Your First Dialysis Session: What to Expect

Preparing for Your First Session

Starting dialysis is a significant step, and it's natural to feel anxious or uncertain. At Avitus, we want to make your first experience as comfortable as possible. This guide will walk you through exactly what to expect so you can arrive feeling prepared and confident.

Before You Arrive

• Eat a light meal 2-3 hours before your appointment (avoid heavy, salty foods)
• Take your regular medications unless your doctor advises otherwise
• Wear comfortable, loose-fitting clothes with sleeves that roll up easily
• Bring your ID, PhilHealth card, and any medical documents
• Arrange transportation home (you may feel tired after your first few treatments)
• Consider bringing a family member for support — they're welcome to stay

What Happens When You Arrive

Step 1: Check-In and Vital Signs

When you arrive, our reception staff will greet you and guide you to your treatment station. A nurse will check your weight (to determine how much fluid to remove), blood pressure, temperature, and pulse.

Step 2: Getting Comfortable

You'll be seated in a comfortable reclining chair. Take a moment to settle in — adjust the chair, get a blanket if you'd like, and set up any entertainment you brought. Our nurses will explain each step as they prepare you for treatment.

Step 3: Connecting to the Dialysis Machine

The nurse will clean your access site (fistula, graft, or catheter) and insert the needles. You may feel a brief pinch, similar to having blood drawn. Once connected, your blood will flow through the tubing to the dialyzer (artificial kidney), where it's cleaned, and then returns to your body.

Step 4: During Treatment

Your treatment will last approximately 4 hours. During this time:

• The machine continuously monitors your treatment and alerts staff to any issues
• Nurses will check on you regularly and take your vital signs periodically
• You can watch TV, read, use your phone, sleep, or chat with other patients
• You may have a light snack if approved by your dietitian
• Let the staff know if you feel any discomfort, dizziness, or nausea

Step 5: Finishing Up

When your treatment is complete, the nurse will return your blood and disconnect you from the machine. They'll apply pressure to the needle sites until any bleeding stops. Your weight and vital signs will be checked again.

How You Might Feel

• Tired or fatigued — this is normal and usually improves over time
• Lightheaded or dizzy when standing up — stand slowly and hold onto something
• Hungry — treatment burns calories, so have a healthy snack ready
• Relieved — many patients feel better after toxins are removed
• Emotional — it's okay to feel a range of emotions as you adjust

Tips for Your First Few Weeks

1. Give yourself time to adjust — it typically takes 4-6 weeks to settle into a routine
2. Follow your fluid and diet restrictions closely to minimize symptoms during treatment
3. Communicate with your care team — no question is too small
4. Connect with other patients — they understand what you are going through
5. Take care of your access — it is your lifeline
6. Be patient with yourself — this is a major life change

Starting dialysis is just the beginning of your journey with us. Our entire team — doctors, nurses, dietitians, and social workers — is dedicated to helping you live well on dialysis. Welcome to the Avitus family.