If you need dialysis in Bay Minette, Alabama, Nephrology Associates can help!
Finding a convenient location to receive your dialysis treatments can make a huge difference in your life. Nephrology Associates has several dialysis centers located across the Alabama Gulf Coast, including an office right here in Bay Minette! Patients in need of kidney care in North Baldwin County can depend on Nephrology Associates—where you'll find the most experienced nephrology team on the Gulf Coast.
Our team can provide you with comprehensive kidney care, whether you're looking for a diagnosis or treatment. We use innovative, modern medical diagnostics and treatments to help you manage your renal health for an improved quality of life.
Call our Bay Minette office at 251.343.5004 to make an appointment or speak to someone about scheduling dialysis treatments.
Dialysis Treatments in Bay Minette, Alabama
Dialysis: What is it?
Basically, dialysis is a medical treatment that performs part of the job that a healthy kidney would normally do. The primary role of properly functioning kidneys is to remove wastes and excess water from our blood. Kidneys act like filters for the blood, removing toxins and maintaining the precise balance of salts, minerals, and water that we need for continued health. Whatever the kidneys filter out eventually leaves the body in the form of urine.
However, when our kidneys aren't functioning as they should, due to kidney failure, our medical professionals can use dialysis to pick up the slack. When the kidneys can no longer filter our blood to a sufficient level, dialysis acts as an artificial kidney. Dialysis (also known as renal replacement therapy) is a minimally invasive procedure that is repeated on a specific schedule as directed by your physician.
How Do I Know If I Need Dialysis?
A nephrologist (kidney specialist) can tell you if you require dialysis. People who need dialysis have advanced chronic kidney disease (CKD) or otherwise severely impaired kidney function. Someone who is experiencing kidney failure may experience a variety of symptoms, including oedema (swelling as a result of fluid retention), vomiting, nausea, and fatigue.
If you suspect that there may be a problem with your kidney health, seek the opinion of a doctor. Your physician will assess your health and monitor your condition, and dialysis will only be recommended if it is absolutely necessary. Many times, cases aren't severe enough to require dialysis, and your doctor will suggest other treatment options to pursue. However, if your kidney doctor does advise you to start receiving dialysis treatments, it will be for a very good reason, and you should follow their recommendation. Dialysis is a life-saving treatment that can offer vast improvement in your comfort, quality of life, and longevity.
Hemodialysis & Peritoneal Dialysis in Bay Minette, AL
There are two basic forms of dialysis— hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis:
What is Hemodialysis?
Hemodialysis is what most people mean when they refer to dialysis. During this treatment, the blood is filtered outside the body. A device called a dialyzer acts as an artificial kidney. It is capable of filtering wastes from the blood, which is briefly circulated outside the patient's body during the filtration process. When the blood has been through the dialyzer and is clean, it is then returned to the patient. This process usually takes from 3 to 5 hours to perform. Treatment recommendations will vary based on individual circumstances, but many people receive three hemodialysis treatments each week.
What is Peritoneal Dialysis (PD)?
Whereas the blood is filtered outside of the patient's body during hemodialysis, with peritoneal dialysis, the artificial filtration takes place inside the patient's own body. During PD, medical professionals use a special formulation of fluid to remove wastes from the blood. This fluid, called a dialysate solution, enters the abdomen via a tube. It remains in the abdomen for the prescribed length of time. This is typically a period of four to six hours, and during this time, it absorbs wastes and cleanses the patient's blood. Afterwards, the fluid is removed from the abdomen through the same tube. As with hemodialysis, treatment is usually required three times a week. PD is generally more flexible than traditional dialysis, and it is often possible for patients to administer their own PD outside the office. (Ask your doctor for more information, if this is something you'd like to consider.)
It's important to recognize that both types of dialysis have pros and cons, or benefits and risks. Not all patients are good candidates for peritoneal dialysis, but for some people, it is the superior option. Your nephrologist will consider your risk factors and help you make an educated decision based on your unique situation.
Home Hemodialysis and Nocturnal Dialysis in Baldwin County, AL
It may be worth speaking to your kidney care team about one of these other dialysis options:
Nocturnal Hemodialysis
Most patients receiving hemodialysis do so in a dialysis center during the daytime hours. However, some patients find that nocturnal dialysis is a better fit for them. In nocturnal dialysis, the procedure takes place more slowly, during the course of the overnight hours. Patients receive this slower treatment option while they sleep. Because it has a slower pace than typical daytime dialysis, it can be gentler on the body. Nephrology Associates offers nocturnal dialysis options at some of our locations. If this is something you're interested in pursuing, please bring it up during your appointment.
Home Hemodialysis (HHD)
Home hemodialysis is essentially nocturnal hemodialysis that is self-administered in the comfort of your own home. Again, the slower pace of the overnight treatment can be beneficial for some patients, and because HHD takes place in your home, it's easy to receive your treatments exactly when you need them, without worrying about potential transportation and scheduling issues. You'll still have a team of healthcare professionals monitoring your condition and available for assistance when you need them. Some patients perform their HHD completely on their own, while others have someone to assist them. At-home dialysis won't be a good fit for everyone, but you can ask your doctor if it's right for you.
Working Shift Dialysis
Many people who require dialysis are work regular hours at a job—or they may have other reasons why they can't receive dialysis during the workday hours. If that's the case for you, rest assured that Nephrology Associates is happy to help you find a treatment schedule that is flexible enough to fit around your specific situation. We offer "working shift" dialysis options to make sure all our patients can receive the treatment they need.
Kidney Experts in North Baldwin County, Alabama
With over fifty years serving the people of the Alabama Gulf Coast, Nephrology Associates is committed to continuing to provide comprehensive kidney care to local patients. Our goal is to offer effective healthcare solutions designed for your unique circumstances. Each of our patients deserves the best kidney care available, and we dedicate ourselves to ensuring that they receive respectful attention customized to meet their needs.
If you have concerns about your kidney health, please call our Bay Minette office or contact us online!