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How to Get Ready for Your Home Dialysis

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If you are diagnosed with end-stage kidney failure, dialysis becomes a suitable treatment option to manage the condition. It is an ongoing treatment that involves the use of a machine that performs the kidney’s functions. In addition, the therapy offers an opportunity where you can complete your treatment at home for your convenience. If the option is for you, Cypress home dialysis specialists at Houston Kidney Specialists Center can help you understand how the treatment works and what you can expect. Additionally, you will need to make preparations as the treatment will interfere with your daily life, as outlined herein.

Note That You Will Receive Training

Home dialysis means that you are going to do most of the work yourself. But keep in mind that you will wait for about two weeks for the catheter site to heal before you begin your dialysis. Your provider will train you during this period or after the area has cured on how to connect and disconnect, prepare the dialysis bags and machinery, dispose of the fluid, and when to seek medical attention.

Pay Attention to the Amount of Fluids You Take

Your doctor may restrict your fluid intake before you begin your dialysis. Therefore, ensure that you keep track of the amount of fluids you consume to maintain a fluid restriction diet. If you have individual needs concerning particular drinks, it would be best to discuss them with your doctor during your dialysis consultation.

Eat Healthily

Before you start your dialysis, you will need to adopt a healthy diet routine. You can reduce your salt and carbohydrate intake to minimize the number of wastes necessary to be eliminated through the treatment. Ensure that you eat a balanced diet, including fruits, vegetables, and meat. Additionally, talk to your doctor about the specific diet you might be required to follow based on your condition.

Manage Your Blood Pressure

Dialysis relies on your blood circulation. Therefore, blood pressure can have adverse effects on your immunity affecting the treatment and can cause more severe complications. Therefore, ensure that your blood pressure is checked and you take the necessary precautions. You can manage your blood pressure through diet, exercises, or medications before you begin your dialysis. Although your kidney has failed, high blood pressure affects the amount of oxygen delivered into them and other organs, which can trigger heart disease and impact your sight.

Stop Smoking

Smoking is generally harmful to your health and can affect your kidney failure treatment. Your body becomes stressed in fighting the damage and inflammation caused by the chemicals in cigarettes. Nicotine causes constriction of your blood vessels affecting the oxygen and nutrients levels available to the cells. Additionally, tar and other chemicals affect your immune system making it less effective in fighting infections.

Get Plenty of Sleep Every Night

Note that dialysis works best with sleep as your body effectively removes waste products when you are well-rested. Therefore, it would help to develop a healthy sleeping habit before you start your dialysis. You should sleep for eight hours each night to support waste removal from your body and brain. This should continue even when you start dialysis, and you should let your doctor know if you experience trouble sleeping.

Reach out to Houston Kidney Specialists Center to understand more about home dialysis and know what you can expect. Your provider will help you get ready for the treatment.

Michelle has been a part of the journey ever since Bigtime Daily started. As a strong learner and passionate writer, she contributes her editing skills for the news agency. She also jots down intellectual pieces from categories such as science and health.

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Health

9 Simple Steps to Dealing with a Broken Tooth

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Credit: freepik via Freepik

It’s movie night, and you have an obligatory bowlful of popcorn balancing on your lap. You toss a handful of popcorn and — crack — you unknowingly bite down on a kernel with the full power of your jaw. 

Lightning strikes your mouth as you realize this humble kernel broke your tooth. 

Now what? 

Besides pausing the movie and spitting out your mouthful of popcorn and tooth, you might not know your next steps. 

What should you do, and how can you pay for it? Find the answers to these questions and more below:

1. Save the Pieces 

If possible, save any broken pieces of the tooth. Your dentist might need these pieces.

2. Rinse Your Mouth 

Gently rinse your mouth with warm water to clean the area. Avoid using hot or cold water, as it might aggravate any exposed nerves. 

3. Control Bleeding 

If you bleed, apply gentle pressure to the area with a clean cloth or gauze. You can also use a cold compress on your jaw or cheek to reduce swelling.

4. Contact Your Dentist

Reach out to your dentist immediately. Explain the situation and try to schedule an emergency appointment. Many dentists reserve slots for urgent cases. If they don’t have a spot available, look at specialty emergency clinics in your area.

5. Get Over-the-Counter Pain Relief

Broken and chipped teeth can hurt, so take some over-the-counter pain relievers to help manage this pain until you can see your dentist. 

6. Check Insurance Coverage

Review your dental insurance policy to understand coverage details. Some policies may cover emergency procedures, while others may have limitations.

7. Discuss Payment Options

If cost is a concern, discuss financing options with your dentist. Some dental offices offer flexible arrangements that give you a break. If you qualify for these plans, you might be able to push out your due date to coincide with your payday. You may even be able to break up your total outstanding amount over several payments. 

8. Take out a Personal Loan

If you’re just shy of what you need to cover your emergency dental expense, consider going online to scope out personal loans. A personal loan may fill in for savings in urgent situations. You can quickly visit a website like MoneyKey to see what you need to apply. If approved, a personal loan gives you the means to pay for your visit upfront and pay off what you owe over time. 

9. Consider Urgent Care Clinics

If your financial situation is such that you can’t afford a personal loan’s payments, reconsider your choice of dentist. Some dental practices apply a sliding scale to their services so that they can provide immediate care at a lower cost for at-risk individuals. 

Next Steps: Thinking About the Future

So, you’ve managed to repair your tooth and pay the bill, too. What’s next? Make sure you hit these three goals soon. They can help you prevent another broken tooth in the future!

  1. Stay on Top of Dental Hygiene: Brush at least twice a day and floss once a day — these simple habits can protect your teeth over time. 
  2. Schedule Regular Checkups: Keeping up with regular cleanings can also help you prevent future dental emergencies. 
  3. Build an Emergency Fund: Sometimes, accidents happen. Consider building an emergency fund specifically for unexpected dental emergencies.
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