When your kidneys are no longer healthy enough to sufficiently filter wastes, salts, and fluids from your blood, hemodialysis may be recommended. Hemodialysis is the most common way to treat advanced kidney failure and involves using a machine to act like an artificial kidney and do the filtering your kidneys can’t. While the procedure can help you carry on an active life it does require you to follow a strict treatment and medication schedule, and, usually, make changes in your diet. Your SVMC care team will support you throughout the process and help you adhere to the demands of your treatment and enjoy the best quality of life possible.