Wednesday, July 14, 2010

Feeling Better After Dialysis Is As Easy As Can Be!

Know The Numbers!

There are two numbers that you should know: Your KT/V and URR (Urea Reduction Ratio). KT/V and URR measure how much of the waste product, called urea, is removed from your blood. Not getting enough dialysis time and having too much urea left in your blood after dialysis will leave you feeling sick.

Knowing your KT/V and URR numbers can assure you that waste in the blood is being removed sufficiently.

Know Your Numbers!

  • Goal: KT/V greater than 1.2
  • URR greater than 65%
These goals are the minimum numbers for adequate dialysis. To find out your exact number, just ask the nurse, dietitian, or doctor at your dialysis center.

Know How To Reach Your Goal!

  • Always go to all your scheduled dialysis treatment.
  • Stay for the full treatment.
  • Follow your diet.
  • Avoid excessive fluid weight gains between treatments.
  • Check your KT/V and URR number every month.
Adequate Dialysis Will Help You:

  • Eat better and feel less nausea.
  • Have fewer hospital stays.
  • Feel less tired and live longer.
Signs & Symptoms of Inadequate Dialysis:

  • Itchy skin.
  • Poor appetite.
  • Fatigue.
  • Shortness of breath.
  • High blood chemistries.
Dialysis removes waste products and extra fluid from your blood. Inadequate dialysis leads to a build up of waste and fluid in your blood.

Although you may feel okay without adequate dialysis, overtime you will become weak and tired.

Attending and staying for all your dialysis treatments is very important. People with less waste products in their blood feel better, are healthier and, live longer.

by Jody Gardener-Jones

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