Dialysis Fistula Management in Alamogordo: Keeping Your Flow Above a Certain Level
Dialysis Fistula Management in Alamogordo:
The best dialysis access program in Alamogordo will take care of your fistula and make sure you get the most out of it. You may have questions about how to manage your flow, how to keep your fistula from closing, or how to choose the right treatment plan to help you achieve the best possible results from hemodialysis. Here are some simple tips on dialysis fistula management in Alamogordo that can help you get better results from treatment and live your life more fully.
What is an artificial kidney (dialysis)?
A dialysis machine is an artificial kidney. It works by removing excess water, minerals, and wastes from your blood. The purpose of dialysis is to keep toxic substances from building up to dangerous levels in your body. It also helps restore some of the substances your body needs for proper function. Dialysis may be done regularly, several times a week for 3 or more hours at a time, or it may be done overnight while you sleep.
What is a dialysis fistula?
A dialysis fistula is an artificial channel or passageway that allows fluids to flow from one side of your body to another. If you have kidney failure, your doctor will ask if you want to consider getting one when you start hemodialysis treatment. You’re in charge of monitoring and caring for your fistula. To keep it open, healthy, and free from infections, follow these dialysis care tips.
How do you maintain your flow above a certain level?
The most important way to maintain your flow is to attend treatments. If you miss more than two consecutive treatments, call us immediately. We can help determine whether you should get seen by your nephrologist or if there are things that can be done at home to get you back on track. In addition, don’t forget to follow proper nutrition and hydration guidelines. A registered dietician can help with any questions you might have about meal planning. And finally, keep it clean!
Monitoring your blood flow
Dialysis patients need to keep their flow above a certain level. A hemodialysis technician will administer your dialysis treatment and will monitor your blood flow. If it drops below acceptable levels, she’ll be able to adjust dialysate infusions and draw more blood from you.
Problems associated with low flows and how they are treated
Fluctuations in blood flow throughout each hemodialysis treatment can cause complications. If you notice that your blood flow has decreased below an acceptable level, you should let your dialysis center know right away. Our nurses will be able to help you determine what needs to be done to get things flowing again. The most common cause of low blood flow is related to low urea levels, which indicates that more time during treatment is needed for the clearance of creatinine and excess fluid.
Tips on caring for your dialysis access
Most people with hemodialysis need access to dialysis treatments, which is either an arteriovenous (AV) fistula or a graft. AV fistulas are small blood vessels that surgeons connect between an artery and a vein, or between two veins. Grafts are artificial tubing that doctors insert into an artery and vein to create access for dialysis. Though both are acceptable methods of creating access, grafts have several downsides that may make them more difficult to manage over time.
Frequently asked questions
What is Dialysis Access? A fistula is an anatomical connection between an artery and a vein. A dialysis fistula occurs when there is a direct connection of an artery to a vein. Dialysis fistulas have advantages over grafts and catheters, but complications can arise from improper access to care. In some cases, hemodialysis is not adequately trained to manage these complications.