Dialysis is a type of treatment that is used when your kidneys are not working properly. There are two main types of dialysis that you may have had or are currently having, you can find out more about these two types on the above tabs. You may understand a bit about what happens and why already, if not these will help explain what dialysis is. 

If you had dialysis when you were a child your parents will have talked with your healthcare team about which type of dialysis was the most suitable for you. As a young adult if you need dialysis you will have the opportunity to talk to your healthcare team about what the best option for you is. Both types of dialysis require surgery before they can start. 

Doctors may talk about dialysis as a renal replacement therapy. What this means is special equipment is used to remove extra salt, water and waste products from the blood.  The two main types are known as Haemodialysis and Peritoneal dialysis. You can find out more information about the different types through the tabs but for most people both work equally well. The ways that they are different and therefore reasons you might have one as opposed to another include where the dialysis takes place (at hospital or home), how often dialysis is needed, how long a session takes, the surgery needed before it starts and possible side effects.

If you have any questions about dialysis then do talk to your healthcare team.