How Does Dialysis Affect The Body?

While dialysis is a life-saving treatment for people with chronic kidney failure, it can also have some side effects that are hard to deal with. These side effects can impact you physically and mentally, so it’s essential to learn what to expect – especially if you are starting dialysis treatment for the first time. Cassena Kidney Care understands the impact of dialysis on the body, so we’re here to help you navigate the process. 

Physical Side Effects 

Physical side effects from dialysis can range from mildly irritating to severe. Both types of dialysis, hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis, carry a high risk of infection around the access port site or from catheter use. Although this is preventable, it is still prevalent. 

Chronic kidney disease also causes issues with the skin. Between the higher phosphorous and lower calcium levels that fluctuate due to improper kidney function, your skin can become itchy, dry, fragile, or thin. Any of these problems can also lead to infection from excess exposure to bacteria. 

A few of the most common physical effects of dialysis are: 

1. Odd-smelling breath or dry mouth 

2. Thinning of the hair 

3. Fluctuating weight (either a gain or loss)

4. Bloating  

5. Muscle cramps 

6. Sexual dysfunction for males and females 

7. Low blood pressure 

8. Hernias 

Mental Health Effects 

Dealing with the stress of a medical diagnosis like kidney disease or kidney failure is hard. On top of that, the treatments to help with your condition can cause anxiety, depression, or other mental health problems. Some warning signs of a mental health problem are: 

1. Feeling sad or down for prolonged periods

2. Feeling hopeless, worthless, or helpless

3. Body dysmorphia 

4. Worrying too much about different things 

5. Insomnia or hypersomnia 

6. Eating too much or too little 

Just like treating physical health side effects, taking care of your mental health is equally important. If you find yourself struggling to keep up with the toll that chronic illness is taking on your mind, find a therapist, social worker, or another mental health professional as soon as you can. 

Visit Our Dialysis Centers in NYC Today! 

Cassena Kidney Care is a leader in our field, and we are dedicated to helping you through your dialysis journey with the latest technology in treatments and a full-service experience that guides you throughout the entire process. We have multiple treatment centers in New York, and a new location coming soon in Norwalk, CT. With our team of dedicated professionals and the latest technology in dialysis treatment, we guarantee each patient will receive the best comfort, care, and results the industry has to offer. Visit our website and schedule your first visit today.