AskDocDoc
/
/
/
How to know if you need dialysis
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 33M : 42S
background image
Click Here
background image
General Health
Question #29361
45 days ago
120

How to know if you need dialysis - #29361

Vivaan

I am dealing with some confuseing health issues lately and I'm not sure how to know if you need dialysis. I've been feeling really tired and weak, and my legs are swollen for some reason. A few weeks ago, I had some blood work done, and my doc said my kidneys aren't functioning right. I remember them mentioning my creatinine levels were higher than they should be, but I was in a bit of shock, you know? I've gotta admit, I dont really totally understand what that means. Then I've been getting these weird cramps in my stomach and just feel off, like something's not right but not quite sure what it is. My family says if I do need dialysis, it would be a big deal and that I should know the signs. But how do you really know if you need dialysis? Is there a specific point or set of symptoms that they look for? I just feel overwhelmed with all this info and hope I’m not heading into something serious. I've read that some people are on dialysis for a long time, and I wonder what that really means for day-to-day life. Like, is it just a matter of time before i get put on it? How many people actually know if they need dialysis before they're told? It all feels really scary, honestly. Any insights would really help!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Dialysis becomes necessary when your kidneys can no longer effectively filter waste and excess fluid from your blood. It usually stems from chronic kidney disease reaching an advanced stage. The symptoms you’re describing, like fatigue, swelling in your legs, and increased creatinine levels, are indeed concerning and could possibly point towards decreased kidney function. Creatinine is a waste product, and high levels usually indicate that your kidneys aren’t filtering properly. The key triggers for starting dialysis typically include not just lab results, but also how you’re feeling overall. Look for signs like persistent nausea, worsening leg swelling, fatigue, difficulty breathing, or ongoing confusion, these might suggest that your kidneys are severely impaired. Specifically, nephrologists—kidney specialists—use guidelines based on your Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR), a test that measures how well your kidneys are working, in conjunction with your symptoms and lab results, to determine if dialysis is necessary. If your GFR falls below a certain point and symptoms worsen, dialysis might be considered. While it seems overwhelming, remember that dialysis is a supportive therapy and helps maintain essential kidney functions. Life on dialysis varies by individual; it requires regular scheduling, usually three times a week, and lifestyle adjustments, including dietary changes and possibly medication adjustments. It’s vital to stay in close contact with your healthcare team to monitor your kidney function closely and to discuss any changes or new symptoms. They can offer you specific recommendations based on your current health status and guide you through this process. Considering the symptoms you’ve mentioned and the shock you’re feeling, arranging a follow-up appointment with your doctor or a kidney specialist as soon as possible is crucial to clarify your condition and receive a tailored treatment plan. Don’t delay seeking additional information or second options if needed, as early intervention can make a significant difference in outcomes.

20139 answered questions
90% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


how to get healthy hair naturally at home
what shilajit do
pimple in ear treatment
What should I do after accidentally taking 7 Enzoflam pills in an hour without any symptoms?
how long does ashwagandha take to work
enlargement of prostate gland
1 spf is equal to how many minutes
best laparoscopic surgeon in India
how to reduce body heat in female
what are the benefits of drinking water in copper bottle
chikungunya treatment
weak liver treatment
pet me infection me kya khaye
how to increase body temperature
what is sinusitis
buttermilk benefits for liver
how to remove pigmentation from nose
What to do if I have numbness in my foot and muscle tissue comes out during bowel movements after a spinal cord injury?
how to shrink a lipoma naturally
normal range of blood pressure in male
reasons of weight loss
hot compress for ear pain
otomycosis symptoms
هل السكر النوع الاول يضر الشخص ؟
authorities disease
how to reduce body heat
cyst on tailbone female
What is the difference between reactive leukocytosis and myeloproliferative disorders in a 57-year-old female with severe abdominal pain?
why is my ear itching
can we store hot water in copper bottle
What could be causing left side chest pain in a 25-year-old male runner on mephenatermin sulfate for 7 months?
which juice is best for energy
cholesterol increase causes
What to do for shortness of breath and panic attacks 3 months postpartum?
hot water burn home remedies
is fasting required for cbc blood test
what is l lysine good for
how to strengthen liver and kidneys naturally
reasons for sudden heart attack
how to test honey
What to do if my B12 and D3 levels are low after a normal blood test?
Lump near collarbone with night sweats and cough
why i feel something stuck in my throat
how to remove black spots from clothes
how to stop loose motion in pregnancy
why is shilajit used
all body pain reason
solution of loose motion
how long does sinusitis last
Walnut on ass hole ............
What are the best dietary tips for managing kidney stones, fatty liver, and high blood sugar?
What does a bilirubin total of 1.27 and unconjugated bilirubin of 0.65 mean in my liver function test?
how to check original shilajit
what is l-lysine good for
Will I recover my energy after taking iron supplements following metformin use?
does isabgol reduce cholesterol
why are my hands always cold
How to reduce inflammation on right feet and knee? X-ray and blood-works done but no diagnosis.
what can i take instead of ibuprofen for inflammation
how long does tonsillitis last
how to lose weight fast without exercise
detox test
how to stop leg cramps immediately home remedies
how to get rid of spider veins on legs
how to cool down body heat
can a wound heal without stitches
liver strong kaise kare
symptoms of fungal infection in ear
What to do if my husband has pain near his appendix surgery site after lunch? Is it dangerous?
what does an ear infection feel like
What are stronger treatments for severe motion sickness that don't respond to Meclizine or Dimenhydrinate?
dolo for body pain
how do you know when ur not okay?
red banana side effects
what is prostate disease
does tonsillitis go away
triphala powder how to use
is pineapple good for cold and cough
how long does it take for shilajit to work
how breast cancer occurs
curd side effects
how much copper water to drink per day
is being in a closed garage for 30 seconds while a car is running dangerous?
which is better oil or serum for hair
testicle doctor specialist
How to reduce painin back? Also how to reduce fungus from ears?
how to treat hormonal acne naturally at home
how to heat up your body
What to do if my lipoma has grown rapidly and is now the size of a tennis ball?
Severe persistent headache for 2 days with history of migraine – need advice”
can we keep copper bottle in fridge
acne home remedy
سلام وعليكم دكتور ضهور حبوب في الارجل
how much l lysine for cold sore
how bilirubin increase
What to do for a headache in my right temple that's been happening for a long time?
what causes ear ringing
can you feel nasal polyps with your finger
base hospital lucknow opd days
does mastrubation effect on liver