Dialysis Side Effects

[JodieCarer]

My husband recently started (Nov 23) dialysis treatment at a community clinic. He has hypertension, so is medicated for that too. He's struggling to hold bowel movements, terrible restless leg, struggles sleeping, always thirsty, lethargic and recently, he has started vomitting more often, even the evening of dialysis treatment. After dialysis, his blood pressure drops considerably and he collapses, so he often has to sit and recover for half hour after treatment. We're interested to know if this is 'normal/common' for someone new to treatment, and whether anyone has any advice at all? Thank you in advance

[S_dillow]

have him checked out that dont sound right

[horsie63]

No that doesn't sound right. Is he new to dialysis? Is he in center? Does he tell the nurses and his doctor what is going on? I found that I can only take one of my two BP meds before dialysis or my BP gets too low, don't take any and it stays kind of high. They may be taking too much fluid off. But his nephrologist definitely needs to know what's going on.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

I am so sorry you guys are going through this. First off, they are taking too much fluid. BP drops during dialysis normally, and all they have to do is add back some saline. Thye should be doing that when the monitor his BP during the treatment.

Secondly, he is losing too much fluid. When you vomit or have diarrhea you lose a LOT of fluid. Sometime weight is not a good indicator of fluid levels. Speak immediately to the doctor. He needs his prescription changed. Make sure you tell the doctor of ALL the symptoms.

They say the body adjust to dialysis. I am now saying dialysis needs to adjust to the person.

[MissArtist]

Hello Jodie. you need to tell your husband's nephrologist of all these symptoms 1. No BP pills the day you get your treatment as the fluid they take off lowers BP he should have been told no BP meds until he gets home and is relaxed 2. Sounds like your dialysis. Center needs to lower the amount of fluids taken off your husband. Fill a container and measure the amount of waTer hes allowed to drink per day start in morning dont overdrink, your amount prescribed ny doctors little sips help thruout the day ...diet plays a huge part too smaller meals. If possible walking 2x a day around 20- 30 minutes walk early then late in afternoon or evening it helps with restless leg syndrome. Make sure your husband takes iron and viaminD daily doses to help energy levels I've been on dialysis for over 2 years those symptoms were mine also talk to my doc we fixed all issues...please follow doctors rules dialysis is serious business

Iam 70 years old and resuming my lifestyle after dialysis treatments. Hope this helps....

[JodieCarer]

Thank you so much everyone, truly very helpful. To answer some of the Qs: yes he is new to dialysis, nearly 3 months in - his is in a centre, but when we tell them about his symptoms outside of treatment we are told to call 111 or GP and they insist they have 'given him a good clear out', we have stopped taking any medication prior to dialysis and then testing his BP throughout the afternoon before considering taking, he is also taking Furosemide which I have read isn't best to take on dialysis days particularly as it sounds like the clinic may be taking too much water during treatment. We have some time with GP to review medication this week and we'll make good of the advice for restless legs. Again, this has been really helpful - thank you to all that contributed and shared your experiences.

[jcwalker]

Yes normal. Please discuss with your Nephrologist. 😀

[bumblebee_tuna]

Hey Jodie, regarding restless legs - it is pretty common for dialysis patients to suffer from Restless Leg Syndrome (RLS), the first line of medication is Gabapentin/Pregabalin, talk to the nephrologist about it, they are usually familiar with the condition and can prescribe the medication. If his condition is sever and still not controlled the next line of medication is low dose opioids. There is a very active RLS group on this website if you need more information.

[Tkt3699]

Have they told him to HOLD his blood pressure meds till after dialysis? I get very nauseated 🤢 they give me ZOFRAN during my dialysis treatment. It does help? And if my bp does go to low they have a 💊 pill to raise it up.