What are the side effects from dialysis

[Sallywoo73]

What are dialysis side effects

[Hidden]

Depends what type of dialysis peritoneal through the abdomen at home or are you going to a center using a graft or fistula?

[Sallywoo73 in reply to Hidden]

I'm considering going into a center for Dialysis and a fistula is what I'm going for

[Hidden in reply to Sallywoo73]

That is what I did. You have to be very careful with your fistula not to bend it or pressure or lift over a certain amount or it can close where you have to get it basically blown open again. Which was horrific painful for me. While on dialysis you can expect to be very tired you have to change your diet. No potassium at all or your heart can blow. No protein swich to brown rice.. diet change is extreme for some but so important. You can have nausea, I got a bloodborn staph infection that landed my in the hospital right after I started at a center. Look into button hole so you don't have to get punctured each time and my doctor gave me topical lidocaine to help with the dialysis numbing and I used it for two years because honestly they got me the first time I wasn't prepared and it kind of tramatized me. I was sick after I would recommend having a driver. I would crawl in the house after dialysis straight to the fridge to get food and drink at times. If you get cramps in the center it can be because they took too much fluid and have them return some and you will feel better. Lots and lots of fatigue. I recommend taking snacks something to do like a book and a drink and a blanket for while you are being dialyzed. My story isn't everyone's I had a very hard time. And when I go back I will be doing peritoneal but no one is the same there were people there that we're able to still work and do everything just fine. There is no standard so my advice to all is listen to your body. When something is wrong you will know it so just listen to yourself and keep close contact with your team. I wish you all the best! 😊

[Dotti55]

Depends on the person, but generally It’s tiredness on dialysis days, sometimes leg cramping, it can be kind of hard on your body, especially your heart. I was on it for 9 years and the worst I had was a little cramping and tiredness. It also depends on how well you take care of yourself between sessions. If you’re not eating properly you can get really sick on dialysis, nausea and super cramping. Just follow the diet as closely as you can and try to stay active. It’ll help a lot.

[Sallywoo73 in reply to Dotti55]

Thank you so much.

[Dixidude39 in reply to Dotti55]

Next Tuesday marks the i8-month anniversary of the removal of my right kidney as an aftermath of bladder cancer surgery a year earlier. I obviously hope that the loopogram that will be administered will indicate all clear with my left kidney. I've visited a DaVita center once, and have attended several local support group meetings. I understand that the fistula is "installed" by a service separate from thee dialysis center. My question is: Is the fistula like a portal which is "uncapped" before a needle is inserted to begin the dialysis process, or do you get an in-the-flesh needle stick each time you come in for dialysis? Thanks.

[Dotti55 in reply to Dixidude39]

The fistula is create in the operating room. It’s a quick procedure and done by the transplant surgeon. Most give general anesthesia but I have heard of a couple who had local. Afterwards you’re generally sore for about a week (going by my experience) and it takes a few weeks before you can use it.

No, it isn’t an uncapped situation. You do get stuck each time you go to dialysis, and then like any needle prick it closes.

For a lot of people that’s the worst part which is dependent on your sensitivity and the technician who does the sticking. For the 9 years I was on dialysis it wasn’t a big deal; I got used to it and it very rarely hurt.

Hope this helps!

Dotti

[Dixidude39 in reply to Dotti55]

Thanks, Dotti. Most helpful.

[cynlee01]

It takes a few months to get used to dialysis. I have been on peritoneal dialysis since late July 2017. While it is not easy to comprehend being connected to a machine every night, it is life saving. Please don't despair! The biggest problem for me is constipation (sorry to be so blunt). I do get tired quickly. Looking forward to my first transplant appt. in Feb. at UNC. I wish you the very best.

Cynthia

[Sallywoo73 in reply to cynlee01]

Thank you Cynthia that was very motivating wish you the best

[cynlee01]

Let me know if you have any other questions. I will try to answer them. Of course I am not a health professional, but will do my best.

Cynthia