Question 1

how does dialysis work? what is it needed for?

Accepted Answer

Removes waste, fluid: Dialysis takes over two important functions of the kidney: removing waste products &amp; removing excess fluid. There are two basic techniques: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. In hemodialysis, blood is removed from the body, circulated through a filter much like an oil filter, and returned to the blood stream. Peritoneal dialysis uses the peritoneal membrane in the abdomen.

Question 2

once i start dialysis will i have to quit work?

Accepted Answer

Work on dialysis: Many patients on dialysis continue to work full time.The biggest obstacle tends to be the time spent doing dialysis, with schedules that can be fairly rigid.  However now hemodialysis treatments can be done at home, or overnight in some centers, and cycled peritoneal dialysis can be done overnight at home.  Your underlying medical condition is also a big factor in determining your ability to work.

Question 3

i would like help -- how dialysis work and why do we need it?

Accepted Answer

Dialysis machine: The purpose of a dialysis machine (D) and the artificial kidney (A) used on it is to replace the function of the kidneys of an end stage renal disease kidney patient which do not work. The A filters the blood of the patient removing waste products and water the diseased kidneys of the patient cannot do. This prevents the patient dying of kidney failure. The D does not affect the patient's kidneys.

Question 4

how can  a dialysis machine work?

Accepted Answer

Filter, toxins: Dialysis  does the work of kidney- removing fluids andtoxins. Blood  from the patient flows on one side of the chamber and the dialysate solution which contains the optimal concentration of electrolytes on other side of the chamber. Electrolytes move along the concentration gradient, so toxins which are high in the blood, goes to the dialysate solution.

Question 5

what is a home dialysis unit and how does it work?

Accepted Answer

2 kinds: One is for hemodialysis, a simpler form of the machine available in dialysis units where the patient &/or family member is trained to connect via IV line or graft to clean blood.

Another is for peritoneal dialysis which connects via abdominal tube to instill liquid in abdomen and take it back, along with waste, in a periodic fashion during sleep. Training and monitoring are easier for this one.

Question 6

how does kidney dialysis work?

Accepted Answer

Filters blood.: It's a complicated process, but basically dialysis involves a filter called a dialyzer that the patient's blood passes through.  Potentially harmful molecules in the blood are diffused across the filter membrane and eliminated as waste.  Dialysis replaces some of the function of normal kidneys, but not all.  It is better to stay healthy and prevent the need for dialysis if possible.

Question 7

how does peritoneal dialysis work?

Accepted Answer

Cleans blood: Fluid is infused into the abdomen. The fluid is separated from the abdominal organs by the peritoneal membrane. Toxins that build up in the blood will diffuse through the membrane into the fluid. This fluid is then drained from belly and that is how toxins are removed from your body.

Question 8

why does kidney dialysis only work for a certain time?

Accepted Answer

Duration of dialysis: The limits of kidney dialysis are due to dialysis access issues, inflammation from artificial membrane exposure, exposure to toxic medications to control the metabolic effects of kidney disease, and the complications of kidney failure that dialysis cannot totallyprevent, like cardiovascular disease, calcium, phosphorus vitamin d and PTH abnormalities, and peripheral or autonomic nerve damage.

Question 9

can i live as normal lifestyle while on kidney dialysis with work, family, vacations etc.?

Accepted Answer

Close to it: Adjustments in your lifestyle will occur if you begin dialysis.  However with enough preparation and coordiantion wth your doctor, social worker, and family, then you can still work and go on vacations with your family.  If you control over these idssues, then you may consider home hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.

Question 10

how does kidney dialysis machine work?

Accepted Answer

Dialysis machine: The purpose of a dialysis machine (d) and the artificial kidney (a) used on it is to replace the function of the kidneys of a end stage renal disease kidney patient which do not work. The a filters the blood of the patient removing waste products and water the diseased kidneys of the patient cannot do. This prevents the patient dying of kidney failure.

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How does dialysis work? what is it needed for?

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Once i start dialysis will i have to quit work?

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I would like help -- how dialysis work and why do we need it?

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How can a dialysis machine work?

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What is a home dialysis unit and how does it work?

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How does kidney dialysis work?

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How does peritoneal dialysis work?

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Why does kidney dialysis only work for a certain time?

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Can i live as normal lifestyle while on kidney dialysis with work, family, vacations etc.?

A member asked:

How does kidney dialysis machine work?

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