Hemodialysis Education Toolkit

What is Hemodialysis?

This is a treatment for kidney failure. Normally, the kidneys filter blood, remove waste, and remove excess salt and water. Kidney failure, also called "end-stage kidney disease," is when the kidneys mostly or completely stop working. With hemodialysis, a machine takes over the job of the kidneys. Blood is pumped from the body, filtered through a dialysis machine, and then returned to the body.

Treatment Schedule

At least 3 times per week.
Each session lasts 3.5 to 5 hours (in-center) or 3 to 10 hours (at home).
Consistent timing is important for best results.

Benefits

Removes waste products
Controls blood pressure
Maintains fluid balance
Improves quality of life

Vascular Access

Before starting hemodialysis, a surgeon creates an "access," which is a site where blood can be removed and returned to your body. The three main types are AV Fistula (most common), AV Graft, and Central Venous Catheter. Proper care of your access is crucial to prevent complications like infection, clotting, or bleeding.

Preparing for Dialysis

You need to start preparing at least a few months before you begin hemodialysis. This includes choosing a location (center or home) and getting a vascular access created, as it needs time to heal.

Before Each Session

Take prescribed medications as directed.
Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothing.
Bring entertainment (books, music, tablet).
Arrive on time for your appointment.
Wash your access arm daily and before treatment.

What to Avoid

Excessive fluid intake between sessions.
High-sodium, high-potassium, high-phosphorus foods.
Skipping medications or dialysis sessions.
Wearing tight clothes or jewelry on your access arm.
Letting anyone take blood pressure or draw blood from your access arm.

The Dialysis Process

1

Initial Assessment

Weight measurement, vital signs check, and access site examination.

2

Connection

Sterile connection to the dialysis machine through your access. If you have a fistula or graft, two needles will be inserted.

3

Treatment

Blood is pumped from your body, filtered through the dialyzer, and then returned. This lasts for 3 to 10 hours depending on your schedule.

4

Completion

Safe disconnection, needles removed, final weight check, and post-treatment assessment.

Recommended Foods

Proteins: Fish, chicken, eggs, lean meat.
Vegetables: Cabbage, cauliflower, cucumber, onions.
Fruits: Apples, berries, grapes (in moderation).

Foods to Limit

High Potassium: Bananas, oranges, potatoes, tomatoes.
High Phosphorus: Dairy products, nuts, cola drinks.
High Sodium: Processed foods, canned soups, pickles.

Fluid Management

Monitor daily fluid intake. Limit to prescribed amount (usually 1-1.5 liters per day). Include all liquids: water, tea, coffee, soups, and foods that melt at room temperature.

Potential Complications & Management

Low Blood Pressure

May cause dizziness, nausea, or cramping. Management: Limit fluid intake, follow diet restrictions.

Access Site Issues

Infection, clotting, or bleeding. Management: Keep clean, report changes immediately.

Muscle Cramps

Common during or after treatment. Management: Gentle stretching, proper fluid balance.

Fatigue

Tiredness after treatment sessions. Management: Rest, proper nutrition, gradual activity.

When to Seek Emergency Help

Severe chest pain or difficulty breathing.
Signs of access site infection (fever, redness, warmth, pus).
Bleeding from your access that won't stop with 20 mins of pressure.
You don't feel a vibration ("thrill") in your fistula or graft.

eGFR & CKD Stage Calculator

Age

Gender

Serum Creatinine (mg/dL)

Symptom Assessment

Rate the severity of your symptoms. All symptoms in 'Severe' may indicate a recommendation to start dialysis, pending a full medical evaluation.