Does Hemodialysis Have To Hurt? New Comfort Technology Eases The Pain Associated With Dialysis

April 22, 2015 Cameron Fields

A KidneyBuzz.com viewer asked, "Why the heck does Dialysis hurt so much? Sometimes I feel like never going back and just quitting. I am grateful that it maintains my life, but the pain can be unbearable at times."

Is this patient alone? Do you know others who feel similarly about the pain associated with Dialysis Treatments? Do you have a similar sentiment? Well, a new device which is being developed by Rice University, called Comfortably Numb, is exciting the Chronic Kidney Disease Community because it has shown that it can prevent pain during needle injections.

You should know that "Dialysis itself does not hurt," according DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc. "In Hemodialysis the needles may hurt going in, but they should stop hurting after that." Still, it is the stick that often causes many Chronic Kidney Disease patients who conduct Hemodialysis to "experience pain and anxiety," suggested a study published in the United States National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health.

Recommended Reading: Protection Against Itching, Infection, And Death After Catheter Placement In CKD And Diabetics

As most can a imagine, having a 15, 16 or 17 gauge needle stuck into the arm hurts. Sure Chronic Kidney Disease patients on Dialysis can use Lidocaine/Prilocaine (injection or cream) or Pain Ease spray, but they are not effective for all Dialysis patients. The Dialysis Blogger, Devon Texas said, "Dealing with the pain of the stick is really difficult, especially for new patients. But, it’s often tough for all of us." He continued, "Just when you think it’s not a problem anymore, you have a tech who’s not experienced with your access and it’s the painful stick cycle all over again."

Comfortably Numb is expected to cool the skin before sticking a patient with needles. Anticipated to be used by "Clinicians," it makes complete sense to use this upcoming device to provide Chronic Kidney Disease patients with additional "comfort" during their Dialysis Treatments.

The core of the unit works essentially like an ice pack, containing ammonium nitrate and water in separate compartments. When the device is activated, the two ingredients mix and a reaction that cools down the devices flat metal tip. Hence, when pressed against the skin, the ice cold tip of Comfortably Numb cools the injection site and makes it much less susceptible to pain.

An added bonus for patients who have to purchase numbing creams or sprays because their Dialysis Clinics do not provide them, Comfortably Numb, is expected to have a market price of $2.00 which is much cheaper than commercial alternatives.

If you want to receive more information on Comfortably Numb, and even would like information on how to order the device when available, complete the below form. Also, for the latest Breaking News & Information about how Chronic Kidney Disease patients can better manage and improve their lives, visit KidneyBuzz.com every day. Join the other 19,000 Friends and Like the KidneyBuzz.com Facebook Fan Page and Follow us on Twitter.

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References:

"How Will I Feel on Dialysis?" Http://www.davita.com. DaVita HealthCare Partners Inc.

"Dialysis and Needle Pain." Http://devontexas.com/. DevonTexas.

"Comfortably Numb Device Cools Skin to Prevent Pain of Drug Injections (VIDEO)." Http://www.medgadget.com. Medgadget LLC.

"Hemodialysis Needles Can Be Pain Free: Use of a Topical Anaesthetic Cream." Http://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/. US National Library of Medicine National Institutes of Health.