On Dialysis

When you’re on dialysis, it can be a big lifestyle change. But once you get used to the routine, you’ll most likely begin to feel much better physically and emotionally. Read on to learn about choosing an ideal treatment option, eating right, continuing to work and more to help you maintain your quality of life.

Dialysis Basics Get a better understanding about dialysis and learn ways you can continue to thrive while on this treatment.

Understanding Your Lab Work
GFR. Kt/V. BUN. CCr. Understanding what these tests measure and what the results mean can help you manage dialysis treatments.
Five Myths about Dialysis
You may have heard some myths surrounding dialysis. Now get the truths behind them.
Your Dialysis Access
Find what dialysis access options are available and how to care for them.
Switching Dialysis Treatments
For many patients, switching from one kind of dialysis to another is a lifestyle choice. Some patients prefer to treat themselves at home while others would prefer to be treated at a center.

What to Consider When Choosing a Dialysis Provider

From location to support services, here are several things to consider when deciding which dialysis provider fits your needs.

Educational Resources Watch informational videos to help you understand all aspects of dialysis.

Missed Treatments
Every minute of every dialysis treatment is important. Learn how missing a treatment could affect your kidney health.
Carolyne’s “Making Treatments” Story
Missing even one dialysis treatment may raise your chances of being hospitalized. Watch this video to hear why Carolyne chose to make dialysis treatments a top priority in her life.
Fluid Management
For people on dialysis, too much fluid can be harmful. Watch this video to learn more about fluid control and kidney health.
Ellen’s Fluid Story
Learn about Ellen and how she manages her daily fluid intake.
Access Infection Avoidance
What do you need to know about infection risk and avoidance while on dialysis? Watch this video to learn more.
Quick Access Check
Look. Listen. Feel. Watch this video to learn how to do a quick access check, every day.
More On Dialysis
Additional articles and resources for those on dialysis

Life Adjustments on Dialysis When you’re on dialysis, certain things may need to shift in your life. Here are a few things you might anticipate.

Social Workers: Helping Dialysis Patients
Get help from your renal social worker, from emotional support and help coping with lifestyle changes to resources for finding financial help.
Medication Adherence
Managing your medication is an important part of your treatment plan when you’re on dialysis.
Exercise for Dialysis Patients
Stay physically and emotionally sound by exercising when you’re on dialysis.
Support For People on Dialysis and Their Loved Ones
Access ways for you and your loved ones to find support.
Fluid Control on Dialysis
Learn about how what you drink affects your health and your dialysis treatments, plus get a few tips on how to control thirst.

Travel on Dialysis: 6 Steps to Plan Your Trip

Thinking of planning a getaway? No matter where you want to travel, don’t let kidney disease stop you. Check out these travel planning tips and start packing.

Diet on Dialysis Find helpful tips and tools that can help you manage your diet when you’re on dialysis.

Dialysis Diet Differences
Not all dialysis diets are the same. Discover how hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis diets can differ while also sharing some of the same concepts.
Cook Up Kidney-Friendly Recipes
Get a wealth of ideas for breakfast, lunch, dinner and dessert.
Read Kidney Diet Tips Blog
Get the latest nutrition tips and suggestions provided by DaVita dietitians.
Get Kidney-Friendly Cookbooks
Access free kidney-friendly cookbooks from DaVita dietitians.

This vs. That: Low-Sodium Foods

Which foods contain less sodium? Learn more when you watch this video so you can make better choices.

Treatment Options Even when you’re already on dialysis, it is good to know that you have other treatment options.

Know Your Dialysis Choices
When you need dialysis, know that there are several types of dialysis available to fit your health and lifestyle needs.
Peritoneal Dialysis: A Home Dialysis Option
Learn more about the potential benefits of this needle-free home treatment.
Learn About Kidney Transplants
Understand this alternative treatment to dialysis and its benefits.
5 Reasons to Choose a Kidney Transplant
Did you know kidney transplant is a treatment option for end stage renal disease? Here are five reasons to consider a transplant.

Treatment Options for People with Kidney Failure

Learn more about the different types of kidney disease treatments and find the one that works best for your lifestyle.

Insurance & Employment Support Many people on dialysis continue to work. Staying employed may help you feel healthier and happier. Keeping your job may also mean you can keep your insurance and continue to receive coverage while you are on dialysis.

Stay On the Job 
Remaining employed may help you feel healthier, happier and more financially secure .
Get More Employment Information
Download booklets with helpful tips and information for keeping your job and understanding your insurance options.
Contact an Insurance Specialist
If you are a DaVita patient and have questions regarding your insurance, an insurance specialist can help.

Understand Your Insurance Options

Overwhelmed by your insurance options? Check out this breakdown of the 6 most common health insurance options.

Tools for Dialysis Patients Finding the right tools can help make life on dialysis simpler, whether it’s sticking with your diet or managing your dialysis treatment.

DaVita^® Health Portal
For DaVita dialysis patients, take control of your health with access to your dialysis lab results, medications and more.
Find a Dialysis Center
Easily search for and choose a dialysis center in your area.

Adrienne Finds Online Support for Her Kidney Disease

With the help of DaVita.com tools, DaVita patient Adrienne has been able to plan kidney-friendly meals, check her lab results, know her immunization schedule and more. Learn how DaVita.com can help you manage your kidney disease.