Scriptmed Inc.

Scriptmed Inc Cares for Dialysis patients

Caring for someone on dialysis can be overwhelming at first. The most challenging part of dialysis is adjusting to a new routine. Dialysis treatments can be lengthy, lasting three to four hours, so time needs to be blocked out during the day for the treatments. Additionally, even though the patient spends the dialysis treatment sitting down, they may feel worn out afterward and not want to do anything else that day.

It is not all bad news though! Dialysis patients can still travel. Dialysis is standard, and treatment centers can be found all over the United States and the world. Often your current treatment center can help you schedule appointments at other locations. And while a dialysis patient may not be able to play contact sports or do any heavy lifting, they can still lead an active lifestyle. Studies have shown that dialysis patients do better when they maintain an active lifestyle and stay engaged in work and hobbies.

• Receiving Treatment for Kidney Failure
• Returning to Work and Other Activities
• Dealing With Emotions
• When Young Adults have Kidney Disease

Scriptmed Inc Insights

With medical advances, the treatments and medicines available today help many ESRD patients to feel stronger and have more energy. There may be some fatigue at the beginning while patients are getting used to dialysis treatments. However, this should decrease in time. Studies have shown that most ESRD patients have good attendance records. So employers should rest assured that having an employee who has ESRD does not necessarily mean that the individual will be missing a lot of days. Many people with ESRD are conscientious and valued employees who make a contribution to their place of business.

Patients who choose dialysis may need a temporary reduction of hours to help them ease into their new routine. Those who choose in-center hemodialysis need to go for treatments about three times a week for three to four hours. Many dialysis centers have flexible schedules to accommodate working people, and the employee with ESRD may be able to arrange dialysis treatments in the evenings. If this is not possible, the employee may need to arrange "flex-time" a few days a week, perhaps coming in earlier to make up for leaving early for treatments. Patients who choose home hemodialysis can do their treatments at their convenience so they will not interfere with their work schedule.

Scriptmed Inc Health Tips

Renal dietitians encourage most people on Hemodialysis to eat high-quality protein because it produces less waste for removal during dialysis. High-quality protein comes from meat, poultry, fish, and eggs. Avoid processed meats such as hot dogs and canned chili, which have high amounts of sodium and phosphorus.

To control potassium levels, limit potassium-rich foods such as avocados, bananas, kiwis, and dried fruit. Choose fruits and vegetables that are lower in potassium. Have very small portions of foods that are higher in potassium, such as one or two cherry tomatoes on a salad or a few raisins in your oatmeal.

• Removing waste, salt, and extra water to prevent them from building up in the body
• Keeping a safe level of certain chemicals in your blood, such as potassium, sodium, and bicarbonate
• Helping to control blood pressure