Hundreds of thousands of Americans receive dialysis. If you’ve just started your treatment, non-emergency transportation will help you get to your appointments. Use this guide to learn more about the treatment process and what will happen during your followups with the doctor.

How Does Dialysis Work?

Healthy kidneys remove waste and liquid from your body by filtering blood. They also maintain a healthy balance of minerals and make hormones that help the body produce essential red blood cells.

Dialysis is a treatment option for people who’ve lost more than 80% of their kidney function. It can either occur inside the body through a catheter, or outside the body with an artificial kidney.

What Happens During Your Appointments?

If you have a catheter, you transfer the dialysis solution from a bag into your stomach, and another bag is filled with waste and extra fluid. About four to eight weeks after you’ve started treatment, your doctor will perform a peritoneal equilibrium test (PET) to determine how well the procedure is working for you. You’ll need to see your doctor every two to four months to check in and make any necessary adjustments. 

If you have an artificial kidney, you’ll need to go to the doctor at least three times a week. The length of each treatment depends on your condition, but these appointments usually take around four hours. During the appointment, a hemodialysis pump will move the blood through the dialyzer. You can keep yourself busy by reading, watching TV, or talking with a loved one. Common side effects include nausea, headaches, and dizziness, so scheduling non-emergency transportation will allow you to get home safely. Even if you don’t experience side effects, you’ll be happy to sit back and relax on your journey home.

 

If you or a loved one is receiving dialysis, Agape Transportation Management in the Bronx, NY, makes getting to those crucial appointments hassle-free. Their dedicated staff drive only the most comfortable vehicles and are always on time. They offer affordable prices and accept Medicaid, since you shouldn’t have to compromise when it comes to your health. Call (718) 585-2222 to start traveling with ease, or visit their website to learn more about non-emergency transportation.