Life On Dialysis
Thriving on dialysis means looking after your emotional wellbeing and your physical health to enjoy the lifestyle you love.
Staying true to your passions and health goals—and getting the support you need—can help you have your best experience living with dialysis.
Staying true to your passions and health goals—and getting the support you need—can help you have your best experience living with dialysis.
Focusing on emotions
Learning to balance life with treatment means taking good care of your emotional health.
Staying active & engaged
There are big benefits to being active and keeping up with activities you love.
Managing overall health
Staying your healthiest can help you feel your best and make dialysis more effective.
3 ways to get the most out of dialysis treatment
Taking an active role in your care can help you feel more in control and stay your healthiest, which can help you keep leading a full, satisfying life.
- Stay involved in your Care Plan
Your Care Plan is the blueprint for your kidney disease treatment. Your doctors and your care team will review your personalized Care Plan with you regularly to check in and make sure you're on track with treatment. This is a great opportunity to speak up and stay engaged. - Advocate for yourself
You are the most important person on your care team—and the most qualified to talk about how you're feeling. Reach out to your care team if you have questions, if you aren't feeling well, or you have an issue and don't know how to solve it. We are always here to support you. - Complete every minute of your treatment
Whether you're still getting used to dialysis or you feel like an old pro, every minute of your prescribed dialysis treatment counts. Your treatment schedule is personalized to your body's exact needs. Completing each dialysis session as prescribed is important to your health.
Pursuing passions while on home hemodialysis
Natalie loves to craft. See how she works dialysis in with her hobbies and busy lifestyle.
Building a support network
A strong support network is essential to thriving on dialysis. Take some time to talk about living with dialysis and kidney disease with your family and friends—and keep them updated on how you’re doing. Your loved ones will want to hear about how you’re feeling and learn how they can help support you as a care partner. Remember, keeping up with your social connections is important to your well-being!
TALK TO A HOME DIALYSIS EXPERT
Home dialysis is one of the best dialysis treatments for ESRD. Find out if it’s the right treatment option for you.
JOIN OUR THRIVING ONLINE CKD COMMUNITY
Find encouragement in our online forum. Come connect, ask questions, and share experiences about living with kidney disease.
Your social worker is here for you
Your social worker is an important member of your care team who can work closely with you, your family, and any care partners to help guide your care journey. After all, you’re more than just your kidneys—you are a whole person, living with dialysis and facing a new challenge.
Your social worker can support you in:
Your social worker can support you in:
- Adjusting to living with dialysis
- Taking control of your health
- Feeling like you're not alone
- Managing stress
- Connecting with family and friends
- Getting comfortable with treatment
TRAVELING AND NEED DIALYSIS?
If you need to go on a trip, plan ahead to keep up with your treatment while you’re away from home. We’re here to help.
Healthy approaches to living well on dialysis
From forming everyday habits to making longer-term decisions, taking steps to stay your healthiest—inside and out—can help you thrive.
- Keep your routine
There are a number of advantages to continuing to work and pursuing hobbies while on dialysis. Staying busy with the things you like to do can help you maintain a sense of normalcy. - Eat well with kidney disease
Part of staying healthy on dialysis involves eating a kidney-friendly diet that supports your health and well-being. Your dietitian can help you find kidney-friendly foods you enjoy—that help you feel your best. - Consider your treatment options
Choosing the dialysis method that works best with your unique lifestyle is important. The easier it is to fit dialysis into your life, the easier it is to keep up with treatment. Most people can choose any dialysis option—including peritoneal dialysis, home hemodialysis, or in-center hemodialysis—and many people switch dialysis methods at some point during treatment. Talk to your doctor if you feel like your needs are changing. - Monitor your health online
Stay up-to-date on your latest lab results, order home dialysis supplies, or connect with your care team using our on line PatientHub. You can access your health information anytime using a computer, tablet, or smartphone. Register for PatientHub here.
Considering a transplant
If you haven’t talked to your doctor about a kidney transplant, ask if you’re a good candidate. A kidney transplant is closest to natural kidney function and considered the most effective treatment for kidney failure. Your eligibility depends on your overall health, a good kidney donor match, and the right timing.
“She just called me one day and said ‘Dad, I’m a match.’”
—Ron, received transplant in 2018
FIND YOUR NEW FAVORITE RECIPE
Kidney-friendly cooking just got tastier! Get big-and-bold flavorful recipes for breakfasts, lunches, dinners, snacks and desserts on a kidney diet.
JOIN THE MY REASON® RESEARCH PROGRAM
Help researchers better understand the causes and potential treatments for kidney disease and associated conditions.