Home Dialysis Central
...everything you need to know about doing dialysis at home.
Life@Home: our original articles
Your heart on dialysis—Don’t be stunned!
Your heart may be at risk from standard hemodialysis even if you never had a heart problem before. The risk you may face is not just run-of-the-mill. Instead, standard HD can starve your heart of oxygen. In time, this problem, called myocardial stunning, can lead to heart failure. Take steps to protect your heart! More »
Not enough hours in the day? Tips for managing your home dialysis lifestyle
As a kidney patient, you know first-hand that life on dialysis—even home dialysis—is challenging. And people on peritoneal dialysis (PD) or home hemodialysis (HHD) are not exempt from hectic day-to-day stress. It's tough for everyone to get daily tasks done, but successful dialysis leads to improved health and quality of life. More »
Does my clinic have to give me a chair for home dialysis? Your equipment & supply questions answered
So...you're thinking about doing home dialysis and want to know how and where you will get what you need—and what it will cost. There is good news: if you have Medicare or another health plan, it should cover most of the direct costs. Some costs may fall on you. We'll help you learn what is covered and how—and you can bring this article to your clinic in case you run into a snag. More »
When to start dialysis
When you know your kidneys are failing, it's normal to want to put off dialysis forever. Common wisdom used to say that starting dialysis early was best for you. The funny thing about common wisdom, though, is it could turn out to be wrong. Research now suggests that putting off dialysis as long as you can may be the safer choice. More »
PD catheter placement in the X-ray department
Some medical centers offer ways to place PD catheters besides in the operating room. Ask if your PD catheter can be placed by an "interventional radiologist" in the X-ray department. More »
Disaster Planning for PD and Home HD
Epic tornados. Earthquakes. Hurricanes. Tsunamis. Nuclear power plant meltdowns! It seems as if a good part of the news each day reports on a fresh disaster. No one wants to have to deal with events that disrupt vital services—like dialysis. But if life throws a fire storm or flood your way, you’ll have a better chance of making it through if you prepare. More »
Dialysis with a trach or vent
Do you or a loved one have a tracheostomy or use a ventilator to breathe and need dialysis? If so, here are some things to think about. More »
How to get started with home dialysis in three easy steps
You're thinking about home dialysis but don't know where to begin? Here are a few tips to get the ball rolling. More »
U.S. dialysis: How the system of care works
Dialysis in the U.S. is provided through clinics that are certified by Medicare or the Veteran's Administration. Dialysis clinics must follow a set of Medicare regulations called the Conditions for Coverage that were first released in 1976. More »
PD in a pinch: Low-volume, recumbent-only (LVRO)
With PD, hernias or PD catheter problems may interrupt the usual treatment routine. Most often, these types of issues lead to placement of a temporary hemodialysis catheter and use of HD for some number of days or weeks. But, you may have another option: low-volume PD. More »
Our sponsors
Home Dialysis Central is made possible through the generous annual contributions of our Corporate Sponsors. Learn more about becoming a Corporate Sponsor.
