Dialysis is a medical treatment that filters waste products and excess fluid from the blood, taking over the function of failing kidneys. Undergoing the first session is a significant milestone, marking a major physical and lifestyle adjustment. It is normal to experience a range of physical sensations and emotional responses as the body begins to recalibrate and adjust to this change. Understanding what to expect immediately after this initial treatment can help ease anxiety and prepare you for recovery.
Common Physical Sensations Immediately Post-Treatment
The most immediate physical effects following a first session of dialysis often stem from the rapid removal of excess fluid and toxins. This necessary action causes sudden shifts in the body’s volume and chemistry, which can manifest in several noticeable ways. Symptoms like fatigue, muscle cramps, and dizziness are common and are generally temporary as your body gets used to the treatment process.
Fatigue is among the most frequently reported sensations after the first treatment. This tiredness is a consequence of the body adjusting to fluid and electrolyte changes, combined with the physical stress of the procedure. It is not unusual to feel drained, similar to the feeling after an intense physical workout. This initial fatigue is often more pronounced than what is experienced after later, more routine sessions.
Another common side effect is the onset of muscle cramps, particularly in the legs, which can happen during or shortly after the treatment. These cramps are typically caused by the rapid removal of fluid, which can disrupt the delicate balance of electrolytes like sodium, calcium, and potassium needed for normal muscle function. Gentle stretching of the affected muscle can sometimes provide immediate relief.
Dizziness and lightheadedness are often linked to a temporary drop in blood pressure, known as hypotension, as fluid is withdrawn from the bloodstream. When this fluid is removed too quickly, the blood pressure can fall, causing symptoms that may also include nausea or faintness. This is a sign that the treatment is effectively removing the fluid that the kidneys could not, though the rate may need adjustment in future sessions. Headaches may also occur, sometimes as part of a temporary condition called Dialysis Disequilibrium Syndrome, which is related to the quick reduction of waste products like urea in the blood.
Managing the Emotional Response and Exhaustion
The first dialysis session can trigger a complex emotional and psychological response alongside physical symptoms. It is normal to feel a mix of emotions, including relief, anxiety about the future, and an overwhelming sense of new information and lifestyle changes. This emotional toll contributes significantly to the systemic exhaustion experienced after the first treatment.
The exhaustion following this initial treatment is both physical and mental, sometimes described as a “brain fog.” The combination of the body’s physiological stress and the psychological weight of starting a life-altering therapy can make concentration difficult. Prioritizing rest immediately after the session is essential, and this may mean taking an extended nap or simply scheduling quiet, low-demand time for the rest of the day.
Accepting help from family and friends in the immediate aftermath can alleviate the pressure to return to a normal routine too quickly. While the initial emotional and physical fatigue is often intense, it typically lessens as the body becomes accustomed to the regular rhythm of treatment. Seeking support, whether through a support group or counseling, can provide practical coping strategies for managing the stress, anxiety, and feelings of isolation that can accompany the start of dialysis.
Essential Home Care and When to Seek Medical Attention
Upon returning home, immediate attention should be paid to the vascular access site. Whether you have a fistula, graft, or catheter, the site needs to be monitored for signs of complications. Look for persistent bleeding, unusual swelling, excessive warmth, or increasing pain at the access site.
Maintaining strict hygiene around the access site is important to prevent infection, following the specific cleaning instructions provided by the dialysis team. You must also adhere closely to the fluid and dietary guidelines provided by your care team, especially in the 24 hours following the session. Controlling fluid intake is crucial, as consuming too much can quickly lead to fluid overload and complicate the next treatment.
Certain symptoms require immediate medical attention and should prompt a call to your clinic or emergency services. These “red flag” symptoms include continuous, heavy bleeding from the access site that does not stop after applying pressure for several minutes. Other serious signs are severe shortness of breath, chest pain, a high fever, or significant confusion and disorientation. These symptoms could indicate a serious complication, such as a severe blood pressure issue, infection, or a significant fluid imbalance.