Hi,
Pain is the main concern of patients opting for or considering haemodialysis.
Indeed, the needle insertion can be painful. We can use creams with a painkiller to be applied on the area for needling beforehand to reduce the pain. Once the needle is in place, typically is not painful.
The process of cleaning the blood by the dialysis machine is by itself not painful. Many patients do not feel any major symptoms but others can feel a little weak or drained during the dialysis session or after, which resolves by itself and after some rest. But some patients can feel some aches, for instance in the back, especially in the first dialysis sessions after starting dialysis for the first time, while the body is adjusting to the therapy.
I hope, if you choose haemodialysis, everything goes fine and is as painless as possible. Perhaps, it will be ideal to have a more detailed discussion with your kidney doctor on this matter and on other pros and cons of haemodialysis vs peritoneal dialysis or even kidney transplantation, so you are reassured you have taken the best possible decision regarding the choice of treatment for your kidney failure.
Dr Francisco, wishing you the best possible health and smoother therapy for you.
