With the summer in full swing the public are already enjoying fresh strawberries and cherries, a cold pint after work, or melting ice-lollies! These small pleasures are synonymous for most with British summertime. Those with chronic kidney disease (CKD) however experience a very different reality. We spoke to patient Dave O’Donnell about his experiences with CKD and how he manages his restricted fluid intake during the hot summer months.
If, like Dave, you are on dialysis and follow a strict renal diet, or are supporting someone who is, one of the primary challenges of day-to-day life is maintaining a low fluid intake. Dave highlights the importance of this, saying, “kidney disease leaves you incapable of processing fluid without the aid of dialysis, so it is essential that your fluid restriction is closely followed”. This is usually limited to approximately 1-1.5 litres for most kidney patients, though everyone will have different targets depending on their general lifestyle and treatment, it’s best to consult your health care team for your unique daily fluid target. To ensure your liquid intake is maintained at the recommended amount, Dave thinks sipping small amounts of liquid regularly, rather than all in one go, is key on a hot day.
Despite the clear statistics, the realities of living with CKD and following this restricted diet is both life-altering and extremely complex. Dave said, “Your diet needs to be as dry as possible, this involves avoiding lots of food that you might not have considered, such as fruit because of the potassium and phosphate, which most people assume to be a good alternative to liquids.” Since his kidney failure, Dave has completely cut out alcohol, explaining that “pints of anything aren’t good.”
In summer, you must be more aware that fresh foods such as salads, potatoes, and seafood, are limited, and even vegetables have to be double boiled to ensure they suit a renal diet. These dietary restrictions can be off-putting, and curb desires to eat out due to the complicated limitations. Despite this, Dave feels that it is essential that, where possible, patients like him maintain a sense of normality year-round, and are aware that this condition shouldn’t mean patients should be excluded from nice occasions. “People may not realise but when you’re on dialysis you can have a Chinese takeaway, or a steak. CKD doesn’t mean you have to hide away; it just means adding extra caution when you’re eating and drinking.” One tip Dave shares to help reduce thirst is by swapping salt for other herbs and spices that won’t leave you dehydrated, not to mention they are generally healthier and enhance the taste!
What can be difficult for patients on dialysis, is being surrounded by friends and family who don’t need to monitor their fluid intake. Dave explained, “There should be a general awareness from those close to you, who should aim to be as accommodating as possible. Everyone you socialise with knows your restrictions. If you are enjoying half a pint, you can’t be pressured into having anything more to drink. When you first go on dialysis, make sure that your friends and family are aware of your situation and help you to make good choices.”
Dave went on to say that travelling in the summer need not be hindered by CKD. “There are processes in place to help you find a host clinic abroad, and it’s worth researching insurance policies that cover dialysis.”
“There’s no doubt that CKD is a life-changing disease. But don’t let dialysis stop you from living your life to the fullest!”
If you have any further queries regarding fluid management, you should consult your healthcare team who can advise you further.