value. ​quality care. convenience.
Office # 719-561-5264
Fax # 719-561-5272
Office hours: Monday -Friday 8am - 5pm
WHAT ARE MY OPTIONS WHEN MY KIDNEYS FAIL?
Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal Dialysis is a type of dialysis that can be done at home, possibly at work and even while you sleep. This type of dialysis gives you a little more control over your treatments.
​
Peritoneal dialysis uses an "Access" that is a small flexible plastic tube, called a dialysis catheter, that goes into your abdominal cavity. The lining of the abdominal cavity is called the peritoneum and acts as a natural filter. A sterile solution is placed into your belly through this Access, then toxins and excess fluid is pulled into this solution, which is then drained from your belly. The fluid is exchanged several times a day in order to remove enough of the toxins.
The Access for peritoneal dialysis, mentioned above requires a day surgery to place the catheter into your abdominal cavity. Peritoneal dialysis can usually be started about 1 month after the surgery, however, if you do not need to start dialysis right away, the end of the catheter can be left buried under the skin until you are ready to start dialysis.
For more information
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis is the most common form of dialysis in the United States. It uses a machine with a blood filter to remove toxins and excess fluid from your body. Blood flows from a specially created blood vessel called an "Access" over the filter and is returned through this same blood vessel.
Hemodialysis can be done at a dialysis center (In-Center Dialysis) or possibly at home (Home Hemodialysis).
In-Center Dialysis is done at a dialysis unit. Your dialysis is managed by dialysis technicians and nurses. It is usually done 3 times a week for 3-4 hours.
​
Home Hemodialysis is done at home with the assistance of a family member or close friend. This type of dialysis may be done 3-5 times a week. You and your family member/close friend will receive the training and supplies you need to perform this type of dialysis. You will still need to come to the dialysis center 1-2 times/month for check-ups. A nurse is on-call 24 hours a day to help you with any questions or problems
The Preferred Access for hemodialysis is usually a surgically created connection between an artery and vein in your arm called a fistula. This surgery is usually a day-surgery and does not require hospitalization. In most cases this Access can be used about 3 months after it is created. Because it uses your native tissues, the risk of infection is lessened compared to other Access types. For more information about hemodialysis Accesses.
Transplant
Another possible treatment for Kidney Failure is Kidney Transplantation.
A healthy kidney from a donor is surgically placed into your body. This healthy kidney is then able to replace the function of your kidneys.
Donated kidneys must come from individuals with a blood type that Match your blood type. A blood relative is most likely to be compatible with your immune system, though kidneys can be donated from non-blood relatives and from individuals who wish to donate their kidneys when they die.
Since there are more people needing kidneys than are available for transplant, if you do not have a living donor, it can take several years to get a kidney transplant. As such, if you are interested, you should ask you nephrologist about kidney transplant once your GFR is less than 20 ml/min (See "What is creatinine, cystatin C and GFR)."
If you are interested in a kidney transplant, there will be an evaluation process for both you and your donor to make sure the surgeries and medications you will need to take afterwards are safe.
Telephone Numbers for Kidney Transplant Programs in Colorado
click on the program to link to their website
-
855-869-5164
-
303-715-7008
-
303-839-6000
-
720-848-2269