If you’ve been diagnosed with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and told you need dialysis, it can be easy to feel overwhelmed by all the information you receive on your diagnosis, on dialysis itself, and on the different types of dialysis. When it comes to choosing what type of dialysis works best for you, there are a few important things to know and consider. There are three main options for different types of dialysis that include home hemodialysis, in-center hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis, and there are advantages and disadvantages for each one.

Home Hemodialysis

One option that offers a lot of flexibility and privacy is home hemodialysis. This option offers you flexibility and independence because you can choose the time for dialysis treatments that works best for you, you don’t have to travel to a dialysis center, and you may have a better sense of control and independence doing the treatments yourself. However, you and your dialysis partner may still have to take time off of work or change your routine so that you can attend training. You will also have to dedicate space in your home to the dialysis machine and other supplies, and special electricity or plumbing may even be required. You also won’t have medical professionals nearby if you run into any issues or have questions, although you would still be able to call the dialysis center at any time.

In-Center Hemodialysis

The first option many people may think of when they think of dialysis is in-center hemodialysis. With this option, trained staff at the dialysis center will conduct your dialysis treatment. This is the most common option for dialysis, and with this option, you may have the opportunity to make new friends going through the same experience and offer camaraderie and support to one another. However, with this option, you will be required to travel to the center at least three times a week, and your appointments will be scheduled by the center. In addition, because others are going through dialysis at the same time, you may have less privacy.

Peritoneal Dialysis

The last main option for dialysis treatments is peritoneal dialysis which involves a catheter being placed in your stomach by surgery. Sterile fluid is then filtered through the catheter and after the filtering process is complete, the fluid comes back out through the catheter. This option also offers flexibility for patients, and it can preserve your blood vessels if you need hemodialysis later. Some of the disadvantages to this option are that it is continuous and offers no days off, and some storage space will still be required for fluid and other supplies. Your catheter may also affect your body image and can affect swimming and bathing. This option may also affect weight loss and blood sugar, and there is the potential for an infection with the catheter.

As you consider which dialysis option may be right for you, think about what medical, overall health, and lifestyle factors you may need to consider. Talk to your healthcare provider about what type may be best for you and consider all the pros and cons. Once you’ve decided on an option, it’s important to remember that you’re not stuck with what you chose forever. If you start dialysis with one option, but decide it’s not for you after starting it, you can always talk to your doctor about the other options.

Health Systems Management, a dialysis management company, is based in Tifton, Georgia. Our company provides turnkey dialysis management services to Atrium Health Wake Forest Baptist dialysis clinics in North Carolina and Emory Healthcare dialysis clinics in the Atlanta, Georgia area. For more information about Health Systems Management, our locations and job openings for RNs, LPNs, PCTs and CCHTs please visit: healthsystemsinc.com.

Primary Source: Kidney.org