There are two kinds of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Each has its advantages and disadvantages.
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis, which uses a machine to move your blood through a filter outside your body, can be delivered in two settings: at our clinic or in your home.
If you choose to be treated at our clinic, you will:
- Have frequent contact with physicians, nurses and other medical professionals and be dialyzed by technicians who are with you during treatment.
- Interact with other people going through the same thing you are.
- Come to the clinic three days a week on a set schedule.
If you choose to be treated at home, you will:
- Be freer to move around and to control the times of day you are treated.
- Experience fewer ups and downs in how you feel, because of the shorter time between sessions.
- Be seen monthly at our clinic by our treatment team.
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis (PD), which involves filling the lining of your belly with a sterile solution to filter your blood, is conducted at home.
If you choose PD, you will:
- Have no need for a partner.
- Be freer to control the times of day you are treated.
- Experience fewer ups and downs in how you feel, because of the shorter time between sessions.
- Enjoy fewer diet restrictions.
- Be seen monthly at our clinic by our treatment team.
Please Note:
Your treatment decision doesn’t have to be final. If you have concerns, talk to your dialysis team to see if another form of dialysis would be better for you.