Tips To Help With Dialysis
When you have chronic kidney disease (CKD) your life can be very different but this doesn’t mean that you don’t have to enjoy it. Here are some tips to help you deal with dialysis.
Eating and Drinking
Use smaller juice glasses at your meals. If you’re using larger glasses don’t feel these up all the way. You want to limit the amount of salt in your diet as this makes your body hold onto water. If you limit your salt you’ll also be less thirsty. To decrease your thirst and lubricate your mouth try to have mints, lemon drops, or other hard candies on hand and take them with you wherever you go. Whenever you drink water,try to sip it and not gulp it down.
Spread the amount of fluid you’re allowed throughout the day. You don’t want to drink everything all at once. Try to keep track of how much you’re drinking so you have a record that you can refer to. If you’re going out at night trying to limit the amount you were drinking during the day so you can enjoy something while you are out. To get rid of the dry mouth feeling try to brush your tongue every day or use mouthwash as it will help you feel more hydrated.
Keep Learning and Connecting
You should learn as much as you possibly can about dialysis. This will help you understand your illness better as well as your body. By educating yourself about dialysis you’ll be empowered and you’ll be better able to take care of yourself. There are many support systems online such as forums or groups you can join with other dialysis patients via which you can lean on others for support and gets tips on how they deal with the condition. Surround yourself with friends and family and lean on them for support.
Good Habits
It never hurts to listen to the advice of your doctors! Make sure you are following good eating habits and getting exercise. You want to take your medications on time and follow everything that your doctor tells you. If you feel that something isn’t right or you don’t feel well make sure you share this with your doctor right away. By establishing good habits and understanding your illness you’ll be better set to deal with it – having a checklist handy can help so you don’t forget daily items to check off. Make sure you review all of the doctor’s advice with them and ask them questions about things you don’t understand.
Dealing with Your Feelings
Going through kidney dialysis can be very emotional. Try to take things one day at a time and remain present in the moment. You are going to have some very good days and there will be days that you don’t feel as well. Try to lean on your support system to deal with those bad days when you have mixed emotions about your condition. Try to remain as positive as you can but know that there is value in dealing with difficulty and negative emotions – it will make you more resilient and stronger. This positive attitude will help you deal with your condition.
Summary
These are just some simple tips that should help you deal with kidney dialysis. Make sure you discuss everything with your doctor and ensure that a good support system put in place. We are rooting for you! You can do it!