Hemodialysis and Social Security Disability Benefits

The job of your kidneys is to filter waste from blood and eliminate unnecessary particles as urine. When kidney function is low, hemodialysis can be used to eliminate waste, control blood pressure, and keep a healthy balance of fluid and nutrients in the body.

During hemodialysis, a machine is used to filter waste, excess salt, and fluid from the blood. The blood is carefully filtered and then returned to the body. Hemodialysis is usually recommended for patients who have only 10 to 15 percent or less of their kidney function, a medical condition known as kidney failure. In the past few years, hemodialysis treatments have become more advanced and convenient, although the treatment process is still somewhat demanding and there are a number of complications that may occur.

Hemodialysis treatment can take a lot out of a person, both mentally and physically. First of all, hemodialysis is a very time-consuming process: Four-hour treatments are usually recommended an average of three times per week. Secondly, loss of kidney function can have long-reaching effects on other systems of the body. Complications of kidney disease can include:

Lastly, the actual hemodialysis treatment can cause symptom or complications that might make work or other daily activities difficult or impossible, including:

• Muscle cramps
• Headaches
• Nausea
• Bloating
• Weight gain
• Low blood pressure
• Muscle atrophy/weakness
• Infection
• Hernia
• Malnutrition
• Blood clots
• Itching

Hemodialysis treatment is necessary when the kidneys aren’t able to do their job. Kidney failure can result from a disease of the kidneys, or from a complication resulting from high blood pressure, diabetes kidney inflammation, blood vessel inflammation, and polycystic kidney disease. Hemodialysis can be a lifesaving treatment, but recipients should discuss all the possible side effects with their doctor.

For more information about hemodialysis, please visit the National Kidney Foundation. If you are disabled due to ongoing hemodialysis treatment, talk to The Cochran Firm about your rights to Social Security Disability Insurance benefits. Our team is ready to help you apply or appeal for benefits. Please contact us today to set up a complimentary case review.

The Cochran Firm handles Social Security disability claims for clients throughout the United States of America. Please contact The Cochran Firm today to schedule a free Social Security disability consultation.