Filtering Myths and Facts about Dialysis

What is Dialysis?

Kidneys are one of the most important and essential organs of the body. Kidneys are responsible for purifying the blood by removing waste and excess fluid from the body. When the kidneys do not function properly it can lead to kidney failure. Dialysis is used to perform the function of the failed kidneys. Dialysis treatment filters and purifies the blood by using the machine. It is an artificial process of eliminating waste and unwanted water from the blood. Dialysis is the artificial replacement for lost or failed kidneys. Dialysis is recommended to patients who have acute kidney failure or for patients who are fairly stable and have permanently lost function of the kidney.

Types of Dialysis

Dialysis is performed with two different approach:-

Hemodialysis: Hemodialysis is the most common type of dialysis. Hemodialysis uses hemodialyzer to remove the waste and chemicals from the blood. The surgeon creates a vascular access in the blood vessels to get the blood flow to the artificial kidney. In hemodialysis dialysis the vascular access allows a larger amount of blood to flow through the body which means more blood can be filtered and purified. Hemodialysis usually takes around three to five hours. This dialysis typically needed three sessions per week. However, hemodialysis dialysis can also be done in shorter and in more frequent sessions.

Peritoneal Dialysis: Peritoneal dialysis involves surgery to implant a catheter in the belly area. While performing peritoneal dialysis a special fluid dialysate flows into the abdomen.  After the dialysate draws out the waste from the bloodstream, it’s drained from the abdomen. There are different types of peritoneal dialysis. Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis and continuous cycler-assisted peritoneal dialysis are the common types of peritoneal dialysis.

Myths and Facts about Dialysis

People who are diagnosed with end-stage renal disease require dialysis. Generally people have many questions in their mind about Dialysis as several myths can contribute to common misconceptions about the burden of being on dialysis. Following are some of the myths and facts about dialysis:-

Myth: Dialysis is a painful procedure.

Fact: - The discomfort that is caused while on dialysis depends on the type of dialysis you are treated with. With hemodialysis, you may experience some discomfort when the needles are put into your fistula or graft, but mostly this procedure is not very painful. The dialysis treatment itself is painless procedure. However, in some cases, patients may experience headaches, nausea, vomiting, cramps, or drop in the blood pressure.

Myth: - To receive a dialysis treatment you have to travel to hospital or healthcare center at least three times per week for hours at a time.
Fact: - It is perhaps the most common myth about dialysis. You can undergo hemodialysis which requires dialysis unit at a hospital or it can also at your home. Peritoneal dialysis can also be done at home after learning the procedure from the doctors. Doctor decides which form of dialysis and place is best for you which is generally based on your medical condition.

Myth: - After Dialysis patients do not have the time or energy to work.
Fact: - After dialysis patients can continue to work normally and resume to their daily activity after proper rest. But it is important to consult the doctors before resuming back to your daily activities.

Myth: - Dialysis patients can't travel.
Fact: - Patients who are on dialysis can travel easily but they need some prior planning to it. Dialysis centers are located in many countries. You can easily take appointments for dialysis treatments at another center, and send information about your medical treatment and history.

Myth: - Dialysis will helps in curing the kidney disease.
Fact: - Dialysis performs some of the function of the kidneys, but it does not cure the kidney disease. You may need dialysis treatments for your whole life unless you undergo a kidney transplant.

There are many myths that are attached to the kidney transplant and Dialysis treatment it is important to understand the myths and facts about Dialysis. Dialysis performs some of the function of the kidneys and it does not change the way of life you lead but it definitely adds some more lifestyle precautions so you can lead a healthy life.

Dialysis Treatment in India

India has many dialysis centers and dialysis treatment is available in India at very affordable costs. World class medical facilities are available in India. A large number of healthcare facilities in India offers dialysis treatment at the most affordable costs.  IndianMedTrip is a medical tourism company which provides the best deal and packages for kidney treatments in India. IndianMedTrip helps patients in finding the best surgeon and hospitals across the country. Patients at IndianMedTrip are offered with wide range of services right from their arrival till departure at the most affordable costs.  

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6 Things You Should Know About Kidney Donation And Transplantation

Advances in immunosuppressant medications, surgical techniques and donor matching has made kidney transplant a viable alternative to dialysis for thousands of people from all around the world every year. If you were nearing requirement for dialysis but would like to explore getting a transplant, it is time you discussed this with your nephrologist. He will be glad to discuss the transplant process with you starting with being referred to a transplant center for evaluation. Although transplant requirements vary between countries and transplant centers, you are most likely to undergo comprehensive medical tests so as to determine your feasibility of qualifying as a viable candidate. Only then begins the search for a donor.

1. Finding Donor Kidney Match

Basically, there are two types of kidney donors; a living donor who can part with one kidney of the two and a non-living or cadaver donor. Compatibility between patients & donors eventually reduce chances of organ rejection thereby increasing chances of a more successful transplant. Since medications now available effectively help prevent organ rejection, donors do not always need to be genetically similar to recipients. In case you are unable to find a potential living donor in near future, you will be put on a waiting list for cadaver donor organ. Wait for transplant organ can greatly vary depending upon your current health, geographical location and the type of donation.

2. Undergoing Kidney Transplant Surgery

Schedule for surgery can be organized as soon as appropriated organ match is identified. Most often, surgeons will leave the old kidney in place, unless it is cancer which is the cause for transplant. The new healthy kidney, is put in a different location in abdomen, & connected with the urinary system. Kidney transplant patients remain in hospital for several days post surgery so as to be monitored for complications.

3. Common Kidney Transplant Concerns

Age of the patient & his or her health condition prior to transplant surgery invariably affects the risk of complications.

Common post-transplant concerns include –

·         Rejection – Nowadays, effective immunosuppressant medications are prescribed so as to help ensure that the patient’s body accepts the new donor kidney.

·         Functionality – The newly transplanted donor kidney begins smoothly working right away in some cases. Some others may however require dialysis for a few days before the new kidney starts working normally.

4. Kidney Transplant Organ Lifespan

Average lifespan of donated kidneys is between 10 – 15 years in general. However, whenever a transplant fails, patients may opt for a second transplant or return to dialysis until another option is evaluated.

5. Kidney Transplant After-Care

Taking care of the new kidney is essential. Following doctor’s recommendations & maintaining healthy habits is vital & which will help the new kidney function properly. This will eventually help you live a better quality of life in the years to come.

6. Kidney Transplant Surgery in India

India is a globally renowned destination for health and wellness tourism. Offering ultra modern treatments in state-of-the-art medical institutes and accredited hospitals including low cost kidney transplant surgeries for patients from all around the world, transplantation laws within India are quite reasonable as well. IndianMedTrip is an excellent one-stop-shop for a variety of affordable kidney transplantation surgery in India sought by international medical tourists across borders. Reputed as a trusted provider of affordable healthcare services to medical tourists, Indian Med Trip will provide extensive hassle-free services including basic, legal and medical requirements of patients.

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