Missing an appointment can happen to the best of us. Usually, the consequences are no more than dealing with a slightly irritated employer or friend – or simply having to reschedule. 

However, missing a dialysis appointment can have more serious consequences than simply forgetting about a doctor’s checkup. Despite our best efforts, circumstances can lead us to miss out on a dialysis appointment. Work, family emergencies, local events, serious weather warnings, or something as simple as a broken-down car can mean that we miss our appointment. 

What happens now? What should you expect? How serious is it? Let’s find out. 

Table of Contents:

• What Can You Expect If You Miss a Dialysis Session? 
• What to Do If You Miss an Appointment 

What Can You Expect If You Miss a Dialysis Session? 

To understand why missing a dialysis session is so important, we first need to understand why dialysis is so important in the first place. 

Dialysis treatments replace kidney function, filtering the blood to remove toxins, fluid, solubles, and salt. If you need dialysis sessions then you’re likely suffering from end-stage renal disease, meaning that your kidneys are hardly filtering any blood at all. Without dialysis, you will die. 

Remember, your 9-15 weekly hours of dialysis are replacing the continuous filtration by healthy kidneys. After just one missed appointment, you will start to notice changes in your body, such as nausea, fatigue, bloating, and serious fluid retention. 

For a person with end-stage renal failure, death can occur within a couple of weeks. That may represent anywhere from three to six missed appointments. If you do miss an appointment, your next session may need to be longer and more intensive to remove the buildup of toxins in your blood.

What to Do If You Miss an Appointment 

Sometimes, you might miss an appointment despite your best efforts. However, not only is this seriously damaging to your health, but it can also make a difference to a prospective kidney transplant. Missed appointments will count against you when you’re being considered for a new organ. 

If you know you’re going to miss an appointment, contact your clinic as soon as possible. It’s best to work with your medical team as closely as possible, setting a schedule that’s the most attainable for you. 

Here are some ways you can make sure you never miss an appointment: 

• Create a reasonable and attainable schedule. Inform your employer if necessary, and make it clear that you will need these times free for your dialysis treatments. 
• Set solid transportation plans in place. 
• Make the best use of your dialysis time – you may even be able to work remotely, or just take some time to relax. 

Chances are, you will miss a dialysis appointment, and it could be through no fault of your own. However, missed and rearranged appointments are not good for your health and will eventually take a toll. 

Never underestimate the importance of a solid schedule! When it comes to your health, never take chances.