Dialysis
If your kidneys can no longer filter your blood, dialysis takes over their job. Treatment is often on your terms at St. Bernards Healthcare, which gives you options for where and how to receive dialysis. Expect the support, education and one-on-one care you need from northeast Arkansas’ largest and most trusted dialysis provider.
Types of Dialysis
We’ll help you choose the best type of treatment for your needs and preferences: hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis.
Hemodialysis
The most common type of dialysis, hemodialysis uses a special blood-washing machine. Before your first treatment, a vascular surgeon creates dialysis access—a place for a soft tube to connect the machine to your blood vessels. The surgeon usually joins an artery and vein in your arm to make a fistula or graft.
At the start of each treatment, a nurse or technician will place needles in the dialysis access. We can use a numbing cream if the insertion feels uncomfortable. The needles connect to tubes that send your blood to the dialysis machine, which filters it and then returns it to your body.
Getting Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis usually takes place two or three times a week for four hours at a time. Choose the location that’s most convenient for you:
Enjoy our comfortable recliners, a personal TV and warm blankets while you’re here.
You may also receive hemodialysis from us during your stay at:
Several area nursing homes transport patients to St. Bernards Dialysis Center for treatments.
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis uses the inner lining of your belly as a natural blood filter. Before your first treatment, a surgeon places a soft tube called a catheter in your belly. A fluid called dialysate flows in and out of the tube, cleansing your blood.
Types of Peritoneal Dialysis
You’ll choose either:
- Continuous ambulatory peritoneal dialysis – You hook up bags to your belly by hand to provide the dialysate fluid and drain the waste a few times a day.
- Automated peritoneal dialysis – A machine delivers and drains the cleansing fluid at night while you sleep.
Where Peritoneal Dialysis Takes Place
You’ll learn how to give yourself treatments at St. Bernards Home Dialysis in Jonesboro. Then, you’ll be able to perform the peritoneal dialysis treatment in the comfort of your home. We’ll schedule monthly appointments to check on your health.
Team Approach to Care
Improve your quality of life with well-rounded support from our team of experts, including:
- Dietitian who helps you plan a nutritious, tasty diet that can reduce your symptoms of kidney disease
- Social worker who helps you find local resources, such as transportation to appointments and financial assistance for medications
- Registered nurses, advanced practice providers and technicians who tend to your needs during dialysis treatments
- Nephrologist (kidney doctor) who oversees your care
