If you are facing kidney failure or waiting for a kidney transplant, dialysis may be the best option for you. Although it may not permanently postpone the inevitable, it can significantly improve and lengthen your life until a suitable transplant can be found. However, dialysis can wear down both you and your loved ones. It’s important to be informed about whether you will thrive more fully in a dialysis clinic or performing the procedure on your own in the comfort of your home.
Types of Dialysis
There are two kinds of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Of the two, peritoneal is less difficult, rigorous, and demanding. It utilizes the tissue in the abdomen, combined with a solution called dialysate, as a sort of fake kidney. The dialysate attracts all the extra fluid and waste of the blood into the abdomen, from which it is emptied into an appropriate receptacle. Hemodialysis, on the other hand, uses a machine as an artificial kidney. The blood is sent out of the body, into the machine, filtered, and then sent back into the body.
Neither is necessarily the best option; it is largely dependent on a variety of circumstances. Your nephrologist (kidney specialist) will help you figure out what is best for you. Additionally, the choice of options will influence whether you choose in-home dialysis or to receive your treatments at a dialysis clinic. Peritoneal dialysis is done almost exclusively at home. Hemodialysis is more commonly performed in a clinic, but it can be done at home—as long as you are prepared to have the appropriate machine and supplies brought in.
In-Home Dialysis Candidates
One of the most important aspects of whether or not in-home dialysis is appropriate for you is your ability to manage it. If you do not have the dexterity and strength to perform these routines consistently, it will be necessary for a loved one or caretaker to be prepared to help you perform them. You will still have to go see the doctor on a regularly basis, but you don’t have to spend up to 12 hours a week with a nephrologist technician or nurse. Your body may respond better to treatments six days a week, as opposed to every other day.
Benefits of In-Home Dialysis
Performing dialysis—either type—from home is often the best option. It provides an already sick patient less exposure to infections, while granting increased liberties for work, travel, and many other aspects of life that can be hindered by the constant need to suit your schedule to be able to visit a dialysis clinic. Additionally, you can find out the most effective frequency and duration of treatments for your body, rather than fitting into a predefined time slot. In-home dialysis offers more flexibility for those who are able to perform it.
Risks of In-Home Dialysis
If you fail to hold yourself to the right schedule, it may be better to be required to go to a clinic. Financially, it can cost more than using a dialysis center, particularly when it comes to utility bills. The machine and supplies may take up a lot of space. Most importantly, if you are incapable of performing the procedure yourself and do not have a responsible caretaker to assist you, in-home dialysis is probably not a good option.
