Understanding Dialysis: A Life-Saving Support for Failing Kidneys
Dialysis is a medical treatment used to replace the function of the kidneys when they stop working properly. For many Nigerians with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) — where the kidneys are no longer able to clean the blood — dialysis becomes a lifeline.
But what exactly is dialysis?
How does it work?
And what should patients and their families expect?
At RHSN, we know these questions are on the minds of thousands. Let’s walk you through it.
💡 What Is Dialysis?
Your kidneys filter waste, salt, and extra fluid from your blood. When kidneys fail, toxic substances build up, leading to severe health problems or even death.
Dialysis does the job of the kidneys — artificially cleaning the blood and balancing fluids and electrolytes.
There are two main types:
- Hemodialysis: Your blood is pumped through a machine outside your body, cleaned, and returned. Usually done 2–3 times weekly at a dialysis center.
- Peritoneal Dialysis: Uses the lining of your abdomen (the peritoneum) and a special fluid to clean your blood. This can be done at home in certain cases.
⚠️ When Is Dialysis Needed?
Dialysis is usually needed when:
- You have less than 10-15% kidney function
- Symptoms include severe fatigue, swelling, nausea, breathing difficulty, or mental confusion
- Your blood tests show high creatinine, urea, and potassium levels
🎯 The goal of dialysis is not to cure — but to sustain life while awaiting a transplant or managing long-term kidney failure.
📍 The Situation in Nigeria
Nigeria faces a dialysis access crisis. Consider this:
- Over 20 million Nigerians need kidney care
- But fewer than 150 active dialysis centers exist nationwide
- Each session costs between ₦30,000–₦60,000
- Patients need 8–12 sessions monthly = ₦300,000–₦700,000/month
- Most centers are concentrated in urban areas — rural patients often travel hours to access care
🏥 Some patients skip sessions due to cost — putting their lives at serious risk.
💸 The Financial Burden
Dialysis is not affordable for the average Nigerian:
- Health insurance (NHIS) rarely covers dialysis fully
- Most patients pay out-of-pocket
- Families quickly deplete savings, sell assets, or go into debt
- Many patients die within months — not from the disease itself, but from lack of access to consistent dialysis
RHSN is actively advocating for public subsidy, NGO support, and private partnerships to reduce the financial strain on patients.
🧍🏽♀️What to Expect as a Patient or Caregiver
If you or your loved one is starting dialysis, here’s what you need to prepare for:
⏱️ Frequency
- Hemodialysis: 3 times weekly, 4 hours per session
- Peritoneal: Usually daily at home
🥘 Diet
- Restricted salt, potassium, phosphorus, and fluid intake
- Close nutritional monitoring is key
💊 Medication
- Blood pressure meds, phosphate binders, anemia treatment, and supplements may be required
💬 Emotional & Mental Strain
- Patients often experience depression, anxiety, and fatigue
- Families must offer consistent emotional support
🏥 Transportation & Scheduling
- Reliable transport and punctuality are essential
- Missed sessions can be dangerous
🧠 FAQs About Dialysis
Q: Is dialysis painful?
A: Most patients feel some discomfort at first, but not pain. Side effects like fatigue or cramps may occur.
Q: Can you live a normal life on dialysis?
A: Yes — with proper management and support, many patients return to work and enjoy life.
Q: How long can a person live on dialysis?
A: Many patients live for 5, 10, even 20+ years with good care. Some eventually receive a transplant.
Q: Can dialysis be done at home in Nigeria?
A: Home dialysis (peritoneal) is possible, but rare. RHSN is working with partners to expand this option.
How RHSN Helps Dialysis Patients
We support families through:
- Patient navigation and counseling
- Education on dialysis and lifestyle changes
- Connecting with donor programs
- Advocacy for subsidies and better care
- Emergency financial support (limited but growing)
💬 Final Thoughts
Dialysis is not a death sentence.
It is a bridge — to longer life, to a transplant, and to hope.
But in Nigeria, access, cost, and awareness still remain major barriers.
With the right support, knowledge, and community, no patient should have to fight alone.
📢 Take Action
- 💚 Donate to support RHSN dialysis patients
- 📍 Volunteer at our patient outreach events
- 🎓 Host a community awareness session
- 📝 Sign our petition for subsidized dialysis nationwide
Together, we can make dialysis accessible, affordable, and empowering.