Comprehensive Dialysis Services in Foley, AL
Expert Dialysis Care in Foley, Alabama
If you are in need of dialysis in Foley, Alabama, you can count on professional kidney care at Nephrology Associates. Our team offers dialysis care at several convenient locations across the Alabama Gulf Coast, including the South Baldwin area. With so many dialysis units across coastal Alabama, we ensure that receiving your necessary dialysis treatments is easy and straightforward. With a dedicated dialysis facility right here in Foley, it's convenient to access the treatments you need to keep living your life to the fullest.
Patients requiring kidney care in southern Baldwin County can trust Nephrology Associates for the most experienced kidney health care on the Gulf Coast. Our skilled and compassionate caregivers provide comprehensive kidney care, from diagnosis to treatment, using the latest in medical diagnostics and therapies. We are committed to helping you manage your renal health and improve your quality of life.
To schedule an appointment or discuss dialysis treatment options, call our Foley dialysis center at 251-943-1500.
Dialysis in South Baldwin County, AL: Local Kidney Care in Foley
Understanding Dialysis
Dialysis is a medical procedure for individual dealing with kidney failure. Dialysis takes on some of the tasks normally performed by healthy kidneys. If a kidney is functioning correctly, it's highly effective at filtering waste and excess water from the blood, maintaining the balance of salts, minerals, and fluids essential for health.
When kidneys are no longer able to function properly, they struggle to keep up with these demands. Dialysis serves as an artificial kidney, performing this critical filtration process when the patient's kidneys cannot.
Dialysis is a minimally invasive procedure that removes toxins and excess fluid from the body. Dialysis is not a one-time procedure. It needs to be repeated on a schedule to maintain the patient's health. Your nephrologist (another word for a kidney doctor) will work with you to determine the best schedule for your health and lifestyle.
How Will You Know If You Need Dialysis?
If you're having problems with your kidney health, you'll need to see a nephrologist, or kidney specialist. Your doctor will be able to perform tests to determine if dialysis is necessary for you. Dialysis is typically recommended for individuals with advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) or otherwise significantly impaired kidney function. Symptoms of kidney failure include swelling due to fluid retention, fatigue, nausea, and vomiting.
Do you have concerns about your kidney health? The first step is to consult with a doctor. Your physician will evaluate your condition and recommend dialysis only if essential. In less severe cases, your nephrologist will suggest alternative treatments like lifestyle changes and medication to prevent further damage to the kidneys. However, if your kidney doctor advises dialysis, it is crucial to follow their recommendation. Dialysis is a life-saving treatment that extends life expectancy and can significantly improve quality of life.
Types of Dialysis: Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Dialysis in Foley, AL
Hemodialysis: The Standard Dialysis Treatment
Hemodialysis is the most common form of dialysis. During this treatment, blood is filtered outside the body using a machine called a dialyzer, which acts as an artificial kidney. The blood circulates outside the body, through the dialyzer, which filters out waste products. Once cleaned, the blood is returned to the body. This process usually takes 3 to 5 hours and is typically performed three times a week, though this can vary depending on the patient's unique circumstances.
Peritoneal Dialysis (PD): An Alternative Dialysis Method
Peritoneal dialysis offers an alternative to hemodialysis. During PD, the filtration of the blood occurs inside the patient’s body. A special fluid called dialysate solution is introduced into the abdomen through a tube. This fluid remains in the abdomen for a prescribed period, typically 4 to 6 hours, absorbing waste products before being drained out. PD treatments are usually done three times a week and can often be self-administered at home, offering more flexibility than hemodialysis.
Both types of dialysis have their advantages and limitations. Peritoneal dialysis is not suitable for all patients, but for some, it is the superior option. Your nephrologist will guide you in choosing the best dialysis method based on your specific needs.
Advanced Dialysis Options in Foley, AL
Nocturnal Hemodialysis
For some patients, nocturnal hemodialysis can be a more convenient and comfortable alternative to traditional, daytime dialysis. As the name indicates, nocturnal hemodialysis is performed overnight, while the patient sleeps. This allows for a slower-paced treatment that is gentler on the body. Nephrology Associates offers nocturnal dialysis at select locations.
Home Hemodialysis (HHD)
Home hemodialysis allows patients to receive treatment in the comfort of their own homes. HHD offers the same slower, gentler overnight treatment as nocturnal hemodialysis, but HHD provides even greater flexibility and convenience, as it as administered at home. This eliminates transportation and scheduling concerns. However, HHD may not be suitable for everyone: While some patients are able to manage HHD independently, others may need assistance in administering the treatment. If this option interests you, ask your doctor if home hemodialysis might work for you.
Working Shift Dialysis
Nephrology Associates understands that many patients have regular jobs or other commitments that make daytime dialysis challenging. That's why we offer "working shift" dialysis options to accommodate your schedule, ensuring you receive the necessary treatment with minimal disruptions to your daily life.
Trusted Kidney Care in Foley, Alabama
Nephrology Associates has a history going back for over half a century! Five decades of dedicated kidney care service has cemented our reputation along the Alabama Gulf Coast: We remain committed to providing comprehensive kidney care to local patients from all walks of life. Our mission is to offer compassionate, effective healthcare solutions tailored to each patient as an individual.
We're here to help you navigate your kidney health challenges. If you need to see a kidney specialist or schedule dialysis, please contact us at the numbers below or reach us online:
Our Foley Office: 251-824-4300
Foley Dialysis Unit: 251-943-1500
Contact Us Online