Kidney dialysis involves removing the blood, cleaning it and removing waste, then returning the blood to the body. It is a relatively safe procedure. The side effects pose a danger to physical and emotional health. Most patients have dialysis three times a week for up to five hours each session.
Sleep
Patients on kidney dialysis often experience trouble sleeping. They may develop insomnia or sleep apnea, which can lead to headaches and a lack of alertness.
Nutrition
Some patients may become malnourished because dialysis can cause a full feeling, making eating uncomfortable. It's essential for people to follow a renal diet so they get the minerals and proteins needed.
Psychological
Dialysis can lead to dangerous depression because it can be very difficult to accept the inability to do what you once did. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, you may need to see a counselor or therapist to help you cope with your feelings.
Hernia
The insertion of a catheter can weaken abdominal muscles. The pressure caused by the dialysis solution in the peritoneum can cause additional stress on the weak muscles, resulting in a hernia. Surgery is the only way to treat it.
Infection
According to the American Association of Kidney Patients, dialysis patients are at an increased risk of infections. Bacterial infections, yeast infections and viral infections, such as the flu or shingles, are common.
Muscles
Patients may experience muscle cramps in their legs during dialysis because fluid is being removed too fast or at too great a volume. The cramps can be uncomfortable or painful.
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