Question 1

what is hemodialysis?

Accepted Answer

Hemodialysis: When kidneys are no longer able to filter the blood and make urine, this causes toxins to build up in the body along with excess fluid.  Hemodialysis is a therapy that filters waste, removes extra fluid and balances electrolytes. Blood is removed from the body and filtered through a man-made membrane  and then the filtered blood is returned to the body.

Question 2

why would i do daily home hemodialysis?

Accepted Answer

Easier on body: More frequent daily treatments make need to remove fluids less per treatment.

Question 3

what tests are performed before hemodialysis?

Accepted Answer

Kidney function: The decision to initiate dialysis usually is based on several factors. First laboratory testing can be performed to estimate the glomerular filtration rate.These include 24 urine collection for protein and creatinine clearance as well as complete blood. In addition clinical signs are taken into account such as the presence of swelling, poor appetite, weight loss, and decreased level of functioning.

Question 4

what does it feel like to undergo hemodialysis?

Accepted Answer

Mostly nothing: In normal circumstances, many patients can sleep through the proceedure, apart from some discomfort on starting when the needles have to be inserted into the vein. Sometimes when blood pressure goes low patients get unawareness and may have nausea. Some patients feel cold. Ingeneral the proceedure is well tolerated and patients are watching tv when awake.

Question 5

what occurs when someone undergoes hemodialysis?

Accepted Answer

See below: Hemo means blood, it is an artificial way of removing waste from the body, there is a artificial membrane/filter which allows the blood from your body to run against a special water solution and waste and excess electrolytes moves across to the water and is eliminated. It takes 3-4 hours 3 times a week in the centers to carry this out.

Question 6

what foods are good for person under hemodialysis?

Accepted Answer

A good: "old fashioned" "balanced" diet is usually recommended although in kidney failure some restriction of protein is sometimes recommended to decrease the frequency of dialysis treatments.
Hope this helps!
Dr Z

Question 7

where could i find recipes for hemodialysis diet ?

Accepted Answer

NIDDK resources: The national institute of diabetes & digestive & kidney diseases (part of the national institute of health) has an excellent and very readable resource packet, which includes references for many cookbooks, both online and printed.  Check out eat right to feel right on hemodialysis at: 
http://kidney.Niddk.Nih.Gov/kudiseases/pubs/eatright/index.Aspx.

Question 8

what is the difference between hemodialysis and crrt?

Accepted Answer

IHD vs CRRT: CRRT is a continuous form of hemodialysis used in critically ill patients who have kidney failure and unstable blood pressure.  What most people mean when they use the term "hemodialysis" is intermittent hemodialysis.  About 90% of dialysis patients in the U.S. get their blood cleansed and excess fluids removed by HD. Most get their treatment 3x per week and each session lasts 3-4 hrs.

Question 9

what is the purpose of "venous access on hemodialysis"?

Accepted Answer

See below: To perform hemodialysis blood needs to pass through a artificial kidney or membrane in a hemodialysis machine.A fairly large volume needs to pass trough the machine and recirculated back to the patient to be an efffective way to "clean" the blood of waste. A large vein needs to be canulated and a large size IV plastic tube needs to inserted into a vein in the neck or groin.

Question 10

will there be any medication changes with daily home hemodialysis?

Accepted Answer

Yes: You hope your medications for BP and possibly phosphate binders will be needed less.

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A member asked:

What is hemodialysis?

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Why would i do daily home hemodialysis?

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What tests are performed before hemodialysis?

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What does it feel like to undergo hemodialysis?

A member asked:

What occurs when someone undergoes hemodialysis?

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What foods are good for person under hemodialysis?

A member asked:

Where could i find recipes for hemodialysis diet ?

A member asked:

What is the difference between hemodialysis and crrt?

A member asked:

What is the purpose of "venous access on hemodialysis"?

A member asked:

Will there be any medication changes with daily home hemodialysis?

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