16 Jul Delving Into Dialysis: When to Talk to Your Doctor
Perhaps you’ve been diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) or are weighing your options for treating vascular blockages and relieving a flurry of painful, life-hindering symptoms.
As you do research, questions arise — What is dialysis? What does it have to do with my arteries? Is it invasive? When should I talk to someone about my pain?
It’s no secret that consulting a physician could be crucial to preventing long-term damage, but knowing when to dial up your doctor could be a trickier decision. Thus, we’ve answered just a few questions about dialysis as it relates to your vascular system:
What Is Dialysis?
If you recall your middle school science class, you might remember that the body is comprised of a series of systems that work together to provide the necessary functions for survival. However, when one system or organ does not function properly, this can negatively affect other systems.
Consequently, when blood clots begin to form in your arteries, the kidneys may stop functioning properly, leading to built-up waste that would otherwise be filtered out. Once these conditions worsen, dialysis may be needed as a makeshift kidney for removing harmful toxins from the body.
After diagnostic processes have been performed to determine the best treatment option, dialysis is completed through the insertion of a two-channeled catheter below the collarbone or in the neck to remove and purify the blood before returning it to the body. With both temporary and long-term options, hemodialysis can ensure that both the cardiovascular and excretory systems are working properly, relieving you of any painful symptoms.
When Should You Consider Dialysis?
Catching kidney failure and arterial blockages as soon as possible could prevent frequent hospital visits and improve your quality of life, rendering it imperative that you recognize the signs and alert your doctor in a timely manner.
According to Mayo Clinic, some symptoms of acute kidney failure include:
- Shortness of breath
- Fatigue
- Swelling in the legs, ankles, and feet due to fluid retention
- Confusion
- Chest pain or pressure
- Decreased urine output
- And more
Additionally, patients who have been diagnosed with peripheral arterial disease (PAD) are at a higher risk of acute kidney failure.
Thus, if you are experiencing any of the aforementioned symptoms or think you may be at risk, consulting a physician about dialysis is the next best step.
Who Should You Consult About Dialysis?
When seeking a physician to relieve worrisome symptoms, you want someone who can not only effectively manage and treat venous conditions, but who will also curate a tailored plan to ensure that all of your needs are met, thereby providing you with worry-free comfort.
Our mission at Duval Vascular Center is to do just that with a team of certified professionals committed to providing quality care in our state-of-the-art outpatient facility. We offer collaborative and comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options to ensure our patients find relief from venous disease, peripheral arterial disease, and more.
Don’t wait until your pain becomes unbearable — contact our office at 904-518-1398 to schedule an appointment and learn more about what we can do for you today!