Adjusting to Life On Dialysis
While a diagnosis of kidney damage to the extent of failure will change a person’s life, it is no longer the death sentence it once was. People are learning to live relatively normal lives without proper kidney function and with the right treatment. With the support of family and friends, and a community of folks who understand what you’re going through, living on dialysis is both manageable and rewarding. Here are a few things you can do to help yourself.
#1. Communities (Both Online and Off)
Hospitals that you’re receiving treatment from generally have access to support groups where folks can go and meet one another to talk about aspects of living with kidney failure and how to live a whole and happy life while living on dialysis. An alternative to this is finding online message boards or Facebook groups where folks can meet, discuss relevant topics, and get advice and information. While these are not alternatives to paying careful heed to what your doctor is telling you, people share recipes for the dialysis diet, stories about what they’re going through, and information about treatment. They’re there to answer your questions and otherwise support you in your process. It’s a great way to stay focused on your treatment and get support from those who are going through the same things you are.
#2. Learn as Much as You Can
Once you’re on dialysis henderson, you’re going to have to make some adjustments to your lifestyle. Your doctor will give you as much information as they can, but you’re going to have to learn all that you can as well. Not only does this give you more control over the situation because you don’t have to lean on any single person for information, but it will also give you peace of mind when you realize there are several steps you can take to help you through this process.
#3. Developing the Right Habits Adjustment periods mean it’s time to take stock of your habits and determine if what you’re doing is hurting you and what more you can be doing to help yourself.
Your eating habits are going to have to change significantly, and getting the proper amount of exercise is going to be key to the process of successfully navigating the transition. This means learning how to eat right, taking the medication as prescribed, and making sure your daily exercise regimen is working for you and not against you.
“We see a lot of folks who are struck with an unexpected diagnosis of kidney failure and end up on dialysis suffer a kind of shock,” says one kidney specialist from Henderson.
“It all comes at them at once and then all these changes have to be made before they’ve had a chance to emotionally process what’s happened. It may seem unfair, but sticking to the system is the best way to make the transition as seamless as possible.”