Nephrology Associates offers dialysis services in Fairhope, Alabama, and elsewhere along the Alabama Gulf Coast. If you live or work on the Eastern Shore of Baldwin County, AL, and are looking for a convenient location to receive your dialysis, we can help! We provide comprehensive kidney care for patients in the Fairhope area. Our caring team of kidney experts offer everything from initial diagnosis to innovative treatment. Let us assist you in managing your kidney health so you can enjoy a longer, healthier, happier life!
Dialysis Treatments on the Baldwin County Eastern Shore
What is Dialysis?
Dialysis is a medical treatment for people experiencing kidney failure. Normally, our kidneys perform a few key functions that are crucial to our health. The primary role of the kidneys is to remove waste and excess water from our bodies. Healthy kidneys filter the blood of toxins, which eventually leave the body as urine. When kidneys are unable to filter our blood properly, dialysis allows medical professionals to step in and provide assistance. Essentially, dialysis is a minimally invasive way for physicians to effectively filter the blood when the kidneys are unable to do so on their own.
Who Requires Dialysis?
Your kidney specialist— also known as a nephrologist— will assess your kidney health and closely monitor you for signs that dialysis is necessary. A patient with severely impaired kidney function or advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) may require dialysis. Symptoms such as nausea, fatigue, vomiting, and oedema can accompany renal failure (kidney failure) and may be a sign of poor kidney function.
If you have reason to believe that your kidneys aren't functioning properly, the best course of action is to schedule an appointment with a physician. Rest assured that a nephrologist will only recommend dialysis if it is the best option for you. In many, less severe cases, other treatment options are available, but if you are dealing with advanced kidney failure and your doctor advises you to begin dialysis, it is for good reason. Dialysis treatments can be life-saving and make a huge difference in a patient's health and comfort.
Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis in Fairhope, AL
There are two types of dialysis (or renal replacement therapy): hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Each type is outlined briefly below:
With hemodialysis treatments, a patient's blood is filtered outside of the patient's body. The blood is circulated through an external device known as a dialyzer. The dialyzer is basically an artificial kidney, functioning to remove any wastes from the blood. After filtration, the blood is then recirculated back into the patient.
Peritoneal dialysis also filters the patient's blood through artificial means, but in this case, it is filtered while still inside the patient's body. A specially formulated fluid enters the patient's abdomen through a tube. Wastes and excess water are later removed using the same tube.
There are benefits and risks associated with both forms of dialysis, and some patients will not be able to receive peritoneal dialysis, based on their unique set of conditions. Your nephrologist will monitor your health, consider the various risks, and recommend the best option for you.
Home Hemodialysis in Fairhope, Alabama
Most of the time, patients receive dialysis treatment in a dialysis center. Having patients dialyze in a special center devoted to kidney care means that their treatment can be closely monitored a team of healthcare professionals. In some cases, however, a patient may prefer Home Hemodialysis (HHD).
With HHD, the patient still receives routine observation and support from their team of kidney care experts, but the actual treatment takes place in the patient's home. In addition to increased privacy and the comfort of home surroundings, HHD offers the possibility of receiving dialysis more frequently. Patients can more easily arrange their treatments for times convenient for them, without worrying about transportation or scheduling conflicts. Another positive aspect of home hemodialysis is that it can be timed to take place over an extended period, such as overnight. A slower, longer treatment session can be gentler for the body, lessening unpleasant side-effects.
While HHD won't be right for every patient's personal circumstances, it can be very effective for some. If you're interested in exploring this option, discuss it with your kidney care team.
Nocturnal Dialysis on the Baldwin County Eastern Shore
If home dialysis isn't an option for you, there is another way to receive the benefits of a more slowly paced dialysis treatment: Consider nocturnal dialysis. As the name indicates, nocturnal dialysis is administered during the overnight hours, allowing the patient to sleep while receiving treatment. Nephrology Associates is pleased to offer nocturnal dialysis options for our patients who find it beneficial.
"Working Shift" Dialysis for CKD Patients in Fairhope, AL
It can be challenging for some patients to schedule their dialysis treatments around their already busy lives. If you work or have other commitments during the workday hours, we can help you find a dialysis schedule that works for you. Nephrology Associates supports patients with what some call "working shift" dialysis options. We're committed to providing your treatment in the way that works best for your lifestyle.
Kidney Experts in Fairhope, Alabama
Nephrology Associates has a 50-year history of serving the Alabama Gulf Coast region. Our community trusts us to offer effective, respectful care customized to suit each patient. We are eager to provide relief and assistance, and our comprehensive kidney care services are designed to help you get the most out of your life. If you're concerned about your renal health, we hope you'll call our Fairhope office or contact us online.