10/02/2018
HAEMODIALYSIS
What is Haemodialysis?
The dialysis machine is made up of a series of membranes that act as filters and a special liquid called dialysate.
The membranes filter waste products from your blood, which are passed into the dialysate fluid. The used dialysate fluid is pumped out of the dialyser and the filtered blood is passed back into your body through the second needle.
During your dialysis sessions, you will sit or lie on a couch, recliner or bed. You will be able to read, listen to music, watch tv, use a laptop, mobile phone or sleep.
HOSPITAL OR HOME ?
You can do hemodialysis at a hospital that has the required facilities or a satellite unit where a nurse performs the tasks required during treatment.
In Hospital haemodialysis is usually done three times a week for about three to four hours (not including travel times and set up) maybe longer for each session. Hospital dialysis is done in a slot (pre arranged time) and is normally the same 3 days at the same time continuously.
HOME
You can also do haemodialysis at home where you are the one doing your treatment.
At home, you may be better able to fit your treatments into your daily schedule and around your life.
Studies show that the more you know about your treatment and the more you do on your own, the better you are likely to do on dialysis.
At home the options are to do dialysis for less hours more times a week which is kinder on your heart and clears the toxins in your body more frequently and in many cases makes you feel a lot better.
Or to stick to your hospital days and hours but at a time thats best for you in the comfort of your own home and not having to leave the house.
Home dialysis gives you more freedom, if you want to go out to lunch with friends then do dialysis in the evening.
If you want to go away for the night? do dialysis early in the morning and get away.
To find out more about Home haemodialysis speak to your nurse or specialist at the unit to find out if you can be considered.
