Dialysis becomes a necessary treatment when the kidneys can no longer filter waste and fluids effectively on their own. But what many people don’t realize is that kidney problems often develop silently over time. Some assume they don’t need to worry because humans can live with just one kidney—but that’s a risky misunderstanding. Your kidneys perform vital functions beyond just waste removal: they help balance fluids, regulate blood pressure, and produce essential hormones. When they begin to fail, it can lead to dangerous health complications.
Learning the early signs of kidney disease—like chronic fatigue, swelling in the legs or face, or changes in urination—can help you seek medical attention before your condition becomes critical. Early detection may even delay or prevent the need for dialysis. But if your doctor determines that you do require hemodialysis, it’s important to get treatment from a reliable, supportive care team.
At Doral Health and Wellness, we provide dialysis services in Brooklyn designed for your comfort and long-term health. Our experienced team uses advanced technology to ensure you receive high-quality care and personalized attention during every session. Whether you’re exploring treatment options or ready to begin dialysis, we’re here to guide and support you. Visit us in person or go to https://doralhw.org/solution/dialysis/ to learn more.
5 Signs You May Need Dialysis
Recognizing when your kidneys are no longer functioning properly is essential to prevent long-term complications. Dialysis may become necessary when your body can’t eliminate waste and fluids on its own. Here are five important signs that may indicate it’s time to consult a renal specialist and consider dialysis treatment.
1. Persistent Fatigue
Dialysis may become necessary when persistent fatigue disrupts your daily life and other treatments no longer offer relief. One of the earliest and most commonly overlooked symptoms of worsening kidney function is chronic fatigue. This exhaustion isn’t just about feeling sleepy—it stems from your kidneys’ inability to produce erythropoietin (EPO), a hormone essential for stimulating red blood cell production. Without enough EPO, anemia can set in, decreasing your blood’s oxygen-carrying capacity and leaving you feeling drained regardless of how much rest you get.
But anemia isn’t the only culprit. As kidney function declines, toxins and metabolic waste begin to accumulate in your bloodstream—something healthy kidneys would normally prevent. This toxic buildup doesn’t just slow your body down physically; it also impairs mental clarity, making it hard to concentrate and stay alert. You may feel a heavy brain fog, unexplained muscle weakness, or a lack of motivation that interferes with work, relationships, and even basic tasks.
When these symptoms persist despite lifestyle changes and medication, dialysis might be recommended as the next step. Dialysis treatment works by taking over the filtering function of the kidneys, clearing waste and excess fluids from your blood. Many patients report a noticeable improvement in energy and mental sharpness after starting dialysis, especially when sessions are consistent and well-managed.
If you’re constantly exhausted and feel like you’re running on empty—despite sleeping well, eating right, and trying to stay active—it could be more than stress or aging. Speak to a nephrologist to determine if dialysis is appropriate for your condition and whether it could restore some of the vitality that kidney disease has taken from you.
2. Changes in Urination
Your urinary habits can provide an early glimpse into your kidney health. If you’re urinating more often—especially at night—or noticing changes in the appearance of your urine, it could indicate a problem. Urine that is foamy, dark, bloody, or has a strong odor could mean your kidneys are no longer filtering waste efficiently. While these symptoms can sometimes be linked to urinary tract infections or an enlarged prostate, consistent patterns like this should prompt you to undergo kidney function tests. When kidney function drops below a certain threshold, dialysis becomes the most effective way to take over this essential process.
3. Swelling in Lower Extremities
One of the kidneys’ primary roles is maintaining fluid balance. When they are impaired, your body retains excess sodium and water, leading to noticeable swelling—especially in the ankles, feet, or even the hands and face. This condition, known as edema, can also make shoes feel tight and cause discomfort while walking. While fluid buildup can also be related to heart or liver issues, persistent and symmetrical swelling is often linked to kidney problems. In many cases, dialysis helps reduce this swelling by removing the excess fluid that your kidneys can no longer handle.
4. Difficulty Sleeping
Sleep disturbances are common among individuals with kidney disease and may worsen over time. Elevated toxin levels in the blood can lead to symptoms like restless leg syndrome, frequent nighttime urination, muscle cramps, and even sleep apnea. These interruptions can drastically affect your ability to get restorative sleep, impacting your mood, immune system, and productivity. If sleep medications or lifestyle changes aren’t resolving your sleep problems, it might be an indication that kidney function has dropped enough to warrant dialysis support.
5. Puffiness Around the Eyes
Puffiness or swelling around the eyes—especially in the morning—is often one of the first visual cues of protein loss due to kidney dysfunction. Healthy kidneys typically keep important proteins like albumin in the body, but when they’re damaged, they allow these proteins to leak into the urine. This leakage results in nephrotic syndrome, a condition that not only affects your appearance but also weakens your immune system. If you notice ongoing puffiness, especially when paired with fatigue or leg swelling, talk to your doctor about whether dialysis may be needed.
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If you want to know more about dialysis and kidney treatment, visit our renal clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical support. Never take any symptoms of kidney problems for granted. It is better to have it checked early on, before it progresses. At Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center, our team of urologists and nephrologists will work with you in managing your disease and your quality of life. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://doralhw.org/department/urology/.
