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Why choose Geisinger for dialysis?

Starting dialysis means learning a new routine. It doesn't mean putting your life on hold. With the right plan, treatment can fit around your life — not the other way around.

That starts with understanding your options. Hemodialysis at a nearby center. Peritoneal and hemodialysis at home. Your nephrology team will walk you through each one so you can choose what works for your schedule and comfort level.

From there, you'll have a care team built around your needs. Our nephrology department works together to keep your treatment on track and your questions answered. And if a kidney transplant is a possibility down the road, we’ll help you explore that path too.

You're not handing over control. You're gaining a partner who helps you stay in the driver's seat.

Conditions we treat

Related specialties

FAQs

What is dialysis?

Dialysis is a process that filters water and other waste products from your bloodstream with the help of a specialized machine when your kidneys don’t work.

Dialysis helps:

  • To filter waste products from your blood
  • To maintain a healthy balance of electrolytes (like potassium and sodium) in your blood
  • To regulate blood pressure

What does dialysis treat?

It’s generally a long-term treatment for kidney failure until you can get a kidney transplant. But dialysis can also be used as a short-term treatment for acute, or temporary, kidney failure.

What is hemodialysis?

The most common type of dialysis, hemodialysis acts as an artificial kidney. Using a special filter, it removes waste products from and cleans your blood. Then the machine returns your blood to your body.

What is peritoneal dialysis?

This type of dialysis happens inside your body without the help of a hemodialyzer. It uses a soft tube known as a catheter connected to a bag of dialysis solution. This mix of water and sugar absorbs waste products from your blood stream and drains them out of your body. It can be done at home, often while you sleep.

What should I expect during dialysis?

When you arrive for dialysis treatment, we’ll listen to your lungs and check your weight.

A nurse will also measure:

  • Blood pressure
  • Temperature
  • Heart rate

We’ll do our best to help you stay comfortable during treatment. Since you’ll spend a few hours at the center, consider bringing a phone, tablet or activities to keep yourself busy.

What should I expect after dialysis?

After dialysis, it’s common to feel symptoms like:

  • Tiredness
  • Nausea
  • Dizziness
  • Headaches

If your dialysis is done at a dialysis center or hospital, you can go back to your regular activities after your treatment.

Dialysis at Geisinger 

When you choose Geisinger for your dialysis treatments, you’ll have access to:

  • The knowledge and care you need: Your dialysis team, headed by your nephrologist, can answer all your questions about your treatment, and they’ll take your concerns seriously. We’ll make your dialysis sessions as relaxing and comfortable as possible.
  • Care close to home: And sometimes even in your home! Treatment options are also available at dialysis centers. We’ll work with you to help you find the right type of dialysis for your needs. With locations throughout central and northeastern Pennsylvania, care is just around the corner.