{"id":879,"date":"2024-09-19T19:23:50","date_gmt":"2024-09-19T19:23:50","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/innovativeren2.wpenginepowered.com\/patient\/?page_id=879"},"modified":"2024-09-26T12:47:48","modified_gmt":"2024-09-26T12:47:48","slug":"preparation","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/innovativerenal.com\/patient\/dialysis-treatment\/in-center-hemodialysis\/preparation\/","title":{"rendered":"Preparing For Dialysis"},"content":{"rendered":"

Preparing for Dialysis Treatment<\/h1><\/div>

If you\u2019re feeling anxious about your first dialysis treatment, you are not alone. It\u2019s normal to experience anxiety, apprehension, confusion, and worry.<\/p>\n

Knowing what to expect can alleviate unease and help you get comfortable with dialysis and your new routine.<\/p>\n

When preparing for dialysis, your nephrologist (kidney doctor) will help you understand your treatment options and choose the one that best suits your medical needs and lifestyle.<\/p>\n

Your care team<\/a>\u202fwill also guide and support you throughout your dialysis journey\u2014from here on out\u2014you will never have to manage your dialysis care alone.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

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Before Your First Appointment<\/h3>\n

You will need a minor surgical procedure to establish a vascular access site a few weeks or months before your first hemodialysis treatment.<\/p>\n

This brief procedure involves placing a catheter into a blood vessel. This allows large amounts of blood to flow continuously during dialysis treatments. This catheter, or thin plastic tube, is typically inserted into a vein in the arm, wrist, or hand and can be used long-term if cleaned and maintained correctly.<\/p>\n

At Innovative Renal Care, you can also request a facility tour before your first appointment to mentally prepare for dialysis treatments and familiarize yourself with your facility, staff, and equipment set-up.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div>

Adjusting to Your New Normal<\/h3>\n

Dialysis will feel disruptive at first. Adjusting your daily routine or creating a new one to re-establish a sense of normalcy is essential when preparing for dialysis.<\/p>\n

Anyone on dialysis will have good days and bad days. It will take your body a few weeks to adjust to dialysis treatments, dietary changes, and prescription medications.<\/p>\n

Dialysis is a lifesaving treatment to keep your body functioning, but it can affect your mental and emotional well-being. Be sure to assess your mental health regularly. The team at Innovative Renal Care can provide additional emotional and social support, guidance, and external resources to help you cope with the big life changes dialysis requires.<\/p>\n

You can live an active and rewarding life on dialysis. We can help.<\/p>\n<\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div><\/div>

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What to Expect at Your First Appointment<\/h2><\/div>

As you may know, in-center hemodialysis appointments require three or more hours of sitting in a dialysis chair. So, it\u2019s essential to:<\/p>\n