If you are searching for ways to manage the side effects of dialysis to enhance your quality of life, the key is to remain compliant with your treatment, engage in light and consistent exercise, rest adequately, and manage stress. Any new symptoms, or symptoms that persist, should be reported to your healthcare team.
Side Effects of Dialysis
Dialysis is a life-sustaining procedure for patients with kidney failure to detoxify waste products and manage fluid status in the body. Although dialysis is critical to health management, the side effects can affect a person’s quality of life. However, with knowledge and proper techniques, side effects can be managed successfully, allowing one to live a happy and active life.
Fatigue and Weakness
Fatigue and weakness can result from losing vital nutrients as treatment continues. The best solution is to adhere to a healthy diet regimen recommended by your medical team. In most cases, patients with nutritious diets that contain adequate protein, vitamins, and minerals have more energy than those who do not follow proper nutrition.
Fluid Restriction and Fluid Retention
Your healthcare team will determine how much fluid is appropriate for you to consume. You will also need to monitor your intake and restrict foods high in salt. Fluids typically include water, beverages, liquids used for cooking, and other consumable liquids.
Blood Pressure Alterations
You might experience high or low blood pressure due to dialysis from time to time. It is important to be vigilant about your blood pressure. Follow your doctor’s directions regarding medications and make any lifestyle changes recommended, such as regular exercise and stress management.
Also Check: Ways to Improve Quality of Life in Dialysis Patients
Anemia
Anemia can cause tiredness, shortness of breath, and fatigue. Work closely with your healthcare team to manage anemia. They will assess your iron levels and erythropoietin (EPO) levels and make necessary adjustments. Eating a renal diet along with iron-rich foods and nutrients that support EPO production can help improve or relieve the symptoms of anemia.
Mental Health
Your mental health is just as important. Reach out for assistance when needed. Engaging in activities you enjoy, connecting with family and friends, joining support groups, or speaking with counselors who understand your experience can provide emotional support and help you cope.
Infection Considerations
People on dialysis are at higher risk for infection due to weakened immune systems. Infection prevention relies heavily on hygiene practices. Frequent handwashing and proper care of the dialysis needle site, following recommended infection prevention protocols, are essential.
Conclusion
Patients can manage dialysis side effects and still live life to the fullest. Dialysis patients can stay active, strive for a better quality of life, and manage discomfort with the assistance of caregivers, healthy meals planned by dietitians, individualized education provided by healthcare teams, and positive lifestyle choices.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q. How to improve the quality of life in dialysis patients?
Patients receiving dialysis can enhance their quality of life through adherence to treatment and diet, physical activity, and proper management of blood pressure and glucose.
Q. How to manage side effects of dialysis?
To minimize adverse effects, adhere to your treatment and diet, take all prescribed medications, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and attend regular follow-up visits with your care team.
Q. How to manage dialysis patients?
Dialysis patients need a comprehensive plan that accommodates treatment, dietary restrictions, and necessary lifestyle changes.
Q. What is the diet for dialysis patients?
Dialysis diets emphasize quality protein, restricted fluid intake, and limited sodium, phosphorus, and potassium consumption.
Q. Can kidney function improve after dialysis?
While dialysis does not restore kidney function, patients can improve their overall well-being by caring for their mental health, staying active, moisturizing dry skin, and stretching to relieve muscular cramps.
