TransplantCheck

Where are you right now? · Step 3 of 9

First dialysis

“What will today feel like?”

Illustrative patient words
Chapter 2 of the story: Not alone

What can I expect at my first dialysis treatment?

At a dialysis center, treatment is usually three times a week, and each session lasts about 4 hours.1 Staff help you connect to the machine. Your team may include nurses, technicians, a dietitian and a social worker.1

You may feel washed out and tired for hours after each treatment.1

Ask what to bring and how long your first day will take.

See how a dialysis unit can start TransplantCheck with you.

Questions to bring to your team

  • What should I bring to my first dialysis treatment?
Sources
  1. NIH / NIDDK. Hemodialysis. Dialysis center: Set schedule. Dialysis center. Dialysis center and home hemodialysis comparison chart (Dialysis center: Level of freedom). Checked October 31, 2026.
Page facts

Written by the TransplantCheck team.

Facts checked against official sources on October 31, 2026.

Changes

  • November 2, 2026: first version, with answers from The kidney care journey.