How Its Done

Having dialysis

There are 2 types of dialysis:

• haemodialysis - where your blood is filtered by a machine
• peritoneal dialysis - where your blood is filtered by passing it through the natural lining inside your tummy (abdomen)

Your care team can discuss with you which type is the most suitable for you.

Haemodialysis

During haemodialysis, a dialysis machine is attached to a blood vessel using a thin tube. Your blood flows into the machine and is cleaned before flowing back into your body.

Around 10 weeks before starting treatment, you'll need a procedure to join an artery and a vein together to make a new blood vessel for the machine to attach to (usually in the inside of your arm, on your wrist or elbow). This is called an AVF (arteriovenous fistula).

The procedure is usually done under local anaesthetic and takes about an hour.

When the AVF is ready, you usually need to go to a local hospital or dialysis unit for haemodialysis. Each session takes around 4 hours. Most people need 3 sessions a week.

You may have the option of having dialysis equipment installed at home. Your care team can give you more information about home haemodialysis.

Peritoneal dialysis

During peritoneal dialysis, a special dialysis fluid flows from a bag into your tummy through a flexible tube called a catheter.

While it's inside you, the fluid absorbs waste products from your body. After a few hours, the fluid is drained into a separate collection bag.

About 2 weeks before treatment begins, you'll need a procedure to put the catheter into your tummy (abdomen). This takes about an hour and can be done under general anaesthetic (you're asleep during the operation), or local anaesthetic (medicines are used to numb your tummy).

When you're ready to start peritoneal dialysis, you can usually do it yourself at home. A nurse will show you how to do it.

You need to do peritoneal dialysis every day. Your care team will help you draw up a treatment schedule.

After a dialysis session

Both haemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis can leave you feeling tired and sick after a session.

Haemodialysis can also cause muscle cramps and dizziness during or shortly after a session.

Talk to your care team if you find these side effects are a problem as they may be able to help.

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