I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Dialysis Discussion => Dialysis: F.A.Q. (Frequently Asked Questions) => Topic started by: TynyWonder on November 11, 2008, 11:12:16 PM
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I know this may sound awful but I don't like to read paragraphs after paragraphs of stuff and I did do a search for very the above topic and did not really find what I was looking for that is why I am hoping someone can send me a LIST of side effects of being on dialysis. For instance, I have read about skin peeling, insomnia, can't think straight, things like that but I would like to see ALL of them in a list rather than in several paragraphs. Oh, one more thing, the reason I am wanting this is, to show my family because I think they would come closer to reading a LIST versus a long, lengthy thing of 3 or so paragraphs! Thanks in advance! :bandance;
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Gee don't think you can have a catch-all list because everyone's situation and complications can be different. I mean some people have no side effects and others suffer a lot - and of course "side effects" could be caused by related conditions to the kidney failure/dialysis condition.
However here are some that I can think of that might fall under the category:
- itching
- cramp/BP crash
- skin peeling
- feeling the cold
I'm sure others can add to this list.
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- fatigue
- dizziness
- low blood pressure
- nausea
- double vision
- cramps, cramps, and more cramps
- loss of time (not a physical effect, but a huge downside)
These can be caused by the kidney disease and/or the dialysis. The line between the two become blurry. Also, I agree with Richard, you almost have to give the disclaimer that 'it affects everyone differently, but here are some common side effects'....
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A huge side effect is being LAZY and not wanting to read, do research or learn anything.
:waving;
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I'd add headache, possible malnutrition, and there other long term effects on the body....muscle wasting, loss of bone density, infection leading to sepsis, heart problems.
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And... death.
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your weight go up then down.
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Some foods taste different.
Sex drive may reduce.
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You don't pee.
8)
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people are always sticking BIG needles in you
the diet is so hard
you can't drink very much, so your always thirsty
starfuit can kill you
loss of memory
its frightening to be sick
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- higher risk of serious infection
- scarring from surgeries
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Paperwork to sign that says dialysis can kill you
Insurance worries
prescription worries
Lots of meds
blood pressure problems
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Baldness oh wait that was another topic ;D ...Boxman
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I skimmed - didn't see these -
anemia
bone pain
calcification - calcium deposits in joints and under the skin
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A huge side effect is being LAZY and not wanting to read, do research or learn anything.
:waving;
aaaawww how nice of you to say such things :clap;
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Thanks to everyone who has posted their side effects on this topic for me. I did think last night AFTER I posted this that I should have put kidney failure AND dialysis because I do understand that they pretty much go hand in hand. Thanks again!
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Here is the list compiles to include everyone's input.
itching
cramp/BP crash
skin peeling
-feeling the cold
headache
possible malnutrition
there other long term effects on the body:
muscle wasting,
loss of bone density
infection leading to sepsis
heart problems
death
your weight go up then down
Some foods taste different
Sex drive may reduce
You don't pee
people are always sticking BIG needles in you
the diet is so hard
you can't drink very much, so your always thirsty
starfuit can kill you
loss of memory
its frightening to be sick
higher risk of serious infection
scarring from surgeries
Paperwork to sign that says dialysis can kill you
Insurance worries
prescription worries
Lots of meds
blood pressure problems
Baldness
anemia
bone pain
calcification - calcium deposits in joints and under the skin
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KitKatz!!!! Thank you sooooo much! I just forwarded this list to my Aunt & Uncle, thank you so much for taking the time out to compile this list! Thanks again!!! :bow; :bow; :bow;
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Yikes - that's quite a list when you see it all together like that!
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Depression needs to be added.
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what do you mean added, I already am depressed reading this. :P Boxman
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what do you mean added, I already am depressed reading this. :P Boxman
me too :cuddle; :waving;
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mood swings
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mood swings
Who says I have mood swings? :Kit n Stik; lol :bow;
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I sent the list to some people who are important to me and I am hearing ohhh...now I know...guesss they thought I was just being whiny.... :Kit n Stik;
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Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?
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Other than that Mrs. Lincoln, how did you like the play?
It was dreadful.
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how about being PI$$SED OFF! LOL
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Yeah, I hear all of yall about the depression AND being pissed off!!!! I am sooooo that today!!!
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What's wrong tyny???
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Tyny---that was me Friday. I was mad and depressed and didn't know why. Had to call the neph's nurse for another reason, left her a message. She called an hour later and said I sounded a little tense! She told me to come on over and just "talk" for a minute!! The office is 5 minutes away, so I went over and basically just visited with her for 45 minutes. Other office staff popped in her office to say hi and chat. I felt so much better when I left-----just like I do when I can unload here. Sometimes we are just mad and there is no clear reason (other than the elephant in the room). Hope today is better for you. :cuddle;
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Thanks Paris! G-ma, I guess I was mad the other day because I was being "stuck" for the first time. My graft was going to be used for the first time and I was just angry, nervous and scared all in one, but............I used that lidocaine cream and for me, that stuff really does work! I am so glad it does work for me because I had heard from a couple of other people that it did not work. The only thing is, I guess since the numbing has worn off, it hurts worse when the needles are coming out but oh well, such is life I guess but the other day before they stuck me, they took my BP and it was 201/97............I was still soooooo nervous!!! However, a little while after they got the needles in and I sat back and started talking with others, it went down, THANK GOD! Thanks again Paris & G-ma for your concern! :cuddle;
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Oh tyny...hopefully now that you know what to expect from the needles your bp won't be so high, that is not good. You might try a deep breath when they pull the needles. I wish they would let me pull my own but the techs here are very good with sticking and pulling and I've had no trouble, very little pain or pinch when sticking and nothing when pulling. Good luck.
Ann
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The Official List of Stacy Side Effects:
1) Fighting pain every treatment has left me unable to feel anything anymore.
2) Women find me extra repulsive.
3) All my boxers & socks are stretched out because of the fluid boomerang.
4) My entire essence is darker.
5) Career has ground to a halt because treatment saps ambition.
6) Turning into the youngest curmudgeon in the history of mankind.
7) Endure panic attacks around continual loud noises because patients are rude with their TV's.
8) Eyes look hollow and lifeless.
9) Blackout at the most inopportune moments.
10) Have created enough vomit in my lifetime to fill the Superdome.
These are just my experiences over the last four and a half years. Your side effects may vary.
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Stacy...me thinks you are not looking in the right place for women......my best friend in my 30's was 4 years younger than me, a CPA, had lost both legs due to diabetes, was slowly going blind, had 3 failed transplants, scars worse than any I've ever seen and a sense of humor that was beyond belief..he had more women after him, and these were also professional women...he actually married one a few months before he passed away and I thank God for allowing me to know him. My husband and I and others had him with us as much as possible. God bless Ken.
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Well, a side effect for me is having seizures! I had another last night :thumbdown;
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Well, a side effect for me is having seizures! I had another last night :thumbdown;
aaaawww Karen, I am so sorry to hear that! :cuddle; I have those too but I have had them off and on since I was about 5. (as far as I can remember) I did not realize or think it could possibly be related to the failing kidneys????? hhhhmmmm
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Thanks! Well as far as I know it is due to dialysis, it has only ever happened on the machine at treatment! I have seen a neurologist, and hes ruled out epilepsy, plus, all of my blood and urine tests came back negative last night, plus i had a ct scan last night too which is negative :bow;
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Wow! How long do they tell you that your seizures last? Do you feel one coming on?
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No not usually :'(. I woke up last night with pee all over me and was really confused as to why everyone was crowding around me and asking me questions. I wish they would stop already :Kit n Stik;
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Aww, karen, that sucks! :grouphug;
Can I at least say I'm jealous that you still pee? (I know, I know, warped sense of humor in overdrive. . .)
Hey, Stac - the women here think you're adorable! Are any of us here "neckish" enough?
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No not usually :'(. I woke up last night with pee all over me and was really confused as to why everyone was crowding around me and asking me questions. I wish they would stop already :Kit n Stik;
Yeah, the loss of your bowels AND the embarrassment is absolutely horrible!!!! I know how it feels Karen & I am so sorry! :cuddle;
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Is it normal for this (dialysis) to dry your skin out? After two week, I'm starting to look like a fish with all the scales.
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Yes, being on hemo will strip you dry. I need to slather on moisturizer when I get home. My hands are always the worst. My fingers seem to hold more fluid than any other part of my body, and when I get done with dialysis, my hands are all wrinkly. Until my skin recovers it shape, it looks like I'm wearing gloves two sizes to big. All that stretching and shrinking makes my skin dry out and peel like crazy. Get a good loofah to scrub off the flaky stuff in the shower, and find a thick moisturizer that you like.
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Glitter for side effects you said that Star Fruit can kill you??? Is this for real? I dont eat it very often but I do like and would like more information
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:puke;
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Some how when I added the sweet art work my message disappeared. I just saw this topic on the San Diego Channel 10 news, yes, Star Fruit has a neurotoxin that can make Kidney Disease patients very very sick.
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One person died from eating just one star fruit.
Some people who had poor kidney function but were not yet on dialysis had problems.
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My daughter had three episodes of seizures in 2006. At the time Dr. thought it may be caused the the increased Epogen she was receiving. Never did get find out the reason though .... but we got that alot with Sarah's disease. Medication finally kept them under control.
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And Neropathy...and not just for those that are diabetic.
I also appreciate the list. Thanks.
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One of the side effects comes from the medical establishment. They give pill after pill, prescription after prescription treating symptoms and never really looking for the cause of the problems.
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I have a question about side effects please.
Years and years and years ago I suffered from gout (i think acid goes to the lower extremities (toes in my case) and crystallizes. Last three of fours nights I've been having that very same feeling (yes, it was bad enough to remember all these years). Its not nearly as severe but it isn't pleasant and last night Tylenol let me go to sleep. Not night yet, but it is back. What from dialysis could cause that or is it totally unrelated? I'll see my neph on Friday, but wondering if I should call (or ask a nurse tomorrow)...
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I don't know about dialysis causes, but reduced renal function sure will cause it! OUCHIES! I feel for you!
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Ok, I better talk to the doctor. There was medication I had years ago that worked. Thanks
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Amylodosis.
PTSD- covers a lot of the mood swings, depression, anxiety et al.
also, a lot of these side effects can be ameliorated by daily dialysis and or extended dialysis.
Kidney disease causes a lot fo this, and it is a lack of sufficient dialysis that creates the problems.
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Loss of sleep.
Whether it's the restless legs, the cycler making noises (on PD), or just plain insomnia.
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works the oppositve on me (sleep). now I hear nothing and sleep all night (except occassional visits to the bathroom for which I'm greatful). sometimes I sleep too much though.
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I don't have any of these side effects. I'm really lucky.
Only one I'd say is tiredness - but that's for other reasons too - not just the dialysis I mean.
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One of the important side effects should be added: lack of concentration. This is a big problem with professional workers.
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well i need to know if anyone has any suggestions on what to do for dry skin on the face..I need a good face cream .I have several sores from dry skin and i need to heal them already.... :banghead; :pray;
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lol. sorry i had to laugh at that.
Lisa
A huge side effect is being LAZY and not wanting to read, do research or learn anything.
:waving;
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gout is a common side effect of kidney disease, but is usually well controlled with alopurinol(sp?). I had one attack in 2000 (6 years before I started dialysis) and it was horrible.. but I've been on the meds ever since and not even a twinge (thank god!).
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Did anybody mention that your butt gets sore and tired from sitting? HEHE
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yeah those bloody chairs wreak havoc with one's backside that's for sure... but that's not really a side effect of kidney falure, but a result of chair sitting while doing dialysis.... I use a big pillow and it helps a lot.
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ROFL rerun you are so funny! :rofl;
A huge side effect is being LAZY and not wanting to read, do research or learn anything.
:waving;
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yeah those bloody chairs wreak havoc with one's backside that's for sure... but that's not really a side effect of kidney falure, but a result of chair sitting while doing dialysis.... I use a big pillow and it helps a lot.
Seriously, I can't even walk because my butt hurts so bad when I get out of that chair! I'm always squirming around and asking the nurses to push my chair against the wall so I can cross my legs indian style without it falling all the way back. I asked them if I could sit up instead of being reclined even partway but they said something about my blood pressure might drop (which has never happened), but anyway I just can't get comfortable.
Earlier in this thread people were talking about seizures...I had 2 this year without explanation. I was on AEDs for a while but quit taking them because it really doesn't seem like epilepsy. So its reassuring to hear others on here have struggled with this. No seizures since starting dialysis though :2thumbsup; Thank God, because they are pretty scary.
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Not all effects are permenant. I am less tired now that I am at my dry weight. They take off less fluid so I fell better. Also taking a protein drink before dialysis make me feel better. Scarres from surgery can be eiliminated by using MSM lotion on the skin. My fistula scarres are completely gone. All scarres can be treated.
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I have severe sorebuttitius. The only other side effect that last more than a couple of minutes is Acute Boredom. That will go away as one tends to start finding amusement in the most mundane of situations. Still haven't found anything to help with the sorbuttitus.
One poster a while back suggested altering positions as in sit for an hour, legs up an hour and then lean back...maybe helped a little.
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acid reflux
diarrhoea
constipation
periotinitis
hormone imbalance
shortness of breath
loss of income
off the top of my dialysis mind
girl
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I have severe sorebuttitius.
Me too!
:rofl; :rofl; :rofl; :rofl;
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Did anyone list acne? I think it's from the toxins sweating out thru the skin, since mine cleared up with the transplant.
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Dialysis Side Effects
Compiled by actual dialysis patients and caregivers at IHD.com
sores from dry skin
lack of concentration
tiredness
sometimes I sleep too much
Amylodosis.
PTSD- covers a lot of the mood swings, depression, anxiety et al.
One of the side effects comes from the medical establishment. They give pill after pill, prescription after prescription treating symptoms and never really looking for the cause of the problems.
And Neuropathy...and not just for those that are diabetic.
having seizures
Sometimes we are just mad and there is no clear reason (other than the elephant in the room).
being PI$$SED OFF
mood swings
itching
cramp/BP crash
skin peeling
-feeling the cold
headache
possible malnutrition
there other long term effects on the body:
muscle wasting,
loss of bone density
infection leading to sepsis
heart problems
death
your weight go up then down
Some foods taste different
Sex drive may reduce
You don't pee
people are always sticking BIG needles in you
the diet is so hard
you can't drink very much, so your always thirsty
starfuit can kill you
loss of memory
its frightening to be sick
higher risk of serious infection
scarring from surgeries
Paperwork to sign that says dialysis can kill you
Insurance worries
prescription worries
Lots of meds
blood pressure problems
Baldness
anemia
bone pain
calcification - calcium deposits in joints and under the skin
gout is a common side effect of kidney disease
your butt gets sore and tired from sitting
acid reflux
diarrhoea
constipation
periotinitis
hormone imbalance
shortness of breath
loss of income
acne
Fighting pain every treatment has left me unable to feel anything anymore.
Women find me extra repulsive.
All my boxers & socks are stretched out because of the fluid boomerang.
My entire essence is darker.
Career has ground to a halt because treatment saps ambition.
Turning into the youngest curmudgeon in the history of mankind.
Endure panic attacks around continual loud noises because patients are rude with their TV's.
Eyes look hollow and lifeless.
Blackout at the most inopportune moments.
Have created enough vomit in my lifetime to fill the Superdome.
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amylodosis... Is that when u stop having periods? If not thats and irregular menstration
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Amyloidosis - sorry folks this is what it is in relation to dialysis - Regards Denise
Dialysis-Related Amyloidosis
Normal kidneys filter and remove excess small proteins from the blood, thus keeping blood levels normal. When the kidneys don't work properly, as in patients receiving dialysis, one type of small protein calle beta-2-microglobulin builds up in the blood. When this occurs, beta-2-microglobulin molecules may join together, like the links of a chain, forming a few very large molecules from many smaller ones. These large molecules can form deposits and eventually damage the surrounding tissues and cause great discomfort. This condition is called dialysis-related amyloidosis (DRA).
DRA is relatively common in patients, especially older adults, who have been on hemodialysis for more than 5 years. Hemodialysis membranes that have been used for many years don't effectively remove the large, complex beta-2-microglobulin proteins from the bloodstream. Newer hemodialysis membranes, as well as peritoneal dialysis, remove beta-2-microglobulin more effectively, but not enough to keep blood levels normal. As a result, blood levels remain elevated, and deposits form in bone, joints, and tendons (the tissue that connects the muscle to the bone). DRA may result in pain, stiffness, and fluid in the joints. Patients with DRA may also develop hollow cavities, or cysts, in some of their bones; these may lead to unexpected bone fractures. Amyloid deposits may cause tears in ligaments and tendons. Most patients with these problems can be helped by surgical intervention.
Half of the people with DRA also develop a condition called carpal tunnel syndrome, which results from the unusual buildup of protein in the wrists. Patients with this condition may experience numbness or tingling, sometimes associated with muscle weakness, in their fingers and hands. This is a treatable condition.
Unfortunately, no cure for DRA has been found, although a successful kidney transplant may stop the disease from progressing. However, DRA has caught the attention of dialysis engineers, who are attempting to develop new dialysis membranes that can remove larger amounts of beta-2-microglobulin from the blood.
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Suicidal toughts,A new appreciation for life,You FIND GOD AND THE TRUE MEANING OF LIFE.