Working While on Dialysis
With the procedure of dialysis becoming more advanced over time and people beginning the process earlier in life, a number of people have been able to maintain stable work lives while on dialysis. Maintaining a career is crucial to attaining some level of normalcy, which in turn has a positive effect on your medical condition as well.
Going back to work can help take your mind off of all your medical problems because obsessing over your illness will only make you feel worse. The income is also an added advantage as it will help you meet your medical expenses, which contributes towards boosting your self-worth. It will reduce the feeling of being helpless and dependent on others, a feeling that plagues many patients.
Certain factors must be considered carefully before you make the decision to resume work post-dialysis. You must make sure that your work and dialysis schedule are well coordinated, and one does not affect the other. Patients on peritoneal dialysis will have to ensure that their work environment has a safe and hygienic place for them to have a few dialysis sessions, if necessary.
Another important component of having a professional life while on dialysis is discussing your condition with employers and colleagues. You must make it clear that there will be times when you will be able not to make it to work, which is completely normal as all employees take sick leaves, but yours will be more frequent, and that needs to be understood by your employer. However, with a proper plan and the support of your team, you can make it work, without compromising on your daily tasks.
There are several ways in which you can maintain a career while on dialysis. You can also consider part-time work or the work from home option for your convenience. It is important to put your health first. However, that doesn’t mean you forgo your career. All you need to do is find the right balance between your health and your work. You can also try nocturnal Dialysis.
Nocturnal dialysis is performed at night, either at home or the center when the patient is asleep. This can be done with the help of a family member or a trained staff. But, the main advantage here is that the patients can also perform this themselves. It is best suited for working professionals suffering from a chronic kidney disorder.
What are the precautions one must take after dialysis?
- Your specialist might prescribe medicines, which must be taken as directed and on time. These medicines are mainly vitamins to enhance your health.
- Follow a proper diet. Your doctor can help you with a correct diet chart with all the necessary food changes.
- Ask about the amounts of fluids you can consume. And remember, ice cubes or ice chips are also fluids.
- Don’t smoke. It can worsen your condition. If you need help quitting, talk to your doctor today.
- Don’t take medications without your doctor’s permission.
- Check your fistula or graft after 6-7 hours post-dialysis. You can then remove the bandage. You must clean the area every day with mild soap and water. Also, always check if you are bleeding. If you feel a burning sensation, it is an indication that it is working, so don’t panic. If you ever notice redness, bleeding, or swelling, talk to your doctor immediately.