Home dialysis now available in Arizona offers comfort and convenience
FLAGSTAFF, AZ – According to the American Kidney Fund, over half a million Americans are currently undergoing dialysis for kidney failure. This treatment is required three times per week and can last between three to four hours each session, significantly impacting patients’ lives, especially those in rural areas.
April 3 is typically a special day for Frances Lugo, as it marks her daughter’s birthday. However, this year was different because it was the day she began her dialysis treatments. “It’s scary for anybody,” Lugo said. Since then, she has been receiving treatment three times a week for four hours each day. While not painful, Lugo described the process as draining and time-consuming, taking away from moments she could spend with her husband and nine grandchildren.
Lugo receives her treatment at Fresenius Kidney Care in Flagstaff, where she resides. Lorena Ramirez, the Director of Operations, explained that not all of their clients have access to such convenient care, as there is a significant lack of medical facilities and services in northern Arizona.
“Some of them travel to us from up in the Page area, which is about two hours. On the reservation, it just kind of depends,” Ramirez said.
However, just a few months ago, the clinic introduced at-home dialysis training. Ramirez noted that this initiative helps reduce long travel times and eases dietary restrictions and other medication requirements.
“Patients gain a lot more freedom, flexibility, and their quality of life improves in that sense as well,” she said.
Lugo was one of the first to transition to the at-home training program. Initially, the schedule required four days a week for six hours each day. “Medical terms that they’re teaching us—it’s like, oh my God, I can’t do this,” Lugo said. “The second week in, I was almost ready to call it quits.”
Now, after completing five weeks of training, Lugo feels confident in her ability to perform dialysis at home. “It’s an awesome experience, and it’s way better on my body,” she said.
Lugo reported that her energy levels have returned, and she no longer misses out on activities with her grandchildren. “Now I can get some of my life back. Whether I’m still on a dialysis machine, I can get my life back doing it this way,” she added.
The clinic is currently training six patients and is preparing to expand its at-home dialysis program to more individuals across rural northern Arizona. This initiative represents a significant step forward in improving access to care and enhancing the quality of life for patients facing kidney failure.
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