Frequently Asked Questions

1. Which doctor should I see if I need Dialysis?

A Nephrologist or a Physician with interest in kidney diseases. Nephrologist is a physician, whereas if surgery is necessary a surgeon performs it and this usually is a urologist.

2. When should I start the process to get a kidney transplant?

If your kidneys are failing, a kidney transplant may be a treatment option for you. The balance of risks and benefits varies, though, depending on your age and other health problems. If you want a kidney transplant, you must contact a transplant center and ask for a transplant evaluation. It is not automatic. Only a transplant team can tell you that you are definitely eligible (or not eligible) for a transplant. You can contact one or more transplant centers and start to be evaluated when it seems likely that you will need dialysis within two to three years. Most kidney transplants are successful - more than 90% of transplants are still working one year later. Recent studies have found that the odds of good results are somewhat better with a "preemptive" transplant, done before dialysis is needed. Preemptive transplant requires a willing living kidney donor-probably a relative, spouse or friend.

3. Which type of dialysis is better?

Both hemodialysis and CAPD have its advantages and disadvantages. These are as follows:

With hemodialysis one has top travel to a hospital for the procedure on an average three to four time a week and stay for at least 6 to 8 hrs during the dialysis, whereas with CAPD this can be done safely at home. However one has to do it daily and three to four times in a day the fluid exchange has to take place using sterile precautions. It also means having to store a supply of CAPD fluid boxes at home.
In hemodialysis there is a necessity to prick the skin with two needles each time you go for the dialysis where with CAPD this is not the case.
With CAPD because it is done daily the fluid and food restrictions are a little less rigorous compared to hemodialysis where the restrictions are more.

Both type of dialysis has also personal preferences. It is best to talk to a few patients in the dialysis unit and discuss the procedure before committing to any one in particular. However one must remember they are both equally effective.

4. I put on weight between hemodialysis - what is the reason?

Putting on weight between dialysis is not unusual, this is due to the kidneys not excreting fluid. It is also due to drinking fluids. You should only drink the restricted amount of fluid that is allowed. Usually the dialysis unit advises this.

5. Is it dangerous to skip dialysis?

Yes, this can lead to fluid overload and accumulation of waste products in the body. This can lead to breathing problems due to a serious condition called pulmonary edema where fluid gets accumulated in the lungs.

6. Should I report immediately if there is pus at the exit site of my catheter?

Yes this can cause serious infection of the peritoneal cavity and if not taken care of immediately.

Published on Mar 12, 2016
Last Updated on Oct 11, 2019

Jean_George123 Thursday, April 27, 2017

This is an informative article. I have gone through the kidney dialysis. The life span of dialysis patients differ significantly from case to case. There are other cases also where the dialysis patients reported to live for more than 19 years. So it depends on individual to individual. I would recommend davita dot com, they are no.1 Kidney treatment specialist in Bangalore and I have got my kidney transplant from Davita center in Bangalore.

smr72 Monday, November 26, 2012

My husband is On dialysis machine for 5hours 3 days out the week an every time he is On he complains about his head hurt really bad like it is about to explode. My question is why is it whn he gets off he is have these severe headache. He is On blood presure medication an takes thm like he is suppose to an all he other medication too but still has the severe headaches an he dont understand why he b having thm now they hav gotton to the point that whn he is On the machine his head hurts an he wont sit the whole session any more. Please help us understand why this is happening. Thank you!

rvhanne716 Tuesday, November 6, 2012

Hi, My father on Dilaysis from last 08 months,Can i get details where I get Dilasys facilities on low cost in Pimpri Chinchwad area in Pune city 07709000109

anne_battad Sunday, October 14, 2012

My brother is on a dialysis and have a problem on his existing left arm fistula because of a thrombosis. Their was an advice that it should be tranfer to the right arm. My question is - is it possible to use that left arm fistula again in the near future?

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koko100 Tuesday, October 9, 2012

I'm hooked up every night for nine hours on dialysis. I get 60,000IU of procrit a week. They just put me on steriods 30 mil. a day. I'm still tired, what do I need to do to feel better?

shaka Tuesday, October 9, 2012

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