Mitigating the Most Common Complications of Long-Term Dialysis

Though dialysis can be used long-term for patients who require it, its long-term use is generally discouraged. Not only do patients find the process of dialysis uncomfortable and disruptive, dialysis Henderson but there are also health complications that can arise.

Joint and Bone Pain

Dialysis is essentially an artificial filtering of the blood which occurs when a patient's kidneys have shut down. Unfortunately, this filtering may be imperfect and may lead to issues with joints and bones. Joint supplements and calcium supplements can aid in staving this off, but ultimately a clinic may need to work with the patient to balance the phosphorous and calcium in their blood. It is not only the supplements themselves that will be important but also the body's ability to use these supplements.

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Depression

Dialysis can have the side effect of depression in many patients. Patients may feel as though their body is betraying them or as though they cannot lead a normal life. Therapy, cognitive behavioral techniques, and other stress and coping tools may be used to alleviate the psychological burden on the patient. Psychiatric medications are generally not advised.

Anemia

Kidneys do not have the sole function of filtering blood. Instead, kidneys also add certain hormones which are designed to stimulate the production of red blood cells. Without this production, a patient can become weak and anemic. Anemia is generally treated through supplements, but patients should remain vigilant about checking their red blood cell levels to avoid further health issues.

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Deteriorated Nerves

Over time, the nerves of a patient on dialysis may begin to deteriorate. This could present initially as a numbness or tingling in extremities. Patients should exercise regularly and be kidney infection Henderson extremely conscientious regarding their circulation. Much like diabetic patients, they run the risk of potentially injuring themselves without realizing it. Though exercise and massage can stave off the symptoms, the issues with the patient's kidneys will need to be treated to truly reslve the issue.

A clinic that performs dialysis Henderson may be able to further educate patients regarding the risks. Managing these symptoms will be important for anyone on dialysis -- but, more urgently, an alternative to dialysis is usually sought. Organ replacements tend to have a far better quality of life for a patient, though they also carry some risks.