Live Well on Dialysis
Taking care of your mental and physical health throughout your time on dialysis will ensure that you’re getting the most out of treatment and help you continue leading a fulfilling life.
Many aspects of your life may be impacted while you are on dialysis. The better care you take of your body and mind, the better you’ll be able to cope with the demands of treatment and enjoy activities you loved before your chronic kidney disease (CKD) diagnosis. Although you may not feel up to it at first, as you get further into 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 normality in spite of the big life changes you’re experiencing.
Live well on dialysis
Coping With your Emotions
Talking About Your Condition
Intimacy and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
Coping With your Emotions
Adjusting to life with a chronic condition can be a challenging process. Whether you’ve just been diagnosed or you’re well into treatment, it’s likely that you and those around you have experienced a wide range of emotions. Coping with these feelings is not easy but sharing and recognising them is essential to preserve your mental and physical health throughout your time on dialysis.
Talking About Your Condition
Talking to family, friends and other people on dialysis about your experience with chronic kidney disease (CKD) may make it easier for you, and them, to cope with the physical and emotional difficulties of your diagnosis. Sharing with others can help you understand your own emotions, making them feel less overwhelming and help you feel more in control. The support and advice of your loved ones may help you gain a new and valuable perspective on what you’re experiencing.
Intimacy and Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
With a busy treatment schedule, concerns about how chronic kidney disease (CKD) is affecting your desire for sex may fall by the wayside. However your sexual well-being is an important part of your physical and emotional health. Understanding how and why your sexual life can change as a result of your condition may make you and your partner feel more comfortable.
Exercising on Dialysis
Regular physical activity is important for staying physically and mentally strong while you’re 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, among many other potential benefits. 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 on dialysis.
Travelling on Dialysis
Whether you need to travel for work or go abroad for a summer holiday, if you make the proper arrangements, you should be able to continue travelling while on dialysis. This is especially true if you’re on PD, which may give you greater travelling flexibility. Travelling may boost your mood and help you retain a sense of independence while you’re on dialysis.
Diet and Dialysis
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 that you make adjustments to your normal routine. Your clinician or dietician can help you make a plan that you feel comfortable with.
