Kidney Care Services

Dialysis Care

Comprehensive dialysis care that helps you understand your options, stay safe on treatment, and keep living your life with confidence.

Understanding your care

What is dialysis?

Dialysis is a treatment that removes waste, extra fluid, and toxins from the body when the kidneys can no longer do that job well enough on their own. It helps keep the body in balance and can relieve symptoms caused by advanced kidney failure.

There are two main types. Hemodialysis is usually done in a dialysis center about three times a week, while peritoneal dialysis is done at home on a daily schedule using the lining of the abdomen as a natural filter. Each option has different advantages, and the right fit depends on your health, your support system, and your goals.

Many people hear the word dialysis and immediately think life is over. That is not true. Dialysis is not the end — it is a treatment that keeps you living your life, and our job is to help you do it as safely and confidently as possible.

We also actively support home dialysis therapies for patients who want more flexibility, independence, and control over their routine. With the right education and support, home options can be a strong fit for many people.

How we help

A treatment plan built around your life

Our role is to prepare you well, help you choose the right dialysis path, and stay involved through every stage of treatment so you never feel like you are navigating this alone.

Explain every option clearly

We walk you through in-center hemodialysis, peritoneal dialysis, and home therapy options in plain language so you can choose with confidence.
Plan access early

Vascular access planning or catheter coordination before dialysis starts can make treatment safer and smoother.
Support home dialysis

We actively encourage home therapies when appropriate because they can offer more flexibility and a better day-to-day quality of life.
Coordinate with dialysis partners

We work closely with DaVita, DCI, Fresenius Medical Care, Premier Dialysis, and Sanderling Renal Services to keep your care connected.
Manage symptoms and goals

We monitor blood pressure, fluid balance, anemia, mineral balance, lab targets, medication classes, access health, and complications so treatment fits your body and your life.
Provide emotional support

Starting dialysis is a major life change, and we make space for the emotional side of that transition too.

What to expect

A clear path from referral to ongoing care

We keep the process simple, explain what comes next, and stay connected with your primary care doctor and other specialists.

Step 1

Referral and dialysis education

We review your kidney function, symptoms, labs, and timing so we can explain when dialysis may be needed and which options fit your life best.

Step 2

First dialysis planning visit

At your visit, we talk through hemodialysis versus peritoneal dialysis, home therapy possibilities, and how to prepare physically and emotionally.

Step 3

Treatment setup

We help coordinate access placement, partner center communication, training, and the medication changes needed to support a safe start.

Step 4

Ongoing dialysis care

Once treatment begins, we stay involved to adjust the plan, monitor labs and symptoms, and keep looking for opportunities to improve quality of life or move toward transplant.

Symptoms and warning signs

Dialysis planning often begins before an emergency

Kidney failure symptoms can build slowly. Some people feel unwell for months; others notice swelling, breathing trouble, or lab changes. Planning early gives you more choices and helps avoid starting dialysis in a rushed hospital setting.

Worsening fatigue, nausea, poor appetite, itching, cramps, or trouble sleeping from toxin buildup
Swelling, shortness of breath, high blood pressure, or rapid weight gain from extra fluid
Confusion, chest discomfort, severe weakness, or dangerous potassium changes in advanced kidney failure
For people already on dialysis: fever, access redness, missed treatments, dizziness, or new shortness of breath

Causes and risk factors

Why dialysis may become necessary

Dialysis is used when the kidneys cannot keep the body in safe balance. The goal is not just to start treatment, but to choose the safest option, protect quality of life, and keep transplant possibilities in view.

Advanced CKD, especially when eGFR is near kidney failure or symptoms and lab changes are increasing
Diabetes, high blood pressure, heart failure, inherited kidney disease, autoimmune disease, or repeated AKI
Late referral, limited access planning, infection risk, transportation barriers, or lack of home support
Fluid overload, high potassium, acidosis, severe uremic symptoms, or other complications that cannot be safely managed otherwise

How TKE decides timing

We explain the numbers and the choices

Kidney function and symptom review

We look at eGFR, creatinine trends, urine output, swelling, appetite, energy, breathing, and how you are feeling day to day.

Safety labs

Potassium, bicarbonate, phosphorus, hemoglobin, albumin, and fluid-related findings help determine whether dialysis planning should speed up.

Access and modality evaluation

We discuss hemodialysis access, peritoneal dialysis catheter planning, home training needs, transportation, support, and transplant timing when appropriate.

Prevention and living well

Dialysis should support your life, not erase it

Living well on dialysis includes the right treatment schedule, safe access care, nutrition guidance, symptom management, and honest conversations about home therapy and transplant. Related resources include CKD management, transplant care, our FAQ, and nearby locations.

Learn options early so dialysis starts with a plan rather than during a crisis when possible.
Keep every treatment if you are already on dialysis, and tell the team about symptoms during or after sessions.
Ask about home therapies if flexibility, travel time, or independence is important to you.
Stay connected with transplant planning, nutrition support, medication review, and access care.

This page is for education only and is not medical advice. Dialysis timing, type, access, medications, and diet should be decided with your healthcare team.

Dialysis FAQs

Questions about starting and living with dialysis

When does someone need dialysis?

Dialysis is considered when kidney failure causes unsafe lab changes, fluid overload, severe symptoms, or very low filtering function. The decision is based on the whole picture, not eGFR alone.

What is the difference between hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis?

Hemodialysis filters blood through a machine, often in a center or sometimes at home. Peritoneal dialysis uses the lining of the abdomen as a filter and is usually done at home on a daily schedule.

Can I work or travel while on dialysis?

Many people do. Planning matters. Treatment schedule, home therapy options, dialysis center coordination, energy level, and medical stability all affect work and travel choices.

Does dialysis mean transplant is no longer possible?

No. Many patients pursue transplant evaluation before or while on dialysis. We continue to discuss transplant when it is medically appropriate and aligned with your goals.

What treatments are managed while I am on dialysis?

Dialysis care may include fluid and blood pressure management, anemia treatment, mineral and phosphorus control, nutrition support, access monitoring, and medication review.

Big Expertise. Small-Town Heart.

Need a clear dialysis plan?

Call (731) 300-6155, request help through contact, or ask your clinician to send a referral. Fax referrals to 731-300-6955.

Our Dialysis Partners

We see patients at over 25 dialysis units

We partner with these organizations across West Tennessee to provide seamless, coordinated care wherever our patients receive dialysis treatment.

Take the next step

Talk with a kidney specialist about your next step

Whether you were recently referred or you are looking for answers after a hospital stay, we will help you understand what is happening and build a plan that feels manageable.

Schedule an appointment Call (731) 300-6155