Dialysis is the process of removing toxins from the blood of a patient with acute or chronic renal (kidney) failure. Normally these toxins are removed from the blood by the kidney. When the kidney is not functioning properly, dialysis is sometimes recommended in order to allow the patient to live a longer life.

Good health care is always a team effort especially for people with chronic kidney disease. The following are the members of the team that will care for you.

The team leaders in our clinics are doctors called nephrologists. They have advanced training in treating kidney disease. They are responsible for your care during dialysis treatments.

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The nurse is responsible for assessing patients, assuring that patient’s medications and treatment are administered correctly and for overseeing the dialysis process on a daily basis. This nurse collaborates with the doctors in caring for kidney patients throughout their treatment.

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Dietitians have specialized degrees in dietetics and must meet certain education requirements to be registered dietitians. They know what foods are right for you, and they can help you plan your meals. Following a diet is an important part of your care, both before and after starting dialysis. Renal dietitians are skilled in tailoring your diet to meet your unique needs. They are also involved in the overview of bone management, dialysis adequacy, rehabilitation and anemia management.

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The social worker can provide counseling to help you and your family cope with kidney disease and changes in the family, home, workplace and community. They can help you plan treatment to fit your lifestyle. They identify sources of emotional support for patients who need it. Social workers can help you and your family improve your quality of life.

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Dialysis technicians are responsible for maintaining dialysis machines and water quality in the center. They order dialysis supplies and are able to reprocess dialyzers (artificial kidneys) for reuse.

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If you are a hemodialysis patient, another group of health professionals will be involved in your care.
The vascular access surgeon will do minor surgery on your arm, leg, neck or upper chest to create an access that enables you to be connected to the artificial kidney, or dialyzer, for your treatments. Your access will be a fistula, graft or catheter. The surgeon will speak to you about the different access choices and help you select the best option for your needs. If any problems occur with your access at a later date, the vascular surgeon may need to repair the access surgically.

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The National Kidney Foundation is also a valuable member of the health care team. The Foundation is a valuable resource in the community for information about kidney disease and its treatment, diet and rehabilitation. The Foundation has local affiliates throughout the country that offer a wide variety of programs and services for patients who have kidney disease.

At first, you may be somewhat overwhelmed by your illness and by all the new names and faces. However, you and your family should not be afraid to ask questions and take an active role in your care. You and your family are the most important members of the dialysis care team, and every other member is there to help you feel your best.

Before initiating dialysis, patients may feel ill and lack the strength for everyday life and social activities. After a few weeks on dialysis, patients should begin to feel better, regain their self worth and freedom to enjoy island life again.

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