Niki10.

[Niki10]

I am new to Dialysis. Does anyone have cramping during Dialysis?

[Bassetmommer]

Hi Niki, Yes cramping is quite common on dialysis. There are two things you can do about it. One is to make sure they are not taking off so much fluid. This needs to be done with your Neph. but you have to mention it immediately or it won't get changed. I would say if you are cramping, they are taking off too much. Second, see if they can add more saline back if you are cramping. I am not sure how that works in center but at home hemo, you can add saline immediately back to yourself.

[Allnight in reply to Bassetmommer]

they can also change the settings on your machine……..if you are doing PD. You need to talk to the nephrologist and the team. I also take calcium magnesium for cramping…..

But you need to discuss that with them as well.

[horsie63]

I’m doing in center hemo and I don’t cramp. I didn’t cramp on PD either. I talk to the nurse prior to starting and make sure they know my dry weight and don’t take off too much fluid as bassetmommer said. I get lab printouts and watch my sodium.

I did ultramarathons before this so am well aware of the role dehydration and drinking too much fluid plays in cramping. It’s a fine line and you have to knouw your body and how it reacts. If you are cramping something salty helps. People drink pickle juice or eat pickles.

[Niki10 in reply to horsie63]

I don't understand this. The one girl that has me for dialysis I always cramp with her. I tell her and she does something to the machine but I tell her I am still cramping. The other day I had her and had severe cramps for 20 min. I was almost crying. The weird thing is if I have any other nurse I don't cramp?

[RhenDutchess123]

What type of Dialysis are you doing ?

[Niki10 in reply to RhenDutchess123]

Hemo

[horsie63 in reply to RhenDutchess123]

ask the non cramping nurse what the settings are and have them with all the nurses.

[Beachgirl32]

yes can happen sometimes your body may be low in something. I do pd it took them awhile to get prescription right my feet and legs woukd cramp so bad but lately it is ok. I still get some drain pain but not like it used to be.

[Niki10 in reply to Beachgirl32]

Thank you.

[Retirement2023]

My husband has been on dialysis since late September. He experienced cramps the first few months. They have subsided but he does feel light headed after most sessions. The machine can be adjusted to help with all of these side effects. Best of luck.

[Niki10 in reply to Retirement2023]

Thank you. Good luck to your husband.