How does hemodialysis make you feel

In some cases, however, a prescription medication may be necessary to treat recurring episodes. Knowledge of your condition and the associated side effects will help them deliver the best possible care. Toggle navigation Cart LogIn. Kidney dialysis patients may experience side effects including low blood pressure, nausea, restless leg syndrome and more. Important treatment info. Low Blood Pressure Low blood pressure also known as hypotension is a common side effect of dialysis.

Nausea and Vomiting Patients can feel nauseous or experience vomiting for a number of reasons during and after dialysis treatments. Dry or Itchy Skin Many dialysis patients experience dry or itchy skin, a condition believed to be related to build ups of phosphorous and potassium in the body.

It's extremely important to take care of your access site to reduce the possibility of infection and other complications. Follow your health care team's instructions about caring for your access site.

You can receive hemodialysis in a dialysis center, at home or in a hospital. The frequency of treatment varies, depending on your situation:. Simpler hemodialysis machines have made home hemodialysis less cumbersome, so with special training and someone to help you, you may be able to do hemodialysis at home. You may even be able to do the procedure at night while you sleep. There are dialysis centers located throughout the United States and in some other countries, so you can travel to many areas and still receive your hemodialysis on schedule.

Your dialysis team can help you make appointments at other locations, or you can contact the dialysis center at your destination directly. Plan ahead to make sure space is available and proper arrangements can be made. You can use the time to watch TV or a movie, read, nap, or perhaps talk to your "neighbors" at the center. If you receive hemodialysis at night, you can sleep during the procedure.

If you had sudden acute kidney injury, you may need hemodialysis only for a short time until your kidneys recover. If you had reduced kidney function before a sudden injury to your kidneys, the chances of full recovery back to independence from hemodialysis are lessened.

Although in-center, three-times-a-week hemodialysis is more common, some research suggests that home dialysis is linked to:. Your hemodialysis care team monitors your treatment to make sure you're getting the right amount of hemodialysis to remove enough wastes from your blood.

Your weight and blood pressure are monitored very closely before, during and after your treatment. About once a month, you'll receive these tests:. Your care team may adjust your hemodialysis intensity and frequency based, in part, on test results. Between hemodialysis treatments, you can help achieve the best possible results from your hemodialysis if you:.

Explore Mayo Clinic studies of tests and procedures to help prevent, detect, treat or manage conditions. Our patients tell us that the quality of their interactions, our attention to detail and the efficiency of their visits mean health care like they've never experienced.

See the stories of satisfied Mayo Clinic patients. Compare Option 1 Start kidney dialysis Don't have kidney dialysis. Compare Option 2 Start kidney dialysis Don't have kidney dialysis. Start kidney dialysis Start kidney dialysis You have a procedure to put in a dialysis access.

You have dialysis treatments several times a week. You must be careful about how much fluid you drink and what you eat. You may have more energy and feel better than you did before.

You may be able to return to normal activities. If you do not have other serious health problems, dialysis may keep you alive longer. Treatment may allow you to meet goals you have set for yourself. Dialysis won't cure you. Dialysis may involve frequent travel to and from where you have treatments. Dialysis takes a lot of time and can affect your quality of life. Dialysis has risks, including low blood pressure, muscle spasms, infection, abnormal heart rhythms, and low levels of protein.

Don't have kidney dialysis Don't have kidney dialysis Your body will start to shut down, and you will experience normal changes from the dying process. You may need the support of a hospice team. You won't have side effects or problems from dialysis.

You won't need to limit what you eat and drink. If you have other serious health problems, your life span may be the same even if you choose not to have dialysis. The time you have left is your own to spend as you want, not on dialysis treatments. You may die sooner than if you had dialysis, especially if you have no other serious health problems.

Personal stories about considering starting dialysis These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. What matters most to you? Reasons to have kidney dialysis Reasons not to have kidney dialysis.

I'm not ready to die. I'm ready to face my death. I have goals I still want to meet. I have met all the goals I had for my life. My other important reasons: My other important reasons:. Where are you leaning now? Starting dialysis NOT starting dialysis. What else do you need to make your decision? Check the facts. True Sorry, that's not right. Dialysis may help you live longer, but it can't cure kidney failure. False That's right.

I'm not sure It may help to go back and read "Get the Facts. True That's right. Dialysis can help you feel better. False Sorry, that's not right. That's right.

Some people go to a center. But others are able to have dialysis at home, often while they sleep. Your doctor can help you decide if that's a good choice for you. False That's not right. Remember to look at dialysis as a comma in your life, not a period. It is not the best, most exciting thing in your life, but it most certainly is not the worst. Use your experience to help others who may be worried. Ease their minds with writing, engaging, and let them know they are not alone.

I wish you the best of luck if you are about to start your journey of dialysis and know that you are a blessing to others and can be inspirational if you choose.

Dialysis is not a choice, but how we decide to take advantage of it is. Read Confessions of a first-time dialysis patient—Week 2. Read Confessions of a first-time dialysis patient—Week 3. Read Confessions of a first-time dialysis patient—Week 4.