End-Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) is the most advanced stage of chronic kidney disease, during which the kidneys have nearly all function ceased and can no longer filter waste products from blood. At this stage, a kidney transplant or dialysis becomes mandatory in order to live. While understanding dialysis options may be overwhelming at first, facing ESRD decisively aids in making well informed decisions.
Patients starting their dialysis journey receive full support and direction from staff at Southern Oklahoma Kidney Center. We have prepared this guide with the aim of enabling all patients, whether recently diagnosed or already at this stage in their condition, to understand their choices regarding structured guidance and support at different stages.
What Is Dialysis?
Dialysis is a therapy that supplant the kidney’s work by eliminating wastes, toxins and fluids from excess water within one’s system. Managing End-stage renal disease stemmed two major types of dialyses:
- Hemodialysis
- Peritoneal Dialysis
Selection for each type depends on medical conditions as well as personal values and preferences of every patient. The specialists working together with each person enable selection of the most suitable treatment path.
Hemodialysis: A Common Choice
It is important to note that hemodialysis remains the most frequently utilized method across diverse groups globally. In this method there are combination systems including a dialysis machine along with specialized filters termed as dialyzer which not only cleanses blood but also performs circulation too.”
Most commonly performed at a dialysis facility, the procedure takes place three times a week. Each encounter is around 3 to 5 hours in duration. Blood is drawn, filtered using advanced techniques, then returned to the body. The webpage on hypertension and kidney disease has stated that patients suffering with high blood pressure usually tend to improve with properly managed hemodialysis because it controls excess fluid and blood pressure.
Peritoneal Dialysis: Flexibility at Home
Peritoneal dialysis includes utilization of the abdominal cavity’s lining as a filter for blood consequently within one’s body. Cleansing fluid is infused into the abdomen via a catheter and drained later containing waste material.
There are two types:
- Continuous Ambulatory Peritoneal Dialysis (CAPD) – manual completion multiple times a day
- Automated Peritoneal Dialysis (APD) – weekly per session nightly machine-assisted draining
Dialysis Pagina 2 in contrast to hemodialysis offers greater flexibility allowing mobility even during traveling or being located in other geographical areas. For many patients, this form of renal replacement therapy enhances their well-being when compared to hemodialysis done in the centers.
Making the Right Choice
The decision regarding a dialysis method is personal and based on:
- Your daily activities and employment
- Your capacity for caregiving at home
- Coexisting medical illnesses, including diabetes or cardiovascular diseases.
Reviewing the Diabetes Management Plan outlines how effective diabetes control impacts the planning of dialysis, particularly in case of considering peritoneal dialysis.
SouthernOKC has shown that actively involving patients in managing their End-Stage Renal Disease enhances its management. The OKC team offers comprehensive education and training along with psychosocial support to help patients through this stage.
Preoperative Preparation for Dialysis Access
In order to conduct hemodialysis, a vascular access point is mandatory and often takes the form of an arteriovenous (AV) fistula or graft. For peritoneal dialysis, an abdominal catheter insertion is done.
Prior planning assists in achieving better outcomes while minimizing complications. Early intervention strategies are discussed on the Kidney Disease & Anemia page, where prevention is emphasized.
Looking Ahead: Considering Kidney Transplant
Although hemodialysis remains a life sustaining option, some patients might later seek other options like renal transplants which have made life easier for some because of its associated freedom. It’s important to note that this option does come with great responsibilities post surgery, thus limiting its use for everyone. While this remains a remarkable solution for better long term health after initial recovery period following transplantation, it continues to be a far second to quality of life offered by dialysis for patients suffering from End-Stage Renal Disease.
Though it may feel daunting, managing End-Stage Renal Disease is possible with professional assistance. Southern OKC offers specialized care that includes comprehensive patient education, personalized support, and the latest advancements in dialysis technology.
For you or a loved one transitioning to this stage, contact Southern Oklahoma Kidney Center to discuss all possible treatment pathways and empower yourself in managing your kidney health.
