HD in center

[htpi1543]

I got on HD dialysis in center about 3 weeks ago. Now I am afraid of going for dialysis. How do I get rid of this fear? I will highly appreciate if someone can share his/her experience.

needles give me a scare. . Thanks

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

Have you already been to the clinic for dialysis? What is your current access? Have you spoken to your clinic social worker, nurse, nephrologist about your fears? Please speak up about this.

I was terrified about such large needles. I was afraid they would hurt for the entire treatment. But I thought it may hurt less if I did my own sticks, so on first day I tried it. No numbing shots or cream. It was much easier than I expected. There are ways of overcoming needle phobia. Talk to nurses at clinic.

Check out kidneyschool.org or the book available on Amazon (digital).

Blue, red, grey with woman

[htpi1543 in reply to KidneyCoach]

Thank you for sharing 👍👍🙏🙏

[cs65 NKF Ambassador]

I was also scared when I first started hemodialysis, but I grew to rely on the staff to help me with tips to get used to the needles. One technique I used was to take a deep breath before each needle went in and released it as it was going in. I also looked away while the tech or nurse put the needles in. When you first start, they do it gradually. For the first month they use the smallest gauge needles and gradually work you up to the next two sizes. Also, they often start by just cleaning the blood and not removing excess fluid in the early days. You may even have shorter treatments until they determine how long each treatment should be for you. And dry weight is a term you should get familiar with. It's really the amount of excess fluid they must get you down to by the end of each treatment. This can matter comfort wise because if they take off too much you can cramp up. Dry weight can change over time and is determined by your nephrologist and the techs and nurses carry out his/her orders. Do feel free to speak up for yourself if anything is bothering you because you are in charge of your treatments. The staff are there to help you feel more comfortable. If you're cold, ask for extra blankets. They can get you a folded towel or pillow to rest your dialysis arm on. Don't forget that if you get cramps ring for the staff to help you get rid of them by lowering your level, giving you oxygen or bracing your foot against their leg. These are just some of the things I learned while I was on dialysis (I have a transplant now after 4 years of dialysis). You'll be alright, just practice some stress reduction and even indulge in some morbid humor every once in a while - we all do it!