Living Well on Dialysis

Flu season doesn’t officially end until May, and typically we see the flu “peak” around this time. However, this year the virus is especially harmful and active with cases still increasing. If you haven’t already received a flu vaccine, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) recommends you still get immunized to decrease your chances of becoming infected with this year’s virus.  As kidney disease patients, you are especially susceptible to catching the flu. It is important to take precautionary steps to prevent infection.

Each year in the U.S., more than 1.5 million people get sepsis, and at least 250,000 Americans die as a result. CDC’s Get Ahead of Sepsis education effort encourages patients and caregivers to prevent infections that lead to sepsis and seek immediate medical care if they suspect sepsis.

Sepsis is the body’s extreme response to an infection. It is life-threatening, and without timely treatment, sepsis can rapidly cause tissue damage, organ failure, and death.

Our sense of smell is not only used to appreciate new blooms in Spring and the aroma of a great meal but is essential when we taste our food as well. Recently, researchers have found those with advanced kidney disease may experience a loss of smell. While the cause is unknown, researchers are looking for ways to improve the sense of smell in kidney disease patients in order to decrease rates of malnutrition.

Life with a chronic illness can be a bumpy road with many hurdles to navigate along the way. Emotional ups and downs due to stress are common among people undergoing dialysis treatments. If you find yourself experiencing issues of depression, anxiety, fear and anger, you are having a normal reaction to stressful circumstances. And you are not alone in this. Yet, despite being surrounded by other people, a sense of isolation may arise. There are ways to address these normal feelings.

Our next education seminar is scheduled for Thursday, March 23 at 4:00 PM.  Our presenter, David Spero, has been a nurse for 40 years and has lived with multiple sclerosis (MS) for 30 years. He knows chronic illness from inside and out.  While CKD can interfere with physical intimacy, it can’t prevent it. Join us Thursday to learn about why sex is important, possible, and beneficial.