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Kidney Dialysis
Our hospital-based dialysis unit opened its doors in 1977 to meet the needs of dialysis patients in the region. LMC has a nine-station unit in Rice Lake and six-station unit in Spooner. Because LMC is a hospital-based dialysis unit, access to physicians and surgeons and additional services like lab, x-ray and emergency are available at all times in the same building.
Following a diagnosis of End Stage Renal Disease patients will learn about kidney function, disease treatment options including dialysis and transplant, diet, and life with dialysis at LMC's Dialysis Unit.
Hemodialysis
Hemodialysis uses a special machine and tubing to carry blood to a filter called a dialyzer. Toxins and fluid are removed by the dialyzer then returned to the patient.
LMC's Hemodialysis Team
Each patient at LMC has a core team of professionals who provide dialysis care including:
• Registered Nurses
• Dialysis Technicians
• Nephrologist
• Dietitians
• Social Workers
• Nephrologist PA
• Patient Care Techs
These members of your health care team meet with you and your family on a regular basis through our Care Conferences. Together with your physician, a treatment plan will be developed.
Your Dialysis Treatment
Each dialysis treatment station contains a dialysis machine, a comfortable recliner with a pillow and blanket and a television set. Most patients come three days a week for treatments and individual treatment length varies.
There is a waiting room available near the dialysis unit for family and friends as well as several other waiting rooms throughout the hospital. We recommend you bring a snack to eat before or after your treatment.
Peritoneal Dialysis
LMC also offers the only Peritoneal Dialysis unit in the area. This is a type of dialysis treatment patients do at home with the help of a family member or friend. Peritoneal Dialysis is an option for patients who would prefer this type of treatment if their physician believes they are a good candidate.
Before beginning Peritoneal Dialysis, the patient and their dialysis helper go through training provided by LMC dialysis nurses. When training is completed, nurses are available should questions or problems arise.
Supplies are delivered directly to patients' homes monthly and patients are required to meet every four to six weeks at LMC with the dialysis staff and physician. |
