I Am on Dialysis: Getting The Most Out Of Dialysis Treatment

Set yourself up for your best in-center hemodialysis experience:

• Commit to your dialysis schedule—3 times a week, 3–5 hours per session, plus travel time. Your nephrologist will prescribe your exact treatment routine.
• Stay for the full dialysis session—cutting your treatment short even by a few minutes can make dialysis less effective and have a negative impact on your health.
• Get support—reach out to family and friends and share how you’re doing. The more they know, the better they’ll be able to support you.
• Arrange transportation ahead of time—ask a family member, friend or care partner to drive you if you’re feeling tired after treatment.

Set yourself up for your best at-home peritoneal dialysis experience:

• Check in with your at-home dialysis nurse—especially if you have questions or if your doctor changes your treatment or medication.
• Prioritize your health—ask your nephrologist (kidney doctor) if there are any changes you should make in your diet or exercise routine.
• Get support—update your support network on how you’re doing. The more open you are, the more comfortable your family and friends will be talking about your treatment.
• Stay on top of your supplies—make sure you have everything you need in advance and reach out to your home nurse with any questions or issues.

Set yourself up for your best at-home hemodialysis experience:

• Check in with your at-home dialysis nurse—even if you’ve been at it for a while, you or your care partner may have new questions or concerns.
• Support your care partner—just as your care partner is there for you, ask how he or she is doing, too.
• Stay committed to full treatment times—follow the schedule your doctor prescribes.
• Get Support — share how you’re doing with family and friends. The more they understand, the more comfortable they’ll be talking about your treatment.
• Stay on top of your supplies—make sure you have everything you need in advance. If you have questions, reach out to your home nurse.

Just because you started with one type of dialysis doesn’t mean you’re always tied to it. If your needs change and your dialysis isn’t fitting in with your lifestyle, talk to your nephrologist about switching. Many people find they need more freedom, a more flexible schedule or more social interaction. Your doctor can help you decide which dialysis option is right for you.

A vital support network is essential to succeeding on dialysis. If you haven’t updated your family and friends lately on how you’re doing, take time to reach out. They want to hear about how you’re feeling—and it’s a good excuse to make plans together. Remember, staying social is important too!

While you’re still every bit you on the inside, chronic kidney disease (CKD) and dialysis can bring about changes in your body, including skin, breath, weight or hair. You’ll also have surgical scars from the procedure to create your access site—badges of honor for what you’ve been through. Learn about what causes these body changes and what you can do to cope. Your social worker, dietitian and doctor can also be very helpful in helping you manage any body issues you may experience.

Are you participating in monthly check-ins with your doctor and treatment team? Your doctor and treatment team will create your personalized Care Plan and review it monthly. This plan helps your team track and analyze your test data to make sure you’re still on the optimal treatment and medication. Speaking up in these meetings gives you an opportunity to share how you’re feeling, which is essential. The more your treatment team knows about you, the more they can customize your plan and make sure your treatment is right for you.

Dialysis is undeniably time-consuming and it’s easy to sacrifice your own personal activities to make time for appointments. But staying active and productive while on dialysis is essential to thriving—and staying fulfilled.

Big benefits to being active

People who work, volunteer or stay involved in activities while on dialysis may have:

• Improved self-esteem
• Increased physical activity
• Heightened mental stimulation
• More socialization
• Continued income from employment
• Greater personal satisfaction