Living with home dialysis

While you are on dialysis, you will need to eat healthy foods that slow down damage to your kidneys. This includes:

• The right amount of fluid, calories, protein, and potassium
• Foods low in saturated and trans fats, salt (sodium), and phosphorus

The “right amount” of these nutrients is different for everyone. You will work with your doctor and a dietitian to create a food plan for you. This includes which foods or liquids, how much, and when to have them.

Regular exercise is important for everyone, including people on dialysis. Exercise can help you:

• Feel better and stronger
• Give you more energy
• Improve how well your heart works
• Control your blood pressure
• Improve anxiety and depression

You can do lots of different exercises while on home dialysis, including stretching, strengthening, and cardio. But always talk with your doctor before you start a new exercise routine.

While on home dialysis, there may be times you feel too tired or weak to exercise. So, move your body on the days and times you feel best. You may want to:

• Exercise in the morning or evenings
• Wait 1 hour after a large meal
• Avoid exercising right after you finish hemodialysis when your blood pressure is low

Dialysis fatigue is when you feel tired from the physical side effects of treatments and emotionally tired from dealing with the challenges of living with a chronic illness. 

Physical side effects of dialysis can include:

• Feeling dizzy, lightheaded, or tired due to low blood pressure
• Muscle cramps
• Dry itchy skin
• Nausea or throwing up
• Restless leg syndrome (RLS), which is when you keep moving your legs because your leg’s nerves and muscles make uncomfortable feelings

You, and even your care partner, may also become emotionally stressed from dealing with dialysis. To help you prevent or manage dialysis fatigue:

• Eat a balanced diet
• Stay hydrated
• Exercise regularly
• Get enough rest
• Get emotional support from friends, family, or a professional counselor

Talk with your care team if you or your care partner have dialysis fatigue. They can help you find ways to improve how you feel.

• Be an active part of your care
• Learn more about your health 
• Set goals
• Talk to a person on dialysis (called a peer mentor or patient advocate)
• Focus on good thoughts and your strengths when you can 

• What home dialysis schedule is best for me?
• What types of exercise are best for me?
• How can I talk to a dietitian or other professional about changes to my diet?
• How do I know if I’m getting enough dialysis?

• Find a Kidney Dietitian