Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is one kind of dialysis. It uses a machine that holds a filter called a dialyzer. As blood flows through the dialyzer, waste is removed and fluid and chemicals are balanced. Hemodialysis treatments are usually done at a special dialysis center. In some cases, treatments may be done at home.
How Hemodialysis Is Done
Two needles are inserted into a blood vessel (called an access), usually in your arm. Each needle is attached to a tube. One tube carries your blood into the dialyzer, where it is cleaned. Clean blood returns to your body through a second tube and needle.
Problems to Watch For
Call your nurse or dialysis technician if you have any of these symptoms during or after treatment:
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Chest pain
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Bleeding from the needle site
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Shortness of breath
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Fever or chills
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Headache or lightheadedness
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Nausea or vomiting
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Itching
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Muscle cramps
Your Experience
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Hemodialysis usually takes about
3-5 hours. It is usually done3 times a week. -
You’ll have a regular schedule for your hemodialysis. Many centers have evening and weekend hours as well as weekday hours to help you continue working.
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A trained nurse or technician connects you to the dialysis machine. He or she watches for problems and makes sure you are comfortable.
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During treatment, only a small amount of blood (about
1 cup) is out of your body at any one time. -
During or after your first few treatments, you may have a headache, muscle cramps, or feel nauseated. These should decrease as your body gets used to the treatments.
