Activity level on dialysis...?

[Matt58044]

I have a good 6 month old fistula.  With it, I have been golfing, swimming, exercising, even lifting some lighter weights. 

I may start dialysis as soon as this week.  I want to be able to keep golfing, swimming, exercising, and lifting those light weights.  I also have plans to go to a water park and an amusement park at some point this summer.

Is there any reason to think I won't be able to continue to do those things once I'm on dialysis?  (Given, of course, that my energy level allows)

I've always thought of dialysis as a more intense IV treatment in that you go in, get needles in, wait, get needles out, and go home.  Other than bandages for a bit after dialysis, is there anything that limits you physically?

Thanks in advance.

[RichardMEL]

G'day Matt!

Look there's no reason to think you can't keep doing the things you want to do (they maybe iffy on the weights hough... at least with your fistula arm).

About the water park no issue there unless you have a chest catheter put in for some reason(fistula not working or similar) but that seems unlikely. I've been swimming with my fistula and it is not an issue.

Dialysis affects people differently. Some days I find it quite draining and need to sleep after, but the day after I am normally fine. Others are affected differently - so you may find as you adjust to it that your energy levels chop and change.

I think the key is not to push anything. If you feel OK to do whatever it is you want to do then go for it.. but if you don't you need to accept your limitations and not push things just so you can say you went to the gym or went golfing or whatever.

But I think you should be able to keep up with everything - if you can do it now this close to dialysis there's no reason to see why you can't keep it up once you start. Well that's my view anyway.

[Des]

Matt,

If you can do all those things before dialysis.... JUST IMAGINE WHAT YOU CAN DO AFTER DIALYSIS. I was too tired to do anything before dialysis but once it started my energy levels returned.

[MooseMom]

The whole point of dialysis is to allow you to do these things.  I think anyone will tell you that the more active you are, the healthier you body AND your mind will be.

[RichardMEL]

The whole point of dialysis is to allow you to do these things.  I think anyone will tell you that the more active you are, the healthier you body AND your mind will be.

good point MM! Not only is it exercise which is obviously good for your heart and body, but also the emotional benefits can't be dismissed of doing positive things like exercising, getting out there and playing games and doing stuff you LIKE... that definitely is a good thing.

[Zach]

Go for it!
 

[del]

The doctor once told hubby that if dialysis was working as it should be he should be able to do whatever he wanted to do. He has used a chain saw to cut firewood, shoveled dirt,build a shed, build a boat and done all of the other things he did before he started dialysis!! 
Go for it!!

[lola]

I think it all depends on how you feel, my husband still rides dirtbikes.

[Matt58044]

Thanks for the responses guys.

I guess I wasn't quite clear on what I meant, so let me try and re-word it.

With the fistula being in active use, does it limit what I can do with my arm anymore? I understand my energy and the like should improve.

You guys are so encouraging, though. 

[MooseMom]

Oh, that I don't know about seeing as my fistula isn't in active use, either.  I can't see how swimming would hurt it.  Don't know about golf.  I've never heard of any restrictions except regarding bp readings and blood draws; for those things, use of the fistula arm are taboo.  Maybe it depends upon where it is?  I'm eager to hear more informed responses to this question.  Sorry for the confusion!

[RightSide]

I have a good 6 month old fistula.  With it, I have been golfing, swimming, exercising, even lifting some lighter weights. 

I may start dialysis as soon as this week.  I want to be able to keep golfing, swimming, exercising, and lifting those light weights.  I also have plans to go to a water park and an amusement park at some point this summer.

Is there any reason to think I won't be able to continue to do those things once I'm on dialysis?  (Given, of course, that my energy level allows)

I've always thought of dialysis as a more intense IV treatment in that you go in, get needles in, wait, get needles out, and go home.  Other than bandages for a bit after dialysis, is there anything that limits you physically?

Thanks in advance.

Some patients (not I) have trouble tolerating dialysis--they report being dizzy or fatigued after each treatment.  If so, then you may have to take things easier.

Also, I was told never to lift anything heavier than 10 pounds with the arm in which my AV fistula access was placed.  That means no weight lifting on that arm.

Other than that, you should be able to do pretty much whatever you want to do.

[RichardMEL]

With the fistula being in active use, does it limit what I can do with my arm anymore? I understand my energy and the like should improve.

The only real limits I think you need to be concerned about are anything that involves weight on your fistula arm - as that's a no-no. I know you mention you lift light weights - I think you definitely need to talk to your team about that one. I mean my unit actually says to avoid heavy clothing on the fistula arm (!) which I think is a little ultra conservative. In terms of doing things like riding a bike or swimming and stuff like that using your arm I see no limit there.

Still it would be a good idea to discuss the sorts of activities you're planning to do and any concerns with your team.

[natnnnat]

My fellah used to play a lot of golf on dialysis and had no trouble with his fistula which is/was located in the forearm of his left hand.  He was a left handed player.  Hope this helps?   He played enough golf to win some amateur competitions.

[wrenchturningredneck10]

I have found my only restriction on my activity level is my energy level!  I've only been doing it just over a year now, so  I can't speak as well about the long-term aspect, but so far I've been keeping up with everything I want to do!
I'm also in college right now, graduating this fall.....so far I've kept up a full-time courseload.

[alohacandy]

2 of our incenter HD patients golf regularly together and asked me to help them start a golf league for patients, family, staff to play one Sunday a month.  On the first day, I had one staff member, one transplant patient, and 6 HD patients signed up so we got off to a good start with interest.  I have others asking about a bowling league which I would think they would need to bowl with their non access arm (told them to check with their surgeon).  Exercise at any level is good for your overall quality of life.  You will feel better emotionally, have more energy, sleep better....just don't overdo it and build up gradually....but most of all....GO FOR IT!   

[del]

You just have to be careful of the weight you lift with your fistula arm. be really careful not to lift anything where the weight lies right on the fistula - like sitting a child on your arm or carrying a heavy bag on that arm.  Don't let anything restrict the flow of blood in the fistula.  Hubby was told not to wear his watch on the fistula arm and to try not to sleep on it.  Hubby has wheeled wheel barrows full of cement lots of times since starting dialysis and has used a chain saw to cut wood!!  Just be careful not to restrict the blood flow or to cut that arm!!

[Zach]

My first Nephologist told me to "take up chess."  I went for a second opinion, and the nephrologist said anything I did before dialysis, I could do after I started dialysis.

You should read some of these IHD threads:

Top 7 Fitness Exercise Tips for Kidney Patients
http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=18814.msg322235#msg322235

Want to join me in exercise?
http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=3027.msg326334#msg326334

EXERCISE
http://ihatedialysis.com/forum/index.php?topic=415.msg326693#msg326693

I, for one, lift weights 3 x week for about 90 minutes each session.