Is hemodialysis the only answer to one failed kidney and the other one is also weak? My dad is 60 yrs. old.?

No. Peritoneal dialysis is another alternative--and a really good one for motivated patients. In this at-home procedure, wastes can be removed daily, so that there is no buildup of toxins. This improves overall health and well-being.

It involves the insertion of a shunt into the abdomen. Instead of circulating blood through a hemodialysis machine, dialysate solution is infused into the abdomen. The tube is then clamped.

Wastes diffuse from the fluid in the body, across a membrane, into the dialysate. After a period of time, the tube is unclamped and the dialysate + wastes (urine) is drained.

This procedure is carried out once or twice a day, as opposed to only a few times a week. It vastly improves quality of life.

1

Unfortunately, dialysis is the only way to perform the functions of the kidneys if they aren't able to do the job effectively. High creatinine level means his kidneys aren't functioning like they need to. High potassium is EXTREMELY dangerous and is a result of failing kidneys as well. High potassium causes severe life-threatening irregularies in the heart rhythm, a tough strain on a weak heart. Dialysis is rough on patients and families, but is the only alternative to his problems from what I can tell by the info given.

NurseMom

actually mine to.