Empty Stomach

[Whamo]

Is dialysis easier on an empty stomach?

[jbeany]

I never thought so.  I did not do any better with the light-headed feeling at the end when I had hunger pangs to add to it.

However, it isn't easier with a over-stuffed stomach either!  A small meal before always worked best for me, with a little snack part way through.

They don't want you to eat while you are on D because the blood gets redirected to your active digestive system, making it harder to pull fluid - at least that's what they say.

[jeannea]

I did the same thing. I had a small meal before and a small meal after when I was on hemo. I had the 4:30-8 pm slot so I missed regular dinner. And I kept a few hard candies in my bag to use if I felt hungry during dialysis. The people from nursing homes would always have a boxed lunch with them because they were missing supper at the home but it didn't look that great.

[thegrammalady]

when i first started my on time was 5:30 am. i can't eat that early so i always took some breakfast. now that i start at 5:45 pm i often eat before i go. sometimes i stop and get something on the way and take it with me.  whatever i do about dinner i always have a salty snack with me because that's the only way we can keep my blood pressure high enough to finish treatment. the sodium profile isn't enough. the would rather you didn't eat because it does divert the blood flow for digestion and eating does bother some people, but not me. you'll have to find what works for you.

[Hazmat35]

I generally try to eat a light lunch (I go to my appointment @ 2:30 PM) about 2 - 3 hours before.  But while I'm sitting in that god awful chair, I eat a small sandwich, or munch on some frut / or veggies or a power power. 

If I go on a full stomach, I usually am very uncomfortable which makes for a lousy dialysis session. 

If I go on an empty stomach, I usually feel sick to my stomach which makes for a lousy dialysis session.  so I TRY to do somewhat in between each other.