Damage to your kidneys is often permanent. It can be devastating to learn that your kidneys are damaged and that you are bound to live with the condition. While the damage cannot be corrected, you can take some steps to maintain your kidneys healthy for a long time. You can even prevent further deterioration of your kidneys by keeping a healthy weight, limiting alcohol, and controlling blood sugar if you have diabetes. You can also keep your organs healthy by maintaining healthy blood pressure.
Unfortunately, chronic kidney disease does not have a cure. Chronic kidney disease treatment entails measures to assist in controlling symptoms, slowing the progression of kidney disease, and reducing complications. The treatment is often based on the stage or severity of chronic kidney disease. Often, patients require dialysis or a kidney transplant to survive. Usually, most patients have questions about dialysis as they start the treatment because they are not conversant with the process.
If I have kidney disease, will I need dialysis?
The early stages of chronic kidney disease do not necessarily require dialysis. However, if your kidneys fail, you will need dialysis. You might also require a kidney transplant when your kidneys fail to function. Your doctor will examine you and recommend dialysis treatment when your kidneys have failed. The period it takes before starting dialysis will depend on the stage of chronic kidney disease and how fast the disease is progressing.
What are the types of dialysis?
Peritoneal and hemodialysis are the two types of dialysis for patients with kidney failure. The two types of dialysis require surgery to create an access point to enable the dialysis to be performed. The hemodialysis entails removing blood from your body, filtering and cleaning it with a machine that plays the role of a kidney. With peritoneal dialysis, a membrane located in your abdomen is used to filter excessive fluids and waste from the bloodstream.
Can I rely on dialysis for the rest of my life?
Patients who do not like a kidney transplant or do not get a donor can opt for dialysis for the rest of their lives. Notably, patients who undergo dialysis treatment enjoy a quality life. Surprisingly, some patients have been on dialysis for over three decades, and they are healthy. However, the time you can live on dialysis will be based on an array of factors, such as your attitude and health care.
Can I go on holiday?
You can still go on holiday while on dialysis treatment. However, you must make arrangements with your doctor before going on holiday. You need to consult your doctor at least two months in advance to make sure that you are fit to travel.
Some possible side effects of dialysis include itchy skin, fatigue, sepsis, cramping, and anxiety. But you should talk to your doctor when the consequences become severe. Since you have answers to some frequently asked questions about dialysis, you can confidently walk into a session. Similarly, you can make an informed decision to undergo dialysis.
