If you are a patient on dialysis, there are several important dos and don’ts to keep in mind. These guidelines can help you manage your condition and stay as healthy as possible. Here are some of the most important dos and don’ts for dialysis patients:
Dos:
▪️Follow your treatment plan: Dialysis is an ongoing process, and it’s important to attend all of your scheduled appointments and follow your treatment plan as prescribed by your healthcare team. This includes taking all of your medications as directed.
▪️Stick to a healthy diet: Eating a healthy diet is important for managing your condition. Your healthcare team may recommend a special diet that is low in salt, potassium, and phosphorus. It’s important to follow this diet to help prevent complications.
▪️Stay active: Exercise is an important part of a healthy lifestyle for dialysis patients. Talk to your healthcare team about safe exercises that you can do to stay active and maintain your strength.
Manage your fluid intake: Dialysis patients need to be careful about how much fluid they consume. Too much fluid can lead to fluid buildup, which can be dangerous. Your healthcare team can help you determine how much fluid you can safely consume each day.
▪️Take care of your access site: If you have an access site for hemodialysis, it’s important to keep it clean and avoid anything that could damage it. Your healthcare team can show you how to care for your access site to help prevent infections.
Don’ts:
▫️Don’t skip dialysis sessions: It’s important to attend all of your scheduled dialysis appointments. Skipping a session can lead to complications and make it more difficult to manage your condition.
Don’t consume too much salt: Eating a diet that is high in salt can lead to fluid buildup and other complications. It’s important to limit your salt intake to help manage your condition.
▫️Don’t smoke: Smoking can increase your risk of developing complications from dialysis. If you smoke, talk to your healthcare team about strategies for quitting.
Don’t forget to take your medications: Your healthcare team may prescribe medications to help manage your condition. It’s important to take these medications as directed to help prevent complications.
▫️Don’t ignore symptoms: If you experience any symptoms or side effects, such as fever, chills, or swelling, it’s important to report them to your healthcare team right away. Ignoring symptoms can lead to more serious complications.
In summary, managing your condition as a dialysis patient requires a commitment to following your treatment plan,
