WHAT IS IT?
Dialysis is required when the body’s kidneys can no longer do their job of removing the wastes and fluid from the blood. This occurs when you have only 10 to 15 percent of your kidney function left. This type of dialysis is performed in a hospital unit or in the local CMC unit. Nurses will connect you to a machine that cleans your blood through a vascular access. For this, you will need to go the Montreal General Hospital for a surgery, but you’ll be able to come back in your community if there is an available spot.
WHO IS IT FOR?
Dialysis is for patients whose kidneys have stopped working properly and who need regular treatments to stay alive. At the moment, we have a unit in Chisasibi and Mistissini. Some clients from Ouge-Bougoumou and Waswanipi get treatments at the Chibougamau hospital. We are working on getting a new hemodialysis unit in Waskaganish.
HOW LONG DOES IT LAST?
Each hemodialysis session takes 3 to 4 hours per day, three day a week. A regular schedule that you must respect will be assigned to you once you get there.
what are the OTHER treatments options?
Home hemodialysis à : https://creehealth.org/health-tips/homehemodialysis
Peritoneal dialysis à https://creehealth.org/health_tip/Peritonealdialysis
Some people also choose to not undergo any treatment and maintain conservative care à [Link to conservative care page]
WHERE CAN I LEARN MORE?
Ask your nurse or your nephrologist for more info.
