Do you need dialysis in Daphne, Alabama, or surrounding areas of Baldwin County? Nephrology Associates provides dialysis treatment to patients in the Daphne area of the Eastern Shore as part of our comprehensive kidney care services. The kidney experts at Nephrology Associates offer state-of-the-art treatment and healthcare for patients along the Alabama Gulf Coast. We have multiple locations in Baldwin County and Mobile County, so it's convenient to receive the care you need. Our team is here to help you manage all aspects of your kidney health and get the treatment that works best for you!
Dialysis on the Baldwin County Eastern Shore
When a person has kidney failure, they can reach a point at which their kidneys are no longer able to support their body's needs. Healthy kidneys perform a few different roles in maintaining our health. The primary job of our kidneys is to filter waste and excess water from the blood, removing them from the body in the form of urine. If the kidneys are unable to do this effectively, dialysis can be used to successfully filter the blood of toxins and wastes. Dialysis is a minimally invasive medical treatment that can allow a patient to feel better and live longer.
Who Needs Dialysis?
A patient with severely impaired kidney function may benefit from dialysis. Your nephrologist (kidney specialist) will assess and monitor your kidney health and advise you as to when dialysis is a good next step. Nausea, oedema, tiredness and vomiting all are symptoms of renal failure. If you suspect you may have chronic kidney disease (CKD) or another problem with your kidney health, it's important to schedule an appointment with a qualified physician. Your kidney specialist will only advise dialysis if it is necessary and the best fit for your unique case. In less severe cases, there are other options available, but dialysis is a life-saving treatment for those dealing with advanced kidney failure.
Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis Near Daphne, AL
There are two basic types of dialysis-- hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis:
Hemodialysis
In hemodialysis, the blood is circulated outside of the patient's body. It passes through a device called a dialyzer, which functions as an artificial kidney. The dialyzer removes wastes from the blood before returning it to the patient.
Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)
During peritoneal dialysis, a patient's blood is filtered while still inside their body. A special solution or fluid enters the patient's abdomen via a tube. Wastes are extracted from the blood internally, then removed via the same tube.
Each type of dialysis has its own set of benefits and risks. Some patients may not be good candidates for peritoneal dialysis. Your nephrologist will carefully evaluate your health and risk factors to determine which type is best for you and will make a suggestion based on your specific circumstances.
Home Hemodialysis in Daphne, Alabama
Most patients dialyze (receive dialysis treatments) in a dialysis center, where they can be monitored and tended to by a professional healthcare team. However, others may benefit from Home Hemodialysis (HHD). In HHD, the patient is still routinely monitored and supported by a team of kidney experts. However, the actual treatment procedure is performed in the privacy of the patient's own home. One key benefit of home hemodialysis is that the dialysis treatment can be administered more frequently, as needed. Also, the treatment can be paced more slowly, taking place over a longer period of time. This longer, slower form of treatment is gentler on the body. HHD isn't right for every patient or every situation, but it can be highly effective for some.
Nocturnal Dialysis for Patients in the Daphne Area
As mentioned above, slowing down the hemodialysis process can be beneficial. If HHD isn't an option, another way to receive a slower dialysis treatment is to opt for nocturnal dialysis. In nocturnal dialysis, the treatment is administered through the nighttime, over the course of several hours, while the patient sleeps. HHD can easily be "nocturnal HHD", if the patient wishes, but even patients who need to receive treatment in a dialysis center can benefit from nocturnal dialysis, by locating a dialysis center that provides nocturnal services. Nephrology Associates offers nocturnal dialysis to our patients.
"Working Shift" Dialysis in Daphne, AL
Some patients who require dialysis are still part of the workforce or have other commitments that can make scheduling dialysis treatments more challenging. Nephrology Associates is happy to support these busy patients with "working shift" dialysis options. We can help you schedule your dialysis around your work hours and other aspects of your life.
Kidney Experts Near Daphne, Alabama
Nephrology Associates has served the Alabama Gulf Coast for fifty years! We are committed to providing the best care possible, customized to each patient's needs and delivered with respect for their comfort and dignity. If you have any concerns about your renal health, we want to assist you. Our comprehensive kidney care can help you live a longer, healthier life. We have three locations in Baldwin County (Fairhope, Foley, and Bay Minette), with three additional locations in Mobile, AL. To schedule an appointment at our Fairhope office, please give us a call or contact us online!