New options for local dialysis patientsNocturnal dialysis starts at Fresenius Medical
Updated: Sunday, 19 Sep 2010, 6:42 PM EDT
Published : Saturday, 18 Sep 2010, 4:00 PM EDT
* Alexandra Deiro
LAFAYETTE, Ind. (WLFI) - Lafayette dialysis patients now have the option to receive their treatment over-night.
Before the Fresenius Medical Center started the nocturnal option local patients would spend over 10 hours a week in dialysis, during business hours.
"What nocturnal dialysis does, in the community, and for those in the community with kidney disease or failure, it's another option. It helps them in the manner so we can do things a lot slower, a lot gentler on their bodies. Others do it because they have things to do during the daytime," said Registered nurse in the dialysis unit, Gregory Patch.
Medical experts said over-night dialysis is also proven to be better for the patient medically.
"When you do it at night you do it for a longer period of time. In addition studies have shown improvement in the quality of sleep for patients who do night time dialysis," Said Akram Al-Makki, medical director for the Fresenius Dialysis Unit.
Over-night dialysis will take between six to eight hours, Patch said that patients will usually sleep in this time.
"They feel better overall because it can help them not feel so tired and drained as they would on a quicker treatment," said Patch.
Patch said that because the patient has more time, the dialysis machine can work more slowly, meaning the procedure is more gentle on the patient.
Dr. Al-Makki said currently around 7 patients are taking advantage of the nocturnal dialysis option.
http://www.wlfi.com/dpp/news/local/new-options-for-local-dialysis-patients
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