What to Expect at Your First Dialysis Appointment: A Step-by-Step Guide

Walking into your first dialysis appointment can feel overwhelming. You’re not alone—most patients feel anxious before their initial session. But knowing exactly what to expect can turn fear into confidence.

Key Facts to Ease Your Mind:
✔ Dialysis extends and improves the lives of kidney failure patients
✔ Over 500,000 Americans receive dialysis regularly (National Kidney Foundation)
✔ The procedure itself is painless—most discomfort comes from needle insertion (if on hemodialysis)
This guide walks you through every step of your first appointment, from preparation to recovery.

1. Before Your Appointment

✅ Get your vascular access ready:

• Hemodialysis patients: Protect your arm with the fistula/graft (no blood pressure checks or needles on that side)
• Peritoneal dialysis patients: Your surgeon will place a catheter in advance

✅ Hydrate wisely:

• Follow your doctor’s fluid intake guidelines (too much can make treatment harder)

✅ Eat a light meal:

• Avoid heavy, salty foods that could cause thirst or cramps

2. Mental Preparation

• Tour the center beforehand if possible
• Watch virtual dialysis tours (many centers offer these online)

"Knowing the dialysis machine wasn’t scary—just a quiet helper—made my first session much easier." — James R., dialysis patient since 2021

Pack a dialysis "comfort kit":

Pro Tip: Wear loose sleeves if you have an arm fistula for easy access.

For Hemodialysis Patients:

1. Check-in & vital signs (weight, blood pressure, temperature)
2. Access preparation (nurse cleans and numbs the fistula area)
3. Needle insertion (2 needles—one to remove blood, one to return it)
4. Connection to machine (blood flows through filter for 3-4 hours)
5. Monitoring (staff check for dizziness, cramps, or nausea)
6. Disconnection & bandaging

For Peritoneal Dialysis Patients:

1. Sterile setup training (how to connect to bags safely)
2. Dialysis solution infusion (fluid flows into abdomen via catheter)
3. Dwell time (usually 4-6 hours at home)
4. Drain & repeat (waste fluid drains out)

What the Machine Does (Hemodialysis):

The dialyzer filters waste, extra salt, and fluid from your blood.

Common But Temporary Side Effects:

• During:
• • Cold chills (blankets help)
  • Muscle cramps (adjustments to fluid removal can prevent these)
• After:
• • Fatigue (like a "washed out" feeling)
  • Headache (from fluid shifts)

When to Alert Staff Immediately:
❌ Chest pain
❌ Severe cramping
❌ Sudden swelling at the access site

Good News: Side effects decrease as your body adjusts to treatments.

1. "How will we know if my treatment is working?"
2. "What’s my ideal 'dry weight' goal?"
3. "How can I prevent low blood pressure during sessions?"
4. "When can I start considering home dialysis options?"

Red Flags in a Facility:

• Staff who answer your questions
• Dirty equipment or surfaces

Use these verified resources:

1. [Your Platform’s] dialysis center directory (with patient reviews)
2. Medicare’s Dialysis Facility Compare (official quality ratings)
3. Referrals from your nephrologist

Key Selection Criteria:
✔ Convenient location
✔ Evening/weekend slots if needed
✔ Low infection rates

Q: Will I feel the blood filtering during hemodialysis?

A: No—you’ll just hear the machine’s quiet whirring.

Q: Can I eat during treatment?

A: Usually yes! Pack light snacks (avoid salty foods).

Q: How soon will I feel better after starting dialysis?

A: Most notice improved energy/appetite within 2-4 weeks.

Q: What if I need to cancel an appointment?

A: Call immediately—missing sessions can be dangerous.

Your first dialysis appointment is the beginning of a new normal, not an end. With today’s technology and caring medical teams, millions live full, active lives on dialysis.

Remember:
✔ Side effects improve as your body adjusts
✔ You’re always in control—speak up about discomfort
✔ Better days are ahead as toxins leave your system

Need help finding a dialysis center? Browse our vetted listings with verified patient reviews.