Daily routine

Your daily schedule is influenced by the dialysis method that you choose. If you do CAPD during the day, you have some control over when you do the exchanges. However, you’ll still need to stop your normal activities and take about 30 minutes to perform an exchange. If you do automated peritoneal dialysis, you’ll have to set up your cycler every night.

Physical activity

You may need to limit some physical activities when your belly is full of dialysis solution. You may still be active and play sports, but you should discuss your activities with your health care team. If you’re on peritoneal dialysis, you may need to limit sodium ̨  phosphorus and calories in your eating plan.

You may also need to watch how much liquid you drink and eat. Your dietitian will help you determine how much liquid you need to consume each day. Add protein to your diet because peritoneal dialysis removes protein. Choose foods with the right amount of potassium. Take supplements made for people with kidney failure. Eating the right foods can help you feel better while you’re on peritoneal dialysis. Talk with your dialysis center’s dietitian to find a meal plan that works for you.

Medicines

Your doctor may make changes to the medicines you take.

Attempt to overcome problems

Adjusting to the effects of kidney failure and the time you spend on dialysis can be hard for both you and your family. You may have less energy to do some activities and duties at work or at home. A counselor or social worker can answer your questions and help you to overcome the problems.

Take care of your exit site, supplies, catheter and patient connector to prevent infections.Your health care team will show you how to keep your catheter and patient connector clean to prevent infections. Here are some general rules:

• Store your supplies in a cool, clean, dry place.
• Inspect each bag of solution for signs of contamination, such as cloudiness, before you use it.
• Find a clean, dry, well-lit space to perform your exchanges.
• Wash your hands every time you need to handle your patient connector.
• Clean your skin where your catheter enters your body every day, as instructed by your health care team.
• Wear a surgical mask when performing exchanges.