Hemodialysis is a treatment option that uses a special
machine and tubing to carry blood to a filter, called a dialyzer,
where toxins and fluid are removed, then returned to the patient
in a three to four hour treatment, three days each week. Munson Dialysis Center is a fifteen-unit clinic offering
hemodialysis six days a week. Treatments are scheduled in advance
by the unit. It is the patient's responsibility to arrive at the
unit for scheduled treatments. Health
Ride may also be available to assist in transportation needs.
Patients are weighed before and after dialysis sessions
to determine how much fluid was gained since the last treatment,
and how much fluid was removed during dialysis. For comfort, patients
sit in a recliner chair with a pillow and blanket. Each chair
has an individual television set and talking books are also available.
Visitors are also allowed to keep the patient company.
During treatment, our trained staff of nurses and
technicians monitor blood pressure often. Medications are given
and lab tests are frequently performed. Hemodialysis is generally
a comfortable treatment. Occasionally some patients may experience
low blood pressure, nausea, vomiting, headache, dizziness, or
muscle cramping. The staff is able to help with those problems.
Most dialysis patients feel tired after their treatments, but
are able to return to their usual routines by the next day. It
is important to continue with prescribed medications, along with
following dietary and fluid guidelines even while on dialysis.
For hemodialysis to work, there must be a safe way
to remove blood from the body, then return it after the blood
has gone through the dialyzer. This is called an access. There
are three ways to do this: a natural arterio-venous (AV) fistula,
a synthetic gortex graft, and an implanted catheter. All three
methods are surgical procedures that create a dialysis access.
Our staff uses special needles and tubing to use a patients access.
Patients will learn to take good care of their access, as it is
their lifeline.
You should be aware of the pros and cons of hemodialysis
before making your decision. Some of the factors to consider are
listed below:
In-Unit Hemodialysis
Advantages
Trained professionals provide your treatment
You may participate and do some of the treatment
yourself
Treatment is usually three times a week, not
daily
No equipment or supplies at home
Regular contact with other patients
Disadvantages
You must travel to unit for treatment
You must be connected to a machine or device
You must adhere to schedule provided by Dialysis
Unit
Hemodialysis usually requires more diet and fluid
restrictions
Needles are required
Risk of blood-transmitted infections is higher
Home Hemodialysis
Advantages
You can do procedure yourself with the assistance
of a partner
You use your own machine
No traveling to treatment
You can dialysize at convenient hours
Medicare reimbursement begins the day you
begin training, if eligible for Social Security
Disadvantages
A partner is required
May cause additional stress if partner is a family
member
You must be connected to a machine or device
Equipment and supplies stored in the home
Hemodialysis usually requires more diet and fluid
restrictions
Needles are required
Training period lasts six to eight weeks
If you are a Munson Healthcare patient and have a compliment,
concern, or complaint, please contact one of our Patient
Liaisons.
