Dialysis fatigue

[2blueturtle2]

Hi. It looks like I'll be having to have haemodialysis by the end of the year I was wondering what it's like for people on it as far as energy levels go. I work from home but I need to be ale to concentrate to get my work done. I've heard that people on dialysis can struggle with fatigue, is that a common side effect?

[Hidden]

Hey there, it all depends on how your body responds and how often you get treatment done. Hemodialysis usually takes between two to four hours per session and varies between two to four visits per weeks, depending on how fast your kidneys are declining. It is best to talk to your nephrologist about what to expect because like I said each persons body responds differently. Some people feel really sluggish before treatment and then have a burst of energy afterwards. Others don’t respond well and then something else needs to be figured out and then there are those that respond well but still feel weak and sluggish. Sometimes it takes a few treatments for your body to adjust to what is going on. Your body will tell you what is going on and how hemodialysis is effecting it either positively or negatively. Also your nephrologist will be keeping a very close eye on you and be watching how you respond and make adjustments accordingly. Best of luck and blessings.

[Frankie24 in reply to Hidden]

Hi, I found hemodialysis to be very tough on my body, I felt awful after and couldn’t do anything for the rest of the day. I switched to PD dialysis - 8 hours ever night and I feel great, back to my regular work schedule etc. You have to find out what is best for you. I wish you the best.

[Jayhawker]

You didn’t say in your initial post; have you been using PD dialysis and will be moved to HD? Or will you be starting dialysis with HD?

There are some people in this forum who are on HD dialysis. Others are using PD dialysis . And others have used both. I’m sure they will be responding soon.

I’m not yet on dialysis. I’m still working too. My job is also primarily done from home. That’s a real blessing!

I’ve selected PD dialysis as my first choice when I need to start. I will be able to fit it around my work schedule. It’s easier on your cardiovascular system and so is supposed to be a quicker and easier rebound after each session. It can be done daily which is closer to what my native kidneys do so I should feel better using it than I would on HD. It often preserves remaining renal function longer. Those are the reasons I chose PD dialysis as my first preference.

But, I’m not yet on dialysis. So, hopefully others who are will chime in soon. I have found their comments to be both calming and encouraging🐶

Jayhawker

[OperationKidney]

Fatigue can be a side effect but it differs for everyone. I actually felt a lot more energized on dialysis than I did before I started treatment. There are other options you might want to consider too if you haven't already that can be done at home and usually have fewer side effects.

[2blueturtle2]

Thanks for the advice, that's a bit more reassuring. I'm not on dialysis at the moment and so this is all new to me. I don't know anyone who has been through this so it's nice to find a forum like this, it's calmed my nerves quite a bit, thanks again guys.

[Vacuumnerd]

It all depends on you because we are all unique, my mother was always sleeping when not at dialysis but I’m sure depression with all going on contributed me on the other hand it hardly effected me I could go about a normal day like no problem after I got out…. That being said at times it would leave me tired but not as bad as I seen it leave others

[Darlenia]

Hi! Welcome to the world of dialysis. It appears you have chosen in-center hemodialysis (HD). There is also at-home hemodialysis (HHD). As well as at-home peritoneal dialysis (PD). My husband has experienced HD and is now on PD. He did well on both types - but switched to PD to improve his outcomes for a possible transplant. Before going on HD, my husband was very lethargic, had soaring blood pressure, and more. After going on HD, he immediately improved. His color came back, his stamina returned, etc. Simply be mindful that when you begin HD, the dialysis equipment runs on settings and removes toxins in a very short period of time - so you may experience painful cramping and variable blood pressure. If you have discomfort of any kind, bring it to the attention of the medical staff immediately so they can make adjustments quickly. Dialysis should never be painful. While at the center, I saw some people who were very ill - arriving in wheel chairs or supported by a care partner, etc. On the other hand, I also saw people arriving by themselves who were employed - driving up in company vehicles, dressed in work clothes, carrying briefcases, and more. My husband, who is in his early 70s, runs his own business. He continues to do so today. In my personal opinion, focusing on work or hobbies provides a wonderful distraction for the mind. And if you find in-center HD is not working for you, you can always switch to PD or HHD. You have options! May your experience go well!