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While dialysis shouldn’t be painful, it’s not a very comfortable experience. You may feel anxious before and during a dialysis procedure, and you may even experience some mild side effects.
Especially for new dialysis patients, learning to live with dialysis can take a while. There’s no denying that dialysis is an invasive, time-consuming procedure, regardless of what type of dialysis you use.
So, how can you feel good after (and during!) dialysis? If you’re feeling anxious in the run-up to your dialysis procedures, how can you relax? Let’s find out.
The key to a successful, comfortable dialysis procedure actually lies in your lifestyle. Remember, dialysis is a treatment, not a cure. Dialysis is a lifesaving procedure, but it can’t keep up with the natural function of our kidneys.
So, as a dialysis patient, you’ll need to stick to a certain diet. How well you follow this diet will directly impact the time, quality, and comfort of your dialysis procedure.
For example, most dialysis patients have an average maximum fluid intake of 32 ounces. If you regularly exceed your fluid intake, your remaining kidney function and the dialysis procedure will struggle to properly filter excess fluid and toxins from your blood.
Foods to avoid include:
This means salty foods, like lunch meats, processed foods, and more. Salt can dry out your body more quickly, as well as make you thirsty. Remember, you’ll only be able to drink a limited amount of fluid per day.
Foods like bananas are high in potassium. While potassium is great for people with healthy kidneys, it’s important to limit your potassium intake while on dialysis.
Phosphorus is often added to products to increase their shelf life. While certain foods are more likely to contain phosphorus, be sure to check the ingredients.
Essentially, you can make your dialysis experience comfortable and smooth by following your dialysis diet as closely as possible.
While there really shouldn’t be any serious side effects to dialysis, you may still notice some unpleasant effects after a dialysis session. These might include:
Dizziness and fatigue could be caused by your body adjusting to the new procedure and your new diet. As long as these symptoms are mild, you shouldn’t have anything to worry about – although it never hurts to mention any physical effects to a medical professional.
You can deal with mild abdominal cramps with rest, hot packs, and a soothing warm beverage. Of course, if you’re worried about your symptoms for whatever reason, or they are severe, mention them to your doctor.
Another great way to feel good after dialysis is to keep yourself busy during and after the procedure. Of course, you won’t be able to move around too much during your dialysis sessions. However, sitting around and letting yourself get bored may only increase your anxiousness and your focus on the sensations of dialysis.
Why not use your dialysis time to nap, read a book, watch TV, check or mail, or do anything else you want to do. An average dialysis patient spends around 9-15 hours a week on dialysis, so you may as well use your time wisely.
Keeping yourself occupied during your procedure can “normalize” it, lowering your anxiety levels and making you feel more calm and relaxed.
Finally, it’s important to recognize that dialysis can be a physically and emotionally draining procedure. Take time to relax afterward. Stay warm and well-hydrated – without going over on your fluid intake, of course!
Take the time to work out what makes you feel better after dialysis. You may need a hot pack on your stomach or just a rest. Self-care is important. The healthier and happier you are, the more smoothly your dialysis will be.
