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The Importance of Travel & Dialysis
Question:
Is it possible for me to travel now that I have started dialysis?
Answer:
Not only is travel possible, it is very much encouraged, especially if this is an activity you previously enjoyed or one you had looked forward to. It will take a bit more planning, but with enough advance notice and the assistance of your treatment team you can travel worldwide. Most units will also make every effort to accommodate emergency travel.
Within the United States and its’ territories transient dialysis is covered by your Medicare or commercial insurance carrier. Prior to your trip, insurance will be verified and you will be informed of any financial obligation you may have. This also includes foreign travel, which is not covered by Medicare but in some instances reimbursed by a commercial carrier.
If you are thinking of travel, be sure to speak with your social worker as soon as you can, especially prior to typically busy vacation seasons. Whether you are flying, driving or cruising to your destination, there is no reason that you cannot enjoy a wonderful & memorable vacation.
The Importance of Dietary Considerations during the Holidays for Dialysis Patients.
Question:
I want to enjoy the holidays with my family and friends, but I am worried about what I can eat on my renal diet. Who can I talk to if I have questions?
Answer:
Everyone deserves to enjoy the holiday meals that are prepared with love. Write down your favorite dishes that you enjoy and review the list with the renal dietician. The dietician will recommend portions that will meet your dietary allowances. The dietician can also make suggestions for substitutions in recipes.
Avoid frequent dining at restaurants and prepackaged foods. These food items may contain large amount of salt, which can affect fluid retention.
Usually most items can still be enjoyed, within moderation.
The Importance of Preparing for an Emergency
Question:
Why is it necessary to prepare for an emergency – won’t the clinic take care of me?
Answer:
As evident from the recent East Coast hurricane, it is important to be prepared for any type of emergency. During natural disasters and severe weather conditions being completely reliant on power and water for dialysis treatments put you at risk. With no access to power, water or telephones, it is difficult to communicate with your dialysis facility for treatment and medications. Every dialysis patient should take the following steps to prepare themselves:
- Ask your dialysis staff to show you your unit’s Emergency Preparedness Plan.
- Ensure your dialysis facility has up to date personal contact information, as well as, relatives or friends you may stay with in the event of an evacuation.
- Keep a copy of your medical history, dialysis orders and medication list in your wallet at all times.
- Review the “disaster” diet with your facility dietitian regarding food and fluid restrictions.
- Make sure you always have a one week supply of medications.
- Be familiar how to care for your vascular access such as a fistula or graft.
- If you need to go to a shelter, make sure they know your special needs as a dialysis patient.
- Make an emergency supply kit and store it in a backpack to easily grab on the way out:
a. Flashlight, batteries and cell phone
b. Personal Items
c. Manual can opener
d. First Aid Kit
e. Enough bottled water to last 48 hours
f. Small portable radio
g. Candles/matches
h. Disaster diet and appropriate canned or packaged foods
i. Change of clothing - If at any time you feel short of breath or ill, ask for transport to the nearest functioning hospital for emergency dialysis.
- Your dialysis clinic will contact you when they can reopen and will assist you in securing treatment in another facility or hospital if needed.
Remember for the dialysis community, emergencies and disasters can be the difference between life and death. You are at risk for experiencing many types of emergency situations regardless of where you live and being prepared is essential for your health and well being.
The Importance of Understanding what In-center Nocturnal Dialysis is.
Question:
Is in-center nocturnal dialysis right for me?
Answer:
In-center nocturnal dialysis is a modality that provides a better quality of life for those whose Nephrologist recommends this form of treatment. These dialysis patients whom go to dialysis treatment at night have their days free to work, go to school, care for their family or enjoy daytime activities. If your Nephrologist agrees and your life style fits; in-center nocturnal dialysis might be the treatment of choice for you.
Nocturnal Dialysis provides 6-8 hours of a slower and gentler treatment. This slower treatment cleans the blood more thoroughly and people do not experience the same washed out feeling they experience when they take traditional dialysis. Frequently these patients have more energy, have a better appetite and require fewer medications. During in-center nocturnal dialysis the patient is “put to bed” for dialysis and their treatment is monitored by professional care givers.
If this sounds like the modality for treatment that would work for you, contact your Nephrologist and let him know your desires. If he feels this would be a good choice for you then make a move to in-center nocturnal dialysis and have your days free.
The Importance of Understanding Treatment Options.
Question:
I recently visited my doctor who told me I will have to go on dialysis soon. Are there various types of dialysis, or only one? What are my options?
Answer:
All patients have the right to be educated and understand the various treatment options. Prior to going on dialysis, all patients should be educated in the various treatment options that can be performed at home or in a dialysis center. One size does not fit all and patients DO have options.
Dialysis can be done at home or in a center, whichever fits your lifestyle best. Your physician should educate you on Peritoneal Dialysis, In-Center Hemodialysis, Home Hemodialysis, Transplantation and the option of no dialysis.
For more information, visit these websites:
http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/choosingtreatment/
http://www.kidneyoptions.com/therapyoptions.html
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