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THE BEAN:
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 A common misconception about dialysis is that you live life bound to a clinic and a chair. However, that is far from true. There is life on dialysis and we want to help you keep living it. There are four (4) types of renal replacement: in-center hemodialysis, home hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis and transplantation. Today, we will discuss the pros and cons of each to help you begin making the decision that best fits your needs.
In-Center Hemodialysis In-center hemodialysis is the modality that most people think of when it comes to dialysis. This type of dialysis is done in a clinic setting 3 days a week for a few hours at a time. These schedules vary from person to person based on their dialysis prescription. Hemodialysis uses a fistula or graft to access veins and arteries.
Home Hemodialysis Home hemodialysis is completed at home on a daily basis, using a permanent access to the blood, typically in your arm. Based on your needs and circumstances, this can be a fistula or a graft. Home hemodialysis is performed 4-6 times per week.
Peritoneal Dialysis Peritoneal dialysis is unique in that it uses the peritoneum, or the lining of the abdomen, to act as a kidney and filter out the toxins and waste from the blood. This type of dialysis can be done at home or other sterile settings to complete the exchange. Peritoneal dialysis is done daily.
Kidney Transplant While it is not dialysis, kidney transplantation is a form of renal replacement that should always be considered and discussed. When you receive a kidney transplant, the donor kidney is placed in the front, lower abdomen. The patient’s own kidneys are not removed.
As you can see, there are benefits and draw-backs to each of these options. You should always discuss your options with your nephrologist and/or dialysis care team to make sure you are choosing the path that best fits your lifestyle and needs. One option may work for some but not for others, and that’s okay. Our fabulous care team at DialySuites would be more than happy to help guide you in finding your best fit. Call today to learn more about DialySuites and your options! (904) 618-3131  We believe in recognizing and acknowledging the growth and hard work our team has shown. To do this, we began a program within the office we call KUDOS+. Our team is able to give praise and acknowledge exemplary work by their teammates throughout the quarter. At the end, the teammate with the most KUDOS+ given by their team is appointed the teammate of the quarter. In'Dia, one of our fabulous Front Desk Coordinators, is our third quarter Teammate of the Quarter for 2023. We had the opportunity to sit down and learn more about what makes her an outstanding employee
What is your schooling, background, and experience? Currently enrolled at St Johns River State College for a Bachelor's Degree in Healthcare Administration. What are your hobbies and interests outside of work? My hobbies are roller skating with my family and other family fun activities. I have also always been interested in science and how things work. What got you interested in healthcare? My interest in healthcare comes from seeing my loved ones feeling hopeless because they don't know where to turn for help or what is available to them when it comes to needing healthcare services. I always wanted to be a doctor because I thought that was the only way to change the world of healthcare for the better. As I grew in my healthcare profession, I went from being a certified nurses assistant while going to school for nursing to becoming interested in healthcare administration. By working in a healthcare environment, I learned more about the other important roles that influence the advancement of healthcare. Because of my journey through healthcare, I am happy to educate as many people who are in need who may not fully understand what their insurance can do for them or how their care team can assist them to reach their goal to better health. What are your passions? What drives and motivates you? My passion has always been to see others win and to help them as much as I can to reach their personal goals. I appreciate being informative so that I am able to lead others to becoming a better version of themselves. It is also important to me to do the same for myself so that I am able to continue to do so for others. My family motivates me to stay strong and diligent in making a better life for them. I want to be a good example for my kids and any other child that God places in my path. Do you have any special certifications or achievements? If so, what are they? I am a licensed Certified Nursing Assistant (CNA). Do you have any other fun facts about yourself you’d like your team and our patients to know? I love all things surrounding being creative. I enjoy using a variety of outlets to express myself like singing, dancing, and drawing. I also love making fun videos with my children and family. What do you enjoy most about being part of the team? I appreciate being a part of a team of healthcare professionals who all share the same passion for helping others (patients and teammates alike), who strive for personal and professional growth, and who unselfishly share experiences and honest opinions to help each develop into a better team with no judgment. I appreciate a team that meets the individual where they are and speaks to them in their learning style. Way to grow, In'Dia! Thank you for your contributions to our team and patients. Your passion for others shines in all that you do!  It's time to revisit an old favorite from last year! With Halloween right around the corner, candy is going on sale and will be given in abundance in the coming weeks. Empower yourself with what candies are and are not renal friendly so you can make wise choices.
While it may be small, candy can have a large impact on the renal diet. Halloween candy can contain phosphorus and potassium which play an integral role in your kidney function. Additionally, if you have diabetes, it is important to consult with your endocrinologist, dietician, and/or primary care physician to determine what is best for your personal health goals. Below are some general tips and guidelines as well as which candies are tricks and which candies are treats. Guidelines to Halloween Candy:
Treats:
Tricks: Candy can contain higher levels of phosphorus and potassium due to being made with solid chocolate, nuts, dried fruit, coconut, peanut butter, and caramel.
Resources: https://www.kidney.org/content/halloween-fun-kids-kidney-disease Penny Miclat, RN, Director of Nursing, DialySuites Bartram Park |
