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I am a second kidney transplant recipient with personal experience managing kidney disease, including 3 years on home hemodialysis and 6 months on peritoneal dialysis. I also have a PhD in Biotechnology, so I approach kidney care through both lived experience and technical understanding.
1. Yawning during dialysis may be a warning sign.
If you notice yourself yawning repeatedly during dialysis, check your blood pressure right away. Frequent yawning can sometimes be an early sign that your blood pressure is dropping.
2. Rotate your cannulation sites.
During self-cannulation, try creating 3 columns of 3–4 cannulation spots. This gives you about 9–12 sites to rotate through across multiple sessions, allowing each spot more time to heal before being reused.
3. Consider a consistent dialysis rhythm.
I was given the choice between MWF or TTS, but I chose an every-other-day schedule instead. For me, this created a more predictable 48-hour rhythm. Biology often responds well to consistent, repeatable cycles. Talk to your dialysis center to see what schedule is safe and appropriate for you.
4. Use one column at a time, not one row at a time.
If you create a 3-column by 4-row grid of cannulation spots, consider rotating through one column at a time rather than one row at a time. In my experience, this gives nearby sites more time to heal and may reduce irritation or inflammation.
5. Take cramps seriously.
If you notice cramping during dialysis, you may be removing too much fluid or removing it too quickly. Make sure your care partner knows right away, because cramps can escalate quickly.
6. Use lidocaine cream carefully.
Do not apply lidocaine cream all over your arm. Apply it only to the specific spot where you plan to cannulate.
7. Support your body beyond dialysis.
Dialysis is not a full replacement for kidney function. A routine that includes yoga, meditation, and a healthy diet may help support both body and mind. Always consult your doctor before starting anything new.
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