Dialysis is a medical procedure that takes waste and extra fluids out of the blood when the kidneys aren’t working right. Dialysis increases the chances of saving a person’s life although it is also hard for the patient and makes life bit difficult both physically and mentally. Patients prefer dialysis centers nearby as it is comfortable for them. Here are some ways and tips to make the dialysis process easier to deal with:
Drink plenty of water
Most importantly, dialysis patients should drink enough water and other fluids before and after treatment. And be careful about what kinds of fluids you are drinking. Normal clean Water is the perfect choice. However some people require to limit sodium, potassium, or phosphorus intake.
Follow a diet that suits your kidneys
A diet that suits your kidneys helps in reducing the amount of work it needs to do and improve your overall health. A qualified and experienced dietitian with expertise in kidney diet will help in making a custom meal plan based your kidney condition and tastes.
Take your medicines as prescribed by your kidney specialist doctor
People who are getting dialysis may need to take a variety of medicines to feel better everyday. Make sure you don’t miss out on any medicine and take all on time. Let your specialized urologist know if you have any worries or side effects.
Stay active
It might be difficult for anyone to stay active during dialysis, but even light activity like walking or stretching improves blood circulation in the body and lower the risk of complications. Talk to your nephrologist near you about which kinds of activities suits your condition.
Manage Stress
Managing stress both physically and emotionally is necessary as dialysis is a challenging process. Start finding ways to deal with it like learning how to relax or going to counselling.
Connect with your people
Talking with your family, people, your loved one works like a miracle and gives great support to kidney patients who are getting regular dialysis. It gives valuable emotional support and help you feel less alone. Try going to join various support groups or connecting with people online.
Consult regularly to your kidney doctor
Consult your kidney doctor regularly about all doubts or queries you have, and be transparent with your doctor. Best Kidney specialists offer advice that helps to deal with all emotional and physical sufferings from dialysis.
Practice good hygiene
Good hygiene lowers the risk of infection, especially for people undergoing dialysis catheters. Wash your hands often and do what your healthcare team tells you to do to take care of your catheter site.
Keep a Journal
Keeping a journal enables you keep track of symptoms, medications, progress and fluids. This information assists the medical team to make any necessary changes to the treatment plan.
Dialysis treatments take several hours, so planning ahead to make the experience as comfortable as possible becomes essential. To pass the time, try bringing a book, some music, or a favourite activity. If you will be at the clinic for a long time, bring a snack or meal.
Get enough rest
Dialysis can be hard on your body, so getting enough rest is important for your health and well-being as a whole. Sleep and rest should be at the top of your daily list of things to do.
Stay informed
Keeping up with the latest information about dialysis and kidney disease assists in making better decisions about your health. Join a group that helps patients or sign up for reputable newsletters or websites to get news and information.
Patients must take care of their condition and keep a good quality of life if they follow these tips and work with their doctors.
Final Thoughts
Going through dialysis is challenging, but there are things patients do to make the process easier to deal with. During dialysis, stay hydrated, eat a renal-friendly diet, take medications as prescribed, stay active, deal with stress, find support, and talk to your urologists and nephrologists. All of these things will help your overall health and well-being.