Dialysis and the Gym

[Teepo18]

Hey everyone,

Just wondering if anyone here goes to to the gym while on dialysis. I really wanna start as it will take my mind of things and help get me fit BUT i have a perma-cath in my chest and have no plans on having a fistula for my own reasons (:S) so im just worried i might do something to it. Will ask the nurses tomorrow when i have dialysis but would be nice to know that others still go to the gym while on dialysis.

Thanks ^^

[MooseMom]

That's a VERY interesting question, but I don't have the answer.  When you ask the nurses, let us know what they say, OK?  I'd imagine they'd be happy that you want to keep as fit as possible.  They'll probably warble on about cath infection, cleanliness, sanitation, etc.

[Zach]

Here are some IHD threads about exercising:

http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=415.msg334720#msg334720

http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=3027.msg337229#msg337229

[Teepo18]

Thanks guys, ill let you know what they say. Gonna have to set off in about 50mins for dialysis good job its only like 5mins walk away from me .

[RightSide]

Given how important it is to keep the catheter site free of infection,

I would be concerned about showering in a gym's public shower facilities.  Showering is hard enough with a catheter as it is; you don't want to pick up someone else's nasty bugs too.

Maybe you could hurry home right after finishing your exercises at the gym, and wash up at home.

[hexoffender]

I go to the gym 4-5 times a week. I also go hiking and Mtn. biking. Last weekend I took my boys backpacking and we did about 14 miles in 2 days ( we go very slow the youngest is 10, and short). However I have a fistula that has fully matured over 6 years and gives me no problems whatsoever. Why risk infection with every treatment, not to mention getting the perm-cath replaced, which it will need. It will only take one case of sepsis from a perm-cath before you will see he efficiency and safety that only comes with a fistula. I second RightSide, I wouldnt go anywhere near the locker-rooms.   

[Trikkechickk]

I worked out in the gym after my catheter was put in.  I did put small baggies over the "tubes" and taped them to my chest - loosely to allow for my movements.    Then I re-cleaned everything when I got home.

By the time I had my catheter removed - I had built up so much scar tissue around it - it wasn't going anywhere.
Had to have it removed w/lidcaine and lots of cutting the scar tissue.

[carson]

I was in the gym every day until I broke my back in July. Can't wait to get back! I shower at home too, not so much because of the germs in the gym showers but because I don't want anyone to see my line.