“ Home ” Hemodialysis

Home HemodialysisDuring hemodialysis ; Blood flows from your access ,through a filter on thedialysis machine where it is cleaned, and returned to your body

A Hemodialysis machine will be on loan to you for the time you need (no cost to you).

Retrieved April 1,2010 from:http://shop.ce-tech.net/Gambro-Phoenix-Dialysis Machine_p_54.html

Hemodialysis Access

Arterial-Venous Fistula (AVF)

or

Tunnelled Hemodialysis Catheter

Arterial-Venous Fistula

A “Fistula” is made when an artery and a vein are surgically joined together. (Day surgery)

This is done to enlarge and strengthen the veins of your arm

Usually takes the fistula 8 weeks to heal and mature.

Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheter - “ Line”

This is a tube which is placed in a blood vessel in your neck or chest.

May be used temporarily or permanently

This procedure is done in the x-ray department using local anesthetic.

Criteria for Home Hemodialysis

No age restriction

Must be willing and capable to learn the Hemodialysis procedure

A good blood supply from your fistulaor Tunneled Hemodialysis Catheter

Space for: Dialysis Machine, water filtration system and Supplies

Criteria for Home Hemodialysis

Good lighting

Working phone in same room

Reclining chair or bed

A Drain and Adequate water supply anda reliable sewer and septic system

Home HemodialysisBenefits:

You feel better

Do not have to travel to a dialysis unit 3-4 days per week for treatments.

Diet less restricted (nocturnal & short daily)

Family have the opportunity to be involved in your care

Home Hemodialysis Schedule

Create you own schedule and dialyze in the comfort of your own home *

Conventional 4-5 hours , 3-4 times/week

Short Daily 2.5-3 hours, 5-7times/week

Nocturnal 8 hours , 5-6 nights /week

1-1 with a nurse in the Home Dialysis Unit

5 days / week for 6 weeks (8am –2:30pm)( If from out of town, arrangements to stay

at Point Pleasant Lodge)

How do I learn to do Hemodialysis ?

You will learn how to :

Care for your accessTake your Blood PressureCheck your weight and evaluate your fluidInsert your needles or connect your “line”Operate the dialysis equipmentRecord your treatmentsOrder your supplies *

Home Hemodialysis follow-up…

Attend regular clinic appointmentsonce a month for 3 months, then once every 3 months.

Monthly Blood work

On call support

Home Dialysis Unit nurse and doctor “On Call” for dialysis related issues

For all other emergencies:Go to Local Hospital