Introduction:

Kidney disease is considered a public health problem directly associated with people's lifestyles. The disease´s evolution into the terminal stage requires hemodialysis treatment, a health situation that generates changes at a social, economic, emotional, and physical level.

Objective:

To describe the meaning that patients with chronic kidney disease link to hemodialysis treatment.

Material and Method:

Qualitative research, focusing on solid base theory. Eighteen people over 18 years old and undergoing hemodialysis treatment were considered in the survey. The information gathering was carried out through in-depth interviews until theoretical saturation was achieved. Data analysis was carried out using ATLAS.ti9 program.

Results:

Four categories were found: 1) losing kidney function, 2) changing lifestyles, 3) changing the way of living with hemodialysis treatment, and 4) living with hemodialysis treatment. These categories provide further meaning to hemodialysis treatment.

Conclusions:

Hemodialysis treatment changes the prognosis of chronic kidney disease, reducing morbidity and mortality. During the treatment, the patient must face and get adapted to physical, physiological, emotional, social, and family changes.