Dialysis is a life-saving treatment but also a life-changing treatment as well. Kidney failure patients need to go through many life changes which can be tough. People usually face difficulty in handling emotions and stress that come from dialysis treatment. However, certain ways can help make this transition easier. Learn how dialysis affects your life and what you can do about it in this article. If you want to know more about bladder health, visit us at Doral Health and Wellness Urology Center and consult with the best nephrologists and urologists in East New York.

What is life on dialysis like?

There are many life changes people have to experience when they are on dialysis, including:

• Discomfort: Some people experience discomfort when the needles are put inside the fistula or graft, however, most people have no other problems. The dialysis treatment itself is painless, however, some patients may experience a drop in their blood pressure. If this happens, you may feel sick in your stomach or may even vomit or feel cramps, or headaches. With regular treatments, these problems typically go away.
• Impact on life: Many people enjoy normal lives until the time they need treatment. Dialysis typically makes you feel better because it helps to solve problems caused by kidney failure. You and your loved ones need time to get used to dialysis.
• Diet: You may need to follow a special diet that doesn’t affect your kidneys. So, you may not be able to eat everything you like and may need to limit how much you drink. Your diet may also vary according to the type of dialysis you are getting.
• Travel and work: Patients can continue to travel; however, they need to ensure dialysis centers are located near them in many foreign countries. The treatment is standardized, so you just need to make an appointment for dialysis treatments at another center before you go. The staff can also help you make the appointment. Many dialysis patients can start their job after they get dialysis. However, if your job involves a lot of physical labor, you should consider taking a different job.
• Expense: Dialysis costs a lot of money, however, more than 80% of the cost is covered by the federal government for most patients. Private health insurance or state Medicaid programs also help you manage the treatment costs.
• Life expectancy: When kidneys have failed you need to have dialysis treatments for your whole life unless you get a kidney transplant. Life expectancy on dialysis can vary depending on the other medical conditions you have and how well you follow your treatment plan. On average, a person can live on dialysis for 5 to 10 years, however, many patients can live on dialysis for 20 or even 30 years. Talk with your healthcare team about how to take care of yourself and stay healthy on dialysis.

Signs you may need help

While it’s normal to feel sad to adjust your life according to dialysis treatment. However, some people feel that sadness lingers. Studies show that approximately 1 out of 5 patients with chronic kidney disease suffer from depression. Anxiety is quite common in people with chronic illness. A 2008 study found that 45% of people receiving dialysis for end-stage renal disease develop some type of anxiety disorder. So, you may need extra help to manage your emotions if you have signs like:

• Feeling hopeless
• Usually feel stressed or worried.
• Sleeping more or less than you used to.
• Frequently feel irritable with friends and family
• Withdrawing from people and activities you used to enjoy.
• Doing things that aren’t healthy like skipping medications.
• Making excuses for not following doctor’s recommendations.

Living with hemodialysis can be difficult, however, with the right strategies you can manage the changes in your life easily.

Need help with dialysis and kidney problems visit our urology clinic in Brooklyn to get professional medical help with not only treatment but also the change’s effects on life. Our professionals ensure your treatment doesn’t take away the happiness of your life. Call us to book your appointment now or for inquiries!!!

Going through dialysis is never easy. And having your family with you is an important part of your healing journey. So, if you have symptoms of losing kidney functions, talk to your medical provider immediately. Never take any symptoms of kidney problems for granted. It is better to have it checked early on, before it progresses. Doral Health & Wellness provides in-center hemodialysis that is managed by our highly trained medical team. To schedule an appointment, please visit us at 1797 Pitkin Avenue, Brooklyn, New York 11212 or call 1-347-384-5690. You can also visit our website at https://doralhw.org/solution/dialysis/.