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Home » Patients » Managing my disease » Managing Dialysis Side Effects: Fatigue, Fluid Balance, and Common Discomforts34,36
Living with chronic kidney disease and undergoing dialysis can lead to various side effects that affect daily life. Fatigue, fluid imbalances, pain and numbness, dry skin and itching, as well as general discomfort, are common. Fortunately, there are ways to manage these issues and improve overall well-being.
Fatigue: Understanding and Managing It
Fatigue related to dialysis is common and can be caused by several factors:
- The sudden removal of toxins during in-center dialysis sessions, leading to exhaustion.
- Blood pressure fluctuations during or after dialysis.
- Anemia due to insufficient production of erythropoietin by the kidneys.
- Nutritional deficiencies affecting energy levels and muscle recovery.
How to reduce fatigue ?
- Pace your activities: Plan your days by alternating between rest and moderate physical activity (such as walking), which helps restore energy.
- Optimize your diet: Sufficient protein and iron intake helps combat anemia and improve recovery.
- Maintain good sleep habits: Establish a relaxing bedtime routine and avoid screen exposure before sleeping.
- Consult your nephrologist: Adjustments in treatment, such as erythropoietin injections, may be needed to manage anemia.
Fluid Imbalance: Managing Liquids Effectively
Excess or insufficient fluid intake is a frequent issue in dialysis. Too much fluid can lead to swelling, high blood pressure, and breathing difficulties, while excessive fluid removal can cause low blood pressure, cramps, and headaches.
How to better manage fluid balance ?
- Monitor fluid intake: Limit drinks according to medical recommendations and opt for water-rich foods (fruits and vegetables) to prevent excessive thirst.
- Control Salt Intake: A low-salt diet helps reduce thirst and minimizes water retention.
- Weigh Yourself Regularly: Tracking your weight helps detect excessive fluid buildup between dialysis sessions.
- Increase Dialysis Frequency: Shorter, more frequent sessions reduce fluid accumulation time and are generally better tolerated by the body.
Pain and Numbness: How to Find Relief ?
Many dialysis patients experience muscle or joint pain, as well as numbness, especially in the legs and hands. These symptoms may result from poor circulation, electrolyte imbalances, or overly aggressive dialysis sessions.
Ways to relieve pain:
- Perform gentle stretching and massages to stimulate circulation and reduce cramps.
- Adjust your position during dialysis to prevent prolonged nerve compression.
- Check calcium, potassium, and magnesium levels with your nephrologist, as imbalances can trigger cramps.
- Apply warm or cold compresses to painful areas, depending on what provides the most relief.
Dry Skin and Itching: Prevention and Relief
Toxin buildup in the body and the loss of essential nutrients can make the skin dry and lead to intense itching, significantly affecting quality of life.
How to care for your skin?
- Moisturize daily with fragrance-free creams containing soothing agents like aloe vera or urea.
- Avoid hot showers that further dry out the skin.
- Wear cotton clothing to reduce irritation.
- Limit phosphorus-rich foods (dairy, sodas, processed meats) that worsen itching.
- Consult a doctor for treatment options if itching becomes severe.
Dizziness and Weakness: Preventing Low Blood Pressure and Discomfort
During or after dialysis sessions, some patients experience dizziness, cold sweats, or sudden weakness. These symptoms are often due to a drop in blood pressure or rapid fluid removal.
How to minimize these Symptoms?
- Stand up slowly after dialysis to avoid drops in blood pressure.
- Eat a light snack before or after sessions to prevent low blood sugar.
- Report symptoms to your healthcare team to adjust filtration rates.
- Avoid sudden changes in position which can cause dizziness.
By following these tips and maintaining open communication with your healthcare team, you can improve daily comfort and better cope with dialysis. It’s also important to know that there are different dialysis options, some of which are gentler on the body, such as home dialysis. This method allows for more frequent, better-distributed sessions, reducing side effects like fatigue and fluid imbalances. However, it also involves other constraints, such as the need to be more independent in managing your treatment.
Discussing options with your nephrologist will help you choose the approach that best fits your lifestyle and health needs.
