Can anyone help ?

[bubbaboo2]

I have severe headaches 2 hours into my dialysis treatment and for 8 hours after. I have tried over the counter everything. Does anyone have any ideas ? Thanks

[Wharf11]

hi - I too get headaches which go soon after I come off the machine. I think it’s due to dehydration and some stress. I now sip a little water during dialysis and have a snack which helps, good luck!

[KidneyCoach]

This is often called dialysis hangover. Likely caused by removing too much fluid in a short amount of time. Have them stop challenging your dry weight and/or increase your dry weight by half kilo. Used to happen to me when in center. They try to run at high flows (400-600 bfr, 800 dialysate) which is so hard on the body. If removing more than 2-4 kilos in 3-4 hours it can cause severe headaches for many. I always got migraines. Since beginning home hemodialysis 20+ years ago and running longer, slower, no more headaches.

Since yours start midway they are likely removing too much fluid. As soon as your headache starts ask them to stop your UF. Then calculate that to get your new dry weight for following treatment to stop headaches.

Blessings

[WifeofDialysisMan in reply to KidneyCoach]

I completely agree with you. I had to call and speak with the NP at the dialysis center when this was happening to my husband. They did not realize he went from 260 pounds to 170 pounds in less than a year just before he started dialysis. They increased his dry weight a bit and he does not have headaches very often any longer.

I am about to make another call to the NP at the dialysis center because of the neck pain and cramping in his neck, hands and toes. It is getting worse and confines him to the bed. He still works full-time and refuses to let this overtake his life but watching from the sidelines is difficult. He says he will just suffer through. I tell him no need to suffer if there is something which can be done to alleviate the pain and cramping.

Any ideas?

[Eddie2149]

Hi, I get a terrible headache after hemodialysis. I have come to the conclusion that the less weight I bring to dialysis treatment day I will not get a headache.

Less weight is less than 1 kilo. However when I bring more than 1 kilo of weight...I usually go home with a terrible headache. I am making it a habit to bring in less than 1 kilo, but it is sometimes hard to do.

I hope this works for you. Good luck and enjoy your life. God gave us one body and that's all we are getting. So take good care of it. Take care. Bye!