Dialüüsers

Dialüüsers is a term sometimes used colloquially to refer to individuals undergoing dialysis treatment. Dialysis is a medical procedure that filters waste products and excess fluid from the blood when the kidneys are no longer able to perform these functions effectively. This condition, known as kidney failure or end-stage renal disease (ESRD), requires dialysis to sustain life.

There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. Hemodialysis involves cleaning the blood externally using a machine. During treatment, blood is drawn from the patient's body, passed through a dialyzer (an artificial kidney) where it is filtered, and then returned to the body. Peritoneal dialysis uses the patient's own abdominal lining (peritoneum) as a natural filter. A sterile solution is introduced into the abdominal cavity, it absorbs waste products and excess fluid, and is then drained out.

Individuals requiring dialysis often need to undergo treatment several times a week, with each session lasting several hours. The decision to start dialysis is a significant one, and it profoundly impacts a person's lifestyle. Patients often refer to themselves and others in similar situations using informal terms like "dialüüsers" within their community. This term highlights a shared experience and a common journey in managing a chronic health condition. Support groups and online forums are common places where individuals undergoing dialysis connect and use such terminology.