Dialysis is common for people in renal failure stage. Dialysis is not simple
as you imagine and here are top 10 dialysis facts you need to know.
1. Usually, when your GFR is less than 15, you are the candidate of
dialysis.
2. Once you start dialysis, it is hard to stop it for most patients build
dependence on it. However, it doesn’t mean, you can not get rid of dialysis
forever. Some treatments, such herbs and Immunotherapy can improve kidney
functions which help patients discontinue dialysis.
3. Dialysis is divided into two types: hemodialysis and peritoneal
dialysis.
4. Dialysis treatment shows many side effects, such as infection, hernias,
bloating and weight again, low blood pressure, muscle cramps, itching, poor
sexual performance, rapid heartbeat, weakness and shock etc.
5. Dialysis can not cure your kidney disease for it only use as a temporary
replacement to remove the toxins. But it can not help any patients to repair
their kidneys.
6. Dialysis can not replace whole functions of kidneys. It only takes place
the function to filter the wastes out of the body. Kidneys have many other
functions which dialysis fails to perform, such as regulate the blood volume,
keep balance of electrolyte, secrete necessary endocrine etc.
7. Dialysis is not only used in the patients with end stage of renal failure.
For patients with serious symptoms or complication, who have not stepped into
end stage, dialysis is also suggested.
8. Each type of dialysis has advantages and disadvantages. Patients can often
choose the type of long term dialysis that best matches their needs.
9. Dialysis patients can take some mild exercise, such as walking, jogging,
tai chi etc.
10. Usually patients become weaker after dialysis, this is because dialysis
is not the real kidneys, after all, so it can not distinguish the waste and
nutrition substance. As a result, many necessary materials, such as mineral
matter, will be filtered out together with toxins.
Endless dialysis prolongs patient’s lifespan at great expense in finance and
in life. Thereby, alternatives to dialysis should be considered. As long as the
alternatives treatments can improve your kidney function to higher than 15% of
renal functions, you have the chance to stop dialysis.
