Keep your routine
Sustaining your day-to-day routine and continuing to work can help you maintain a sense of drive and normalcy whilst you receive kidney treatment.
Outside of the workplace, engaging with hobbies and interests, and staying active through routine exercise can offer a wealth of benefits to both your physical and mental health.
Joining groups such as book clubs, painting groups or supper clubs in your local area to help you feel connected to your peers, and volunteering is another excellent way of creating a sense of fulfilment whilst giving back to the local community.
Choose the treatment option that is best for you
Having a busy schedule may impact the type of treatment options which are most appropriate for you.
For example, if you work during the day, you may prefer to dialyse in the evening, in the comfort of your own home or at one of our dialysis centres. Most people have the option to select from a range of different options, including peritoneal dialysis, home and in-centre hemodialysis.
It is best to consult with your doctor to find out about the right treatment to suit your health and your lifestyle. If your needs to change, it is usually possible to switch therapies throughout your treatment journey. Since treatment can be scheduled around work, university and home commitments, it is possible to keep life as normal as possible.
Enjoy holidays abroad
A common misconception is that CKD patients are unable to travel while receiving dialysis treatment.
Treatment is available to patients in hundreds of centres around the world, giving you the freedom to explore new holiday destinations and not letting your condition hold you back.
It is important to plan your trips carefully in advance, ensuring that dialysis is available and possible at your travel destination. You will also have to check with your health insurance services that you are covered in the regions that you plan to travel to, so you can avoid stress and make the most of your holiday.
Eat well with kidney disease
In recent years, discovering recipes suitable for kidney health that are bursting with fresh flavours has become a far simpler task.
There are plenty of meal guides available for you to explore, such as NephroCare’s Good Food recipe library, which include a wide range of different cuisines and ingredients to match everyone’s tastes.
There are also guides available to help you navigate what to order when eating out, such as Kidney Care UK’s Kidney Kitchen. They help ensure you are still getting the right amounts of fluids and high-quality proteins to reduce risk of kidney failure, while still enjoying tasty meals.
Stay informed and stay connected
Speaking out and sharing your feelings with your friends, family members and social workers, will provide a sense of relief and connection.
There are plenty of resources available to help you with whatever you may need, such as myCompanion and our Patient Assistance Support Service that provide excellent advice, and NKF Peer Support Service that can connect you to others who are also receiving dialysis treatment. Most importantly, remember that you can lean on your care team whenever you need, and speak to your Named Nurse – they are there to help. You are not alone, and you can still live well while on dialysis.