Is hemodialysis always permanent in all patients?
NO, The kidney injury may be new (acute) or old (chronic). As kidney disease can be asymptomatic, sometimes patients may not know that the disease is old (chronic) and additional tests may be needed to assess if the kidney injury is new or old. In acute kidney injury, the kidney may recover and dialysis may be stopped once the kidneys can maintain normal parameters, however that is not possible in chronic kidney disease if severe enough to require dialysis.
Is dialysis uncomfortable or painful?
The procedure of accessing blood vessels in a fistula however may be felt like a pinprick briefly other than that the process is painless. Patients with catheters as access to hemodialysis, they do not feel pain or discomfort.
Can a person on Hemodialysis travel?
Yes, Patients on hemodialysis can travel. Patients going on a trip that lies within their scheduled dialysis day can easily travel, but patients who are going on a longer trip have to prepare beforehand. The dialysis center at the place of the visit has to be informed and a suitable slot has to be taken. Consulting nephrologists should be informed so that the necessary prescription is obtained. Some centers also require a set of investigations and foreign countries require some specific vaccination certificates as well.
Can a dialysis patient exercise and work?
Yes, all patients should exercise suitable to their level of fitness. The exercise should be graded. Persons with fistula also can exercise their fistula arms, heavy weight lifting has to be avoided especially just after hemodialysis. Light work is encouraged in patients undergoing dialysis. Work which is less strenuous and with a flexible schedule is preferable. It is recommended that 30 minutes of exercise is done at least 5 times a week.
Does a patient on dialysis need to regularly follow up with a nephrologist?
Yes, a patient on dialysis needs to follow up with a Nephrologist regularly to follow up for adequacy of dialysis treatment, Cardiovascular assessment, anemia evaluation, management of bone disease, Blood pressure control & general well being
