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Dialysis removes the waste
products and excess fluid which build up in your body because
your kidneys aren't working. It uses a membrane as a filter
and a solution -- called, "dialysate" -- which is
designed to balance the fluids, salts and minerals in your bloodstream.
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In haemodialysis, blood is
redirected out of your body and through an artificial kidney
machine. Within the machine it passes by an artificial membrane
which has tiny holes of various sizes in it. On the other side
of the membrane is the dialysate. This draws the waste products,
and excess fluid and other substances, out of your bloodstream
-- to clean it. |
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To use a kidney machine you
have to have an small operation so you can be connected to the
machine and be able to pass your blood into it along plastic
tubes called "dialysis lines". There are three ways
of doing this. |
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The Fistula method involves
joining a vein and an artery just below your skin, usually in
the forearm. This makes the vein swell and allows needles to
be inserted and removed after each treatment. Only a small scar
and swelling can be seen between treatments. |
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The Sub-Clavian Cannula method
involves the insertion of a soft plastic tube under your collar
bone. It protrudes from the skin and is fitted with a cap when
not being used. |
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The Shunt method is a semi-permanent
artificial connection between you and the machine. Both a vein
and artery in your arm or leg are fitted with a connector which
lies exposed on the surface of your skin. Again, the ends of
the connector are capped off when not in use. |
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At first you will be treated
and taught about haemodialysis in a renal unit at large hospital.
If you have little room at home, or have no one to look after
you, or if you need medical supervision while dialysing, you
will probably continue to be treated in hospital. But, if your
doctors and other health-carers, agree -- and you want to --
you may be offered the facilities to dialyse at home. |
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Or you may be treated in a
satellite, or minimal-care, unit nearer your home. These are
offered to patients who are in good health and do not always
need the services and care available at the main renal unit
when dialysing. |
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Once you get the knack of inserting
needles, dialysis is not painful, although you may find it uncomfortable
at times. |
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Haemodialysis is not the sole
treatment for your kidney failure. You will have to watch your
diet and your doctor may prescribe drugs, vitamins and mineral
supplements to help keep you well. |
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