How to Prepare for Kidney Dialysis

Kidney dialysis is absolutely necessary for people with end-stage renal disease. Most people who prepare for dialysis are put on a waiting list for a transplant kidney. Dialysis makes living a normal life difficult; however, dialysis also means the difference between life and death.

Instructions

Difficulty: Challenging

Things You’ll Need:

• Tums

1. Have all your questions answered by your renal specialist, the hospital dietitian, the nursing staff and your social worker.
2. Talk to your social worker about transportation problems or financial difficulties. Medicare and Medicaid cover 100 percent of the cost of dialysis, plus transportation and even a phone line if you need it, in case a transplant call comes through for you.
3. Prepare for a fistula to be surgically inserted into your forearm. Refuse to let anyone take your blood pressure or draw your lab work from the arm that contains your fistula once it has been inserted.
4. Follow a renal diet. (See "How to Eat While On Dialysis.") Restrict your fluid intake. In many cases, this means no more than 1,000 cc or one quart of liquid a day.
5. Avoid all potassium, and take as many as five Tums a day to help increase your phosphorus and calcium levels. Check with your doctor first, though.
6. Prepare yourself for monthly blood work. You'll also have a series of four to six vaccinations against hepatitis B.
7. Check your fistula site every day. Place your hand above and below your fistula to feel a fluttery movement, called a thrill. If you don't feel movement, call your dialysis center.
8. Avoid lifting anything heavier than 25 pounds.

Tips & Warnings

• You will have to go to dialysis two to three times a week, for three to five hours each visit.
• You can eat, sleep, read or talk during dialysis.
• Once your doctor has told you that you must have dialysis, complying with the necessary dietary and fluid restrictions will help you to do better in dialysis. You will not live more than one month without dialysis - in some cases, not even two weeks. Never skip your dialysis.
• If you have any questions or concerns, contact a physician or other health care professional before engaging in any activity related to health and diet. This information is not intended as a substitute for professional medical advice or treatment.