Dear Doctor: My 16-year old son was admitted to the hospital in kidney failure three weeks ago. He just got out two days ago and during his stay started hemodialysis. While in the hospital doctors inserted a peritoneal line so we can transition to peritoneal dialysis (PD) in the next couple weeks.

It seems like every time I bump into something, I bruise. What’s causing me to bruise so easily and is there something I can do to stop it? Bruising, also called ecchymosis, is caused by extravasation or leaking of blood into the skin. The bleeding is the result of a complex process and begins with our largest organ-the skin.

Three days a week dialysis and a healthy fear of the open seas kept Shakur Bolden from taking that dream vacation. He had seen the brochures in his dialysis unit and on the tables in his doctor’s office. “Exciting vacation opportunities…”, “From Barcelona to Bermuda, there’s a cruise that’s going your way.

Lupus is a chronic autoimmune disease that can affect a variety of different body parts. These include the kidneys, brain, lungs, heart, joints, skin and blood. Under normal circumstances the body has an internal immune surveillance system which recognizes and protects the body from bacteria, viruses and other foreign substances.

Each year, more than 36,000 people in the United States die because of the flu (influenza). Additionally, complications from infections are the second leading cause of hospitalization in the end stage renal disease (ESRD) population.

Influenza (often called the flu) is a very contagious viral illness that can occur in anyone, but some people may be even more susceptible than others. It occurs most frequently in the winter months as people spend more time indoors. The virus is spread easily from person to person by infected respiratory secretions.

In a recent survey of dialysis patients, it was noted the number one reason why dialysis patients are not immunized is due to lack of understanding of the immunization process. Many people think immunizations are just for kids? However the facts are clear, infection is the second leading cause of death for hemodialysis patients.

Being diagnosed with kidney disease not only brings with it a variety of emotions, but also financial obligations…many of which are difficult for patients to meet. Many typically face daunting financial challenges over the years as some patients are forced to give up their job due to this chronic illness.

Throughout the years the role of the social worker in the dialysis unit has changed and evolved but one fact remains constant and that is social workers are essential to the well being of patients and their adjustment to the world of dialysis.

You may have heard horror stories from friends or loved ones describing the foods that you will have to eliminate from your diet when you begin home hemodialysis. Breathe a sigh of relief, the home dialysis diet is sometimes less restrictive than the renal diet many follow when on a traditional in-center dialysis schedule.