Filtering blood is one of the major functions of your kidneys. However, a malfunction might cause the organs to be less effective, prompting you to go for dialysis. Dialysis can either be in-home dialysis or in-center dialysis. The type of treatment your doctor will recommend will depend on your preferences and the severity of the disease. For most Cypress home dialysis patients, the treatment entails thorough planning. For instance, you might need adequate space to store your equipment and someone to help you out during treatment.
What are the benefits of home dialysis over in-center dialysis?
Opting to have either home or center dialysis is a decision you should make with your doctor. The advantages of home dialysis include:
- You have more time to spend with your loved ones
- The treatment enhances autonomy and independence
- Easier keeping up with employment
- A more flexible treatment schedule
However, home dialysis is not suitable for everyone for various reasons. For instance, some dialysis patients might find the process challenging because of the following reasons:
- There is minimal contact with your healthcare provider during treatment
- The treatment socially isolates you since you will be the only patient
- At-home dialysis might stress caregivers, especially those that might need to assist your doctor during the treatment
- You may desire to separate your dialysis supplies and treatment, keeping them far from home
What other alternative treatments are you likely to have?
There are other alternative options your healthcare provider will likely recommend besides dialysis. For instance, the kidney specialist may suggest a kidney transplant as an alternative treatment, especially if you have an end-stage renal disease (ESRD). The major benefit of transplant dialysis is that you will have an extensive life expectancy with minimal complications. However, waiting might take long, prompting you to wait on a potentially extended queue before the procedure. Until then, your doctor might recommend dialysis. You may need to contact your healthcare professional earlier when you have chronic kidney disease (CKD) to discuss possible treatment options. The discussion will help you prepare for future uncertainties like needing an option to help address kidney failure.
What makes home dialysis different from in-center dialysis?
Though home dialysis is less common than in-center dialysis, it is gaining fame, thanks to its flexibility. You might not need to travel miles to go for dialysis. In-center dialysis dictates that you should schedule an appointment at least thrice a week for approximately four hours which might be challenging, especially if you go for the treatment to keep your job. Additionally, traveling for hours to get to a dialysis center might be hard if you live in a rural area. The convenience of in-home dialysis makes it easier for you to go for frequent visits for shorter periods any time, even at night, without necessarily driving several miles to a particular location. However, unlike dialysis in a center that only needs you to show up at home, the treatment needs enough planning and setting up.
Home dialysis might be your ideal treatment option, especially if you have ESRD because of its flexibility and independence. However, not everyone might find the treatment ideal. Discuss with your doctor to know your options and whether home dialysis is ideal for you.
