HemoDialysis
Hemodialysis Access and How It Works
The Pros and Cons of Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is the most common method for treating End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD).Hemo means blood and dialysis means cleaning. So hemodialysis is a process that uses a machine to clean your blood of waste products, extra water and other substances-a job diseased kidneys can no longer do because they are not working the way they should.Hemodialysis also helps control blood pressure and keeps the proper balance of chemicals such as potassium, sodium, calcium, and bicarbonate.
Hemodialysis is a treatment that works very well for many people whose kidneys are no longer able to function effectively.Hemodialysis not a cure for kidney failure, it will not make diseased kidneys work again but it will allow you to live with kidney failure.Since the 1960's when hemodialysis first became a practical treatment for kidney failure, much has been learned about how to make the treatments more effective.Most people with kidney disease can live long and productive lives if they become involved in their medical care, follow the advise of the treatment team and do all they can to help themselves.This includes learning all they can about their disease and exercising to help maintain the best physical functioning possible.
