Living with dialysis
Taking care of your mental and physical health throughout your time on dialysis will ensure that you are getting the most out of treatment and help you continue leading a fulfilling life while on dialysis.
Many aspects of your life may be impacted while you are on dialysis. Caring for your body and mind will help you cope with the demands of treatment and enjoy activities you loved before your chronic kidney dialysis (CKD) diagnosis. Although you may not feel up to it at first, as you go further in your journey, you may find that being physically and emotionally healthy can allow you to take a more active role in your treatment. It may even help you retain a sense of normalcy despite the big life changes you’re experiencing.
Living with dialysis
Diet and dialysis
Exercise for dialysis patients
Travelling on dialysis
Sexuality and dialysis
Diet for dialysis patients
Being on dialysis requires special dietary considerations. Knowing what you should and should not eat while on dialysis and adhering to this will help keep your body in balance. Adopting a kidney-friendly diet will probably require adjustments to your normal routine. Your clinician or dietitian can help you make a plan that you feel comfortable with.
Exercise for dialysis patients
Regular physical activity is important for staying physically and mentally strong while you are on dialysis. Sticking to an exercise plan that you enjoy may help lower your cholesterol, keep your weight controlled, reduce stress and anxiety and improve your heart health. Staying active may also keep you mentally stimulated, allowing you to maintain a more positive outlook throughout your treatment journey and feel inspired to make the most of your life living with dialysis.
Travelling on dialysis
Whether you need to travel for work or enjoy a break with the children during school holidays, if you make the proper arrangements, you may be able to continue travelling while on dialysis. This is especially true if you are on peritoneal dialysis (PD). Travelling may boost your mood and help you retain a sense of independence while you are on dialysis.
Sexuality and dialysis
With a busy treatment schedule, concerns about how chronic kidney disease is affecting your desire for sex may fall to the wayside. But your sexual well-being is an important part of your physical and emotional health while living with dialysis. Understanding how and why your sexual life can change as a result of your condition may make you and your partner feel more comfortable.
