What You Need To Know About Your First Dialysis Vancouver General Hospital Kidney Program 855 West 12th Avenue Vancouver BC V5Z 1M9 Tel: 604-875-4111
What You Should Know About Your First Dialysis The following information will help you prepare for your first dialysis treatment. Your dialysis team is ready to help support you during this change in care. Once you start dialysis, they will provide you with more information. When Will I Start Dialysis? The decision is made by you and your nephrologist. It often depends on your lab results, or how you are feeling. The Charge Nurse (Patient Care Coordinator) will call you with the date and time of your first dialysis. This may be only 2 to 3 days before your first dialysis treatment. How Long Will My First Dialysis Take? Your team needs time to give you the best care possible. Usually, your first dialysis treatment will only be 2½ hours. Expect to be in the dialysis unit about 3½ hours. Plan to arrive on time. 1
How Will I Feel? Most often, you will have no symptoms during your first treatment. However, you may experience side effects such as muscle cramps, headaches and low blood pressure (which can make you feel dizzy and weak). These symptoms can be treated, so be sure to report them to your nurse. How Will I Get There? Do not expect to drive yourself for the first 5 or 6 dialysis treatments. Make other plans: you may need to ask someone to take you to and from the dialysis unit or take a taxi. Ask your social worker if you have questions about transportation to and from dialysis. Can I Eat During Dialysis? Eat a light meal before you arrive. Eating is not recommended during dialysis and food is not provided. Feel free to bring a snack to have after your treatment. What About Medications? Bring all your medications in their original containers with you including your Aranesp or Eprex injections. You will receive your injections in the Dialysis Unit instead of at home. Bring your medication record book and, if you are diabetic, bring your glucose monitoring record. Will I Be Comfortable? You will be asked to sit in a large reclining chair or a bed. During your treatment you can watch TV, read a book or take a nap. You will begin to become familiar with your surroundings and with the staff. You may bring a family member or friend for support, if you wish. 2 3
Can I Have My Dialysis Treatment Closer to Home? There are several community dialysis units to make hemodialysis treatment more convenient for you by providing the treatment closer to home. As long as your dialysis treatments are going well, and your medical condition is stable, you will be transferred to a community dialysis unit closer to your home as soon as a spot is available. Remember Your Access-ability (Your Fistula Is Your Lifeline) Since you had your vascular access surgery, you have been following all the steps to keep your fistula healthy. Keep doing this, as it will help your fistula work better and last longer. Your blood tests will be done during dialysis. Do not continue to use community laboratories unless instructed by your kidney doctor or nurse. Having blood tests done in the dialysis unit will also help you continue to protect your blood vessels. Relief from pain is possible! By freezing a small spot of your skin By using a special cream Try to relax. If you are tense, it can cause your blood vessels to tighten up! A relaxed arm can help your treatment go more smoothly. Ask questions about your fistula. Your nurse can give you more tips to help keep your lifeline working for you. Contact Information Vancouver General Hospital (VGH) Kidney Doctor s Office................... 604-875-5950 Dialysis Unit........................... 604-875-4181 Kidney Clinic.......................... 604-875-5958 Wear comfortable loose clothing. Ensure that you can easily roll up your sleeve to give the nurse a good look at your fistula. If you have a central venous catheter, wear a shirt that allows the catheter to be handled easily by the nurse. Wash your hands and the area over your fistula with soap and water before needles are inserted. Ask your nurse to show you where you can do this. 4 5
For more copies, go online at http://vch.eduhealth.ca or email phem@vch.ca and quote Catalogue No. FP.460.W556 Vancouver Coastal Health, November 2011 The information in this document is intended solely for the person to whom it was given by the health care team. www.vch.ca