Learning your child needs dialysis can be an overwhelming and emotional experience. No matter where you are on your child’s journey, you can be confident our specialists are here to walk with you every step of the way – from preparing for your child’s first appointment to navigating each visit with confidence.
As a parent, you want the best for your child. It’s that simple. At CHoR, you’ll find peace of mind with our experienced and compassionate team, ready to support your child – and your entire family – during each appointment. Here, we want your child and you to feel safe, comfortable and confident in the care we deliver.
Your child may need dialysis if their kidneys are not cleaning the blood – one of the many jobs of the kidneys. Typically, the kidneys take waste and water from blood (things your body doesn’t need) and turn it into urine. If your child has kidney failure from a short-term illness or condition or needs a kidney transplant, their kidneys may not be able to perform this important function. Dialysis may be able to help.
Before your child begins dialysis, it’s important to recognize there are two different types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.
Your child will need to visit one of our outpatient clinics for hemodialysis. This type of dialysis cleans the blood with an artificial filter outside the body. A catheter is used to remove a safe amount of blood from the body to be cleaned before it’s returned to the body through another tube. Eventually, your child will need a permanent pathway for dialysis, which helps make the procedure more efficient – and reduces the number of needle sticks or IVs for your child.
Typically, hemodialysis is given three times a week and can be done at home or at our clinic. Your child’s doctor will discuss what’s best for your child.
Ask any kid what they want, and they’ll probably give you an answer along the lines of being like their friends and peers. Peritoneal dialysis allows children to complete dialysis at home, without extra visits to our outpatient clinics. It works by using the stomach's lining as a natural filter to take waste and water out of the blood.
During peritoneal dialysis, a special fluid is inserted into the belly. It helps waste and water seep across the lining of the stomach. As the fluid washes back out, it brings that waster and water out of the body. A catheter helps carry the fluid into and back out of the stomach.
Let’s take the first step to help your child feel well. Call us today at (804) 828-CHoR or request an appointment online to learn more about our comprehensive and multidisciplinary services.
