Fluid restriction is one of the biggest patient complaints associated with dialysis. After in-center dialysis treatment, patients often say they have an overwhelming thirst, which may force them to drink more and gain even more weight before their next treatment. It's a vicious downward spiral. In addition, dialysis patients generally need to follow strict dietary restrictions to limit the amount of toxins, electrolytes, and fluids they retain.
Here's how daily, more frequent home hemodialysis is different:
Daily, more frequent home hemodialysis patients normally have less fluid and toxin build-up, as the blood is cleaned more frequently with the daily therapy. This may result in fewer restrictions in fluid intake and diet. Many daily, more frequent home hemodialysis patients also report that their appetite has improved and that food tastes good again as compared to when they were on in-center therapy.
Despite the health benefits that daily, more frequent home hemodialysis may provide to those with chronic kidney disease, this form of therapy is not for everyone. The reported benefits of daily, more frequent home hemodialysis may not be experienced by all patients. The risks associated with hemodialysis treatments in any environment include, but are not limited to, high blood pressure, fluid overload, low blood pressure, heart-related issues, and vascular access complications. The medical devices used in hemodialysis therapies may add additional risks including air entering the bloodstream, and blood loss due to clotting or accidental disconnection of the blood tubing set. Certain risks are unique to the home. Treatments at home are done without the presence of medical personnel and on-site technical support. Patients and their partners must be trained on what to do and how to get medical or technical help if needed.
To learn more about the responsibilities and risks of daily, more frequent home hemodialysis, please click on Responsibilities and Risks of Daily Home Hemodialysis, and talk to your doctor to see if daily, more frequent home hemodialysis with NxStage is right for you.
References
- NxStage Summary of Literature:
Benefits of Daily Dialysis booklet – Section Three: Fluid Overload - NxStage Summary of Literature:
Benefits of Daily Dialysis booklet – Section Seven: Malnutrition
