I'm a way off from having to have dialysis but am wondering about the cons of it. I know the pros but would like to hear from dialysis patients what it's like, the cons, the diet, labs, etc. Not really sure but I have a feeling that it's not as cozy or as simple as it looks to be. Also, maybe from the patients who have decided to not go that route.
I'm 80 with CKD, stage 4, COPD and Diabetes. Those are bad enough to deal with but also have chronic random pain that no one seems to be able to figure out and it's getting worse. If I do decide to have it it would be at a center.
Thanks.
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jodaer
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Personally I found it to be not the worst thing ever, although obviously it varies from person to person. The worst parts for me were the fatigue afterwards and, at least in the inpatient hospital dialysis center, I was always so cold. But it did help with a lot of my symptoms. I hope that your kidney function lasts as long as possible so you dont have to deal with it, and if you do I hope its as easy as it can be for you. Sending lots of love in the meantime!
Everyone is different. I personally have had lots of problems. For the first year, I struggled. Firstly the nurses told me my fistula was very immature - they struggled with it. I also have very bad bouts of very low blood pressure. After dialysis yesterday morning, my BP was 85/48 yesterday evening - and I am taking Midrodine to raise the blood pressure.Like others, I suffer from dreadful fatigue for about 24 hours after a session, and, like someone here has said, I get cold during dialysis. Having said that, the nurses turn the temperature down on the machine to help the blood pressure - maybe that's why.
I am at a disadvantage though - I no longer pee, which means I am heavily restricted on fluid intake. It's amazing how much fluid there is in food.
The one thing I would suggest is that you have the fistula created in plenty of time, in advance, because it needs to mature before being used. I suggest you ask your nephrologist about that.
It's not pleasant, but it's not dreadful. The real positive is that I am alive.
I'm reading through the comments as well as I am looking for answers. I will begin HHD training very soon. But Joeder, the comment about the fistula is spot on. It does take time to get the surgery and it needs to mature. Do not wait because you do not want to crash into dialysis and have to have a chest catheter.
Yes, I think I will get the fistula. I tend to go with safer than sorry. Thanks for all the support you give to us all. Your knowledge is so helpful. Good luck on your HHD training and getting started.
Hi Joader, you will find all kinds of comments, people’s bodies are different, ao they have different responses to the treatment. There are a couple of symptoms you will find in most of the patients, and that is that temperature changes, you will be more susceptible to cold, you will have to watch your liquid’s intake and will need to change your lifestyle. Dialysis is a huge commitment, but it has its own rewards when doing it right and when you are surrounded by a good medical team (Nephrologist, Dialysis Nurse, Renal Dietitian and Primary Care Physician). All patients have good days and bad ones, sometimes your energy will be high and other ones not so much, but this treatment will allow you to live better. Don’t wait too much to do it, now you have the time to choose, you don’t want to be rushed to the hospital to get a catheter. I am sending you good, good vibes!, to get dialysis has been a gift for my husband!, we are sending you tons of prayers, we wish your experience will be as good as ours.
Hi, I’ve only been on hemodialysis for 3 months now but the pros are that it’s helped me with my appetite, has gave me more energy although the days of my dialysis are tiring and I mostly spend the day sleeping.
The cons are that I can feel the cold easier but I’ve always been a cold person anyway so i take a throw in with me. I do not have any diet or fluid restrictions although I know this can vary from person to person.
I hope you do not ending up needing dialysis and wish you all the best that your kidneys keep functioning to a certain degree.
Looks like the cold and fatigue are the biggest drawbacks. I'm hoping I won't have to do dialysis and at my age I think there is a good chance I won't.
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