduces the number of wastes that are removed from your blood, which can leave you feeling weak and tired, and can make you more susceptible to infection or put you at risk for hospitalization. Missing dialysis treatments can also mean you\u2019re missing doses of medications you would normally receive during kidney treatment for your\u202fCKD<\/a>. These medications are important to your health, whether they treat common ailments found in patients with ESRD, like anemia or bone disease, or help manage other conditions.<\/p>\nDialysis also helps regulate electrolytes and minerals \u2013 such as sodium, potassium and phosphorus \u2013 that the body needs to keep all systems running correctly. Too much or too little of any of these nutrients can cause serious health problems.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>What am I allowed\/able to eat? <\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>\nThere are a variety of tasty, healthy foods that are part of the complex ESRD diet. Your renal dietitian will work with you to develop a diet that works for you. In fact, our renal dietitians are able to provide you with a grocery list the first time you meet to help you more effectively plan your renal-friendly meals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>
During\u202fdialysis treatments<\/a>, it\u2019s possible to experience low blood pressure since it\u2019s often your body\u2019s reaction when it senses that fluid is being removed. This might make you feel flushed, hot, lightheaded or nauseated. Additionally, you may feel cold during treatment, so it is a good idea to bring warm, comfortable clothing. We do everything we can at our\u202flocal dialysis facilities\u202f<\/a>to try to make you as comfortable as possible during treatment.<\/p>\n After treatment, you may feel tired or weak. This is very common and should improve with time as you adjust to your dialysis treatments. If possible, try to take a nap when you get home. Some patients do experience shortness of breath after treatment. If this happens, please alert your nurse or technician before you leave as it could be the sign of something that requires immediate medical attention.<\/p>\n But remember \u2014 not every patient will experience low blood pressure. It\u2019s not uncommon for a new patient to feel great, too!<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> It would be best to stay for the recommended time at one of our\u202fin-center dialysis<\/a>\u202ftreatment clinics. Remember, healthy kidneys work 24 hours a day, 7 days a week. Many dialysis treatments last about four hours and are done three times per week. Every minute on treatment is important to and for your health. Shortening your treatment time may cause you to feel sick or may result in the need for hospitalization.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> It is extremely important to attend all of your scheduled dialysis treatments since each treatment removes waste and excess fluid from your blood. Fluid buildup from missed treatments can have lasting negative effects, including causing heart damage, increasing blood pressure and increasing the risk of stroke or heart attack. Extra fluid may also make you feel short of breath.<\/p>\n Additionally, missing dialysis treatments reduces the number of wastes that are removed from your blood, which can leave you feeling weak and tired, and can make you more susceptible to infection or put you at risk for hospitalization. Missing dialysis treatments can also mean you\u2019re missing doses of medications you would normally receive during kidney treatment for your\u202fCKD<\/a>. These medications are important to your health, whether they treat common ailments found in patients with ESRD, like anemia or bone disease, or help manage other conditions.<\/p>\n Dialysis also helps regulate electrolytes and minerals \u2013 such as sodium, potassium and phosphorus \u2013 that the body needs to keep all systems running correctly. Too much or too little of any of these nutrients can cause serious health problems.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div> There are a variety of tasty, healthy foods that are part of the complex ESRD diet. Your renal dietitian will work with you to develop a diet that works for you. In fact, our renal dietitians are able to provide you with a grocery list the first time you meet to help you more effectively plan your renal-friendly meals.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/i><\/i><\/span>What happens if I do not run my whole dialysis treatment time? <\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>What happens if I miss a treatment? <\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>
<\/i><\/i><\/span>What am I allowed\/able to eat? <\/span><\/a><\/h4><\/div>