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Home5 Practical Tips to Integrate Home Hemodialysis into Your Daily Life
1. A Proper Training to Build Confidence
Before starting home dialysis, a comprehensive training program is provided by your medical team. It allows you and your caregiver to learn the essential steps:
- Safely preparing and performing dialysis.
- Using and maintaining equipment.
- Managing supplies and ordering refills.
- Recognizing warning signs to prevent potential complications.
This training typically lasts 4 to 6 weeks, depending on your experience and comfort level with the procedures. You are never alone—your medical team is always available to guide you through the process.
2. Setting Up a Functional and Safe Dialysis Space
Having a well-organized space at home is essential for safe and effective dialysis:
- A clean and dry area to maintain equipment quality.
- Structured storage using shelves or cabinets for easy access to supplies.
- Logical organization by grouping essential items (dialysis solutions, dressings, accessories).
- Strict hygiene measures to reduce the risk of infection.
Tip: Keep an inventory of your supplies to anticipate orders and avoid shortages.
3. Managing Hydration and Dry Weight
Your dry weight is the ideal weight you should reach after each dialysis session, free of excess fluid. It is determined by your doctor and may change over time.
Key points:
- Monitor your daily weight to detect any unusual fluctuations.
- Follow your medical team's fluid intake recommendations between sessions.
- An appropriate diet helps manage fluid balance and reduces fatigue.
4. Maintaining an Active Lifestyle
Choosing home dialysis does not mean giving up your activities. With good planning, you can continue working, traveling, and engaging in adapted physical activities.
Traveling with dialysis:
- For short trips, ensure you have all necessary supplies.
- For longer stays, inform your medical team in advance to arrange treatment at your destination.
Physical activity:
- If your condition allows, regular exercise is strongly recommended (walking, swimming, cycling).
- 30 minutes of exercise per day helps maintain muscle mass and strengthens the cardiovascular system.
5. Regular Medical Follow-Ups for Your Well-Being
Your medical team is your main support system to guide you and adjust your treatment if necessary. Regular check-ups help:
- Assess dialysis effectiveness.
- Modify your protocol based on your overall health.
- Address any challenges you encounter.
Never hesitate to ask questions or report any changes in your health. Remember: Your dialysis should adapt to you, not the other way around!
