What to Expect at Your First Dialysis Treatment
Starting dialysis can feel overwhelming. Knowing what to expect makes it easier. Here is a step-by-step guide to your first session.
Medically reviewed by Dr. Bharat K. Gupta, MD — Board-Certified Nephrologist
Your first dialysis treatment is a significant step in managing kidney disease. During a hemodialysis session, a machine filters waste, excess salt, and fluid from your blood — performing the job your kidneys can no longer do effectively. A typical first session lasts about 2 to 2.5 hours (shorter than the standard 3.5 to 4 hours) to help your body adjust gradually. At Crown Dialysis Center in Boca Raton, FL, every new patient receives treatment in a private room with a dedicated nurse, under the care of board-certified nephrologist Dr. Bharat K. Gupta, MD.
This guide walks you through what happens before, during, and after your first treatment so you know exactly what to expect.
Before Your First Treatment
Before you begin dialysis, your nephrologist will have arranged a vascular access — a way for the dialysis machine to connect to your bloodstream. The three types of vascular access are:
AV Fistula
A surgical connection between an artery and vein, usually in your arm. Considered the gold standard. Needs 2-6 months to mature before use.
AV Graft
A synthetic tube connecting an artery to a vein. Can be used sooner than a fistula, typically within 2-3 weeks after placement.
Catheter
A tube placed in a large vein, usually in the neck or chest. Can be used immediately. Often temporary while a fistula or graft matures.
Before your first session, your care team will also review your blood work, discuss your treatment schedule, and answer any questions. At Crown Dialysis, Dr. Gupta personally reviews each new patient's medical history and creates an individualized treatment plan.
During Your First Treatment
You arrive and check in
Our team greets you and takes your vitals — blood pressure, temperature, weight. This baseline helps us monitor how your body responds to treatment.
You settle into your private room
At Crown Dialysis, you have your own room with a heated massage chair, a flat-screen TV with Netflix and HBO, free Wi-Fi, and complimentary snacks. Get comfortable — this is your space.
Your nurse connects you to the machine
If you have a fistula or graft, two needles are inserted — one to carry blood to the machine, one to return clean blood. If you have a catheter, it connects directly with no needles. This takes a few minutes.
The dialysis machine does its work
Blood flows through the dialyzer (an artificial kidney) where waste, toxins, and excess fluid are removed. The clean blood returns to your body continuously. You may feel a slight coolness when treatment starts.
Your nurse monitors you throughout
Vitals are checked regularly. Your nurse watches for any signs of discomfort and adjusts the machine settings as needed. You can watch TV, read, nap, work on your phone, or simply rest.
Treatment ends and you are disconnected
When the session is complete, the machine is stopped and the needles (or catheter connection) are removed. Your access site is bandaged. Final vitals and weight are taken to measure fluid removal.
After Your First Treatment
It is common to feel tired or lightheaded after your first session. Your body is adjusting to the fluid and electrolyte changes. Most patients feel better within a few hours. Some patients report feeling significantly better overall once regular dialysis begins, as toxins that have been building up are finally being removed.
In the days after your first treatment, pay attention to how you feel. Mild fatigue is normal. Contact your care team if you experience severe headaches, chest pain, nausea that does not pass, or swelling at your access site.
When to call Crown Dialysis
- Fever over 100.4°F
- Bleeding from your access site that does not stop
- Severe headache, dizziness, or confusion
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Unusual swelling in your hands, feet, or face
Call (561) 372-3700 — our team is available 24/7.
What to Bring to Your First Session
Documents
- Photo ID
- Insurance card(s)
- List of current medications and dosages
- Referral paperwork from your nephrologist (if applicable)
- Emergency contact information
Comfort Items
- Comfortable, loose-fitting clothing
- A light blanket or sweater (some patients feel cool during treatment)
- Headphones if you prefer your own music or podcasts
- A book, tablet, or phone for entertainment
- A light snack (approved by your dietitian)
At Crown Dialysis, we provide Netflix, HBO, high-speed Wi-Fi, complimentary snacks, and heated massage chairs — so you are already set for comfort. Bring what makes you feel at home.
How Crown Dialysis Makes Your First Visit Different
Your first dialysis session sets the tone for your care experience. At Crown, we make sure it is as comfortable and stress-free as possible.
Private room
No open bays. Your treatment happens in your own room — quiet, private, and comfortable.
Dedicated nurse
A consistent nurse who is with you the entire session, not splitting attention across a dozen patients.
Dr. Gupta reviews your plan personally
Your nephrologist is not rotating between facilities. Dr. Gupta oversees your care directly.
Heated massage chairs
Treatment lasts hours. You should be comfortable. Our chairs make a real difference.
Entertainment built in
Netflix, HBO, and free Wi-Fi at every station. Bring your phone and headphones or use our screens.
Free transportation
Cannot drive after your first session? Our complimentary transport brings you home safely.
Frequently Asked Questions
Does dialysis hurt?
How long does the first dialysis session take?
Can someone stay with me during dialysis?
What should I eat before dialysis?
What if I am nervous about starting dialysis?
Ready to Start Your Dialysis Journey?
Your first treatment does not have to be stressful. At Crown Dialysis, we make every patient feel safe, informed, and cared for from day one.
