At Summit Healthcare, we provide inpatient dialysis services to ensure patients receive high-quality, compassionate care close to home. Our commitment to safety, respect, and teamwork ensures that every dialysis patient receives personalized treatment in a comfortable and supportive environment.
Before Your First Dialysis Session
Before starting dialysis, your healthcare provider will discuss your treatment plan, including whether you’ll undergo hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. If you are starting hemodialysis, you’ll likely have vascular access—either a fistula, graft, or catheter—placed beforehand.
On treatment day, you’ll want to wear comfortable clothing with easy access to your dialysis site. Bring a book, a tablet, or headphones to help pass the time. You should also follow any dietary and fluid intake guidelines your doctor provides.
Arriving at Summit Healthcare
When you arrive at Summit Healthcare, we will guide you through the process. Before starting treatment, we will check your weight, blood pressure, and overall health to monitor how much fluid needs to be removed during dialysis.
If you’re undergoing hemodialysis, you’ll be seated in a reclining chair while the technician connects you to the dialysis machine through your vascular access. If you’re doing peritoneal dialysis, you’ll administer a sterile fluid exchange through a catheter in your abdomen.
During the Dialysis Treatment
Dialysis sessions typically last three to five hours and are performed three times a week for hemodialysis. Peritoneal dialysis is done more frequently, usually at home.
You may feel a slight pinch when needles are inserted, but the process is painless. Some patients experience fatigue, muscle cramps, or nausea, especially during their first few treatments. Let the medical staff know if you feel uncomfortable.
After Your Session
Once your session is complete, the technician will disconnect you from the machine and check your vitals again. Some patients feel tired after dialysis, while others resume normal activities. Stay hydrated, follow dietary recommendations, and rest if needed.
Get Compassionate Dialysis Treatment in Show Low, AZ
Your first dialysis session may seem overwhelming, but it becomes a routine part of life with time. For more information or to schedule an appointment, call us today at 928-537-4375.
