Ideas to Stay Warm During Dialysis

[greenliving87]

Hi everyone, I'm looking for ideas for ways to stay warm and comfortable during in-center dialysis. It's important to leave your face and dialysis access uncovered to be safe during treatment. What are some things you do to stay warm during treatment? Electric blankets? Gloves? Special sweaters? All ideas welcome!

[Hidden]

I was on hemodialysis for 4 1/2 years before I got my kidney transplant and being cold was the worst part about it. I put a blanket in my chair and one to cover up with. I ordered a zip up hoodie sweatshirt with long sleeves that also zipped up and down for access to my fistula in my left upper arm from hemowear.com. That helped a lot. Fresenius was the first center I went to and it was just horribly cold, I wore hats and gloves and had hand warmers. And the staff did not care how cold we were because they were always hot. Nothing helped so I switched to Davita and that was a lot better but still a little chilly.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

The machine can be set to keep the blood at a certain temperature. Most docs opt for lower temps to counteract low blood pressure. Talk with your doc about increasing the machine temp to a more comfortable level.

Layering is better. Electric blanket with another over top will help keep heat in. Gloves, hats etc. Just be sure to wear same or similar items each tx so weighing will be as close as possible. Blessings

[jazz--]

I am sure you have tried all the usual ideas. My son is on dialysis at home. Besides covering up best as possible and trying to get the machine temp more comfortable, I always try to set times during the treatment that give my son something different to do. Once he has drained, he gets a snack. When he fills, he gets something to drink. In your case a hot cup of tea or coco, if allowed, might help. Hot soup is another idea. We have never been to treatment at a center so I am not sure what is allowed. I do know keeping busy while on the machine is important so the time seems to go faster. Being cold while waiting to complete your therapy is not enjoyable and I would not think it would be too healthy. Maybe the cold kills the germs..ha ha.

[Hidden]

My husband has been on dialysis for almost 3 years and has gone through “freezing.” He bought “smart wool” long Johns that he wears under his pants. He wears a light “smart wool” long sleeved shirt that is light enough that the sleeve will roll up. Also he wears a wool vest (sleeveless) on top of that. He also can wear a wool cap if really cold.

It all depends on how cold he is that day.

No electric blankets allowed in the dialysis CENTER.

[cs65 NKF Ambassador]

I always wear a wool hat after the first half hour, plus I bring my own blanket and ask for another warm blanket if I feel too cold. Keep your dialysis hand under covers the whole time. I also rest my dialysis arm on a rolled up warm blanket and ask for a pillow over my lap so I can rest my book on it to read. That all helps me to stay warm enough for most of my treatment.

[patandfritz]

My BF is in his second week of dialysis. He took his own blanket in the first two sessions. Then they gave him a blanket to use for each session. His chair is also heated and has a vibrator. His graft is in his upper arm and they allow him to cover it. He wears his orange knit cap on his head the whole time too. I was inside with him for part of his first session and didn't find it all that cold. He has his done at U.S. Renal Care.

[cs65 NKF Ambassador in reply to patandfritz]

You may not have felt cold in the dialysis unit, but when you are a patient on the machine your blood is cooled as it is filtered, so when it is returned to you in the constant cycling it feels colder and makes you cold. It usually takes about a half hour before you start feeling cold.

[Hidden in reply to patandfritz]

How wonderful to have a heated and massaging chair!!! I would have felt like I was in heaven lol

[401kman]

I wear a light northface jacket (full zip up) and undo my left arm - you can keep the rest of you warm but not much of your access arm. I do bring some really hot coffee with me in an insulated container so it's still hot after the few hours. we don't have any place to plug things in :(.

[RhenDutchess123]

They make quality battery operated heated Vests now...I love mine