What Choices Are There for Dialysis?
Dialysis can be done in several different ways, including at home. Very often, the choice is not based on medical reasons, but on what fits best with your lifestyle. So it’s important to learn all you can before you make a decision.
· Peritoneal dialysis (PD) is a treatment that is portable, and you can do it on your own at home, at work, on the go. With PD, waste and extra water are removed through the blood vessels of the peritoneum in your abdomen.
o Peritoneal basics
o What to expect with PD
o A closer look at PD
· Hemodialysis in a center means going to a dialysis center, usually 3 times a week for several hours, where staff members will assist with your treatment. Waste and extra water are removed from your blood by a filter on a machine.
o About center hemodialysis
· Home hemodialysis is another way to have dialysis at home. It can keep you independent and has some special health benefits.
o Home hemodialysis basics
o What to expect with home hemodialysis
o Home hemodialysis with NxStage
§ If you choose hemodialysis, start with a fistula in place for better health and survival.
o What a fistula is and why it’s important
· Northwest Kidney Centers offers a free class, Choices, to help you learn more about dialysis and transplant and how to plan.
o About Choices class
o Class schedules and how to sign up
