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Dialysis patients and their kin attending "Sahaayak" meeting at Fortis Hospital in S.A.S. Nagar on Thursday. |
FORTIS HOSPITAL today conducted its quarterly meeting of "Sahaayak", a dialysis support group that comprises past and present dialysis patients. Over 75 dialysis patients, family members and close relatives attended the interactive session in which doctor enlightened them on various aspects in the lives of the dialysis patients.
The meeting began with an interactive presentation on 'General issues with dialysis patients' by Dr. Bela Sharma, Consultant, Nephrology, and was followed with the presentation on 'Role of Dietetics in dialysis' by Sonia Gandhi, Clinical Nutritionist.
The sessions were followed by queries from the patients and their attendants. According to Dr. Bela, "Getting dialysis treatment done is a serious responsibility and the patient has to work closely with his healthcare team to manage his health. There are a number of potential complications which may arise related to dialysis or the underlying kidney disease itself."
Detailing these complications, Dr. Bela said, "A number of dialysis patients tend to suffer from anaemia, leaving them feeling weak and tired. In extreme cases, excess potassium can also cease functioning of the heart". Talking about the need to monitor and manage blood pressure for dialysis patients, Dr. Bela said high blood pressure is one of the leading causes of kidney failure.
Sonia Gandhi advised, "Whether the patient receives dialysis at home or in a dialysis center, it should be done on directions from a trained doctor. Skipping dialysis or irregular dialysis sessions can lead to many complications. Eating the right food can improve the dialysis and the overall health".
One should be especially careful to monitor the intake of fluids, protein, sodium potassium and phosphorus. Sometimes a kidney transplant ends the need for dialysis, she said. |
