Studies are now finding that Chronic Kidney Disease patients conducting Dialysis have a higher chance of mortality (death) than some serious Cancer patients. This is worsened by the fact that Chronic Kidney Disease and Kidney Failure is one of the least research funded major diseases in the United States and one of the least understood widespread chronic disorders in the world. The good news is that there are steps patients can take to improve their longevity (survival) and quality of life.
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Specifically, the referenced study found that men on Dialysis had a significantly worse 5-year survival probability (50.8%) than men with Prostate Cancer (83.3%) and Colorectal (Colon) Cancer (56.1%). Women conducting Dialysis had a significantly lower 5-year survival probability (49.8%) than women with Breast Cancer (82.1%) and Colorectal (Colon) Cancer (56.8%). It should also be noted that Chronic Kidney Disease patients undergoing Dialysis Treatments, in fact, had a higher probability of survival than those with Lung Cancer and Pancreatic Cancer.
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There are several areas that Chronic Kidney Disease patients conducting Dialysis can help to improve their long-term success with treatment and survival. Below KidneyBuzz.com highlights the top Five (5) ways to do so with the least amount of disruption to a patient's current lifestyle:
Make sure you have multiple sources of information: Many Chronic Kidney Disease patients just receive information from their Healthcare Teams. While a Dialysis patient's Healthcare Team is critical, they may not be aware of all of the latest breakthroughs, information or have all of the answers to address most patients burning issues (itching, pain, depression, frustration, clinic politics, issues with access, diet, and more). Since your Healthcare Team is likely working with many dozens of other patients, use their expertise as a 'Sounding Board.' Research solutions to your issues via phone, conversations with other patients, online research at trusted sites, and other sources. Then take what you have gathered to your team and identify the best approach to solve your problem. You should try and address major issues that you are facing within 60 to 90-days or sooner. Do not let issues linger since this can lead to a ‘Snowball Effect’ where problems build up and it feels like you cannot ever find the solutions and relief that you desire. If that is happening to you now, just make a list of the most pressing complications in order of importance and go down the list in finding solutions. We are here to help - (949) 715-8788!
Light Exercise: Each patient has their own definition of exercise. Ultimately, it is anything that allows you to move your body a bit more each day. You do not have to (1) sweat, (2) be sore, (3) be in pain, (4) or overexert (too strenuous exertion) yourself at all. Leg lifts are an exercise that most patients can do comfortably. Walking, stretching, moving your arms like air propellers, sweeping, and dancing all count as exercises. What's more, the number of sets or time should be dependent on each patient. Some patients may be able to walk for an hour, while others may only walk for 10 minutes or less. In other cases, patients in a wheelchair cannot walk: They may choose to do 10 sets of unweighted arm-raises daily. It depends on you and what YOU can do. The point to exercising is just to feel a bit better, keep your body moving - best you can - and gain whatever health benefits may arise from your efforts.
Avoid Infection: Every patient says that they take the steps to avoid infection, but many patients still become infected. Hence, germs and bacteria are finding new ways to infiltrate patients' AV Fistulas, Grafts, PD Catheters, and Chest (Perma) Catheters. Take the next step in your infection protection and be sure to wear your designated protectors. For the AV Fistula, you should have your Dialysis Arm Sleeve (click here). Pick up the leading PD Belt that offers comfort, affordability, and easy use by clicking here. Also, every patient should have the CMS Approved (and reimbursed) Chest Catheter Protector to avoid life-threatening Chest Catheter Infections (click here).
Monitor Breakthroughs And Do Not Lose Hope For A Brighter Future: Although, Chronic Kidney Disease and Dialysis Research is under-funded, there are dozens of potential breakthroughs that are showing promise. Some are closer to market and/or human trails than others, but patients should know that progress is being made. Make sure that you follow the latest at KidneyBuzz.com and if you would like information about a specific possibility, then email contact@kidneybuzz.com.
Visit KidneyBuzz Daily and Contact Us: KidneyBuzz.com is here for patients just like you. Whether you are nearing Dialysis, currently on treatment, Kidney Transplant recipient, loved one, or just a caring professional, we are here for you and want to help any way possible. You can email (contact@kidneybuzz.com), message on Facebook, or just give us a call at (949) 715-8788. You can call anytime, day or night, and we will be happy to talk or promptly return your message. We are in YOUR corner!
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How are you doing on Dialysis? What are some of the tips that you live by to help improve your outcomes? What are some of your biggest struggles? Your opinion is important to us. Share your insights with the over 90,000+ friends at the KidneyBuzz.com Facebook Page (click here). Also, consider following the nearly 300,000 monthly visitors on KidneyBuzz.com for your Number One (#1) source of Daily News, Information, Impact Meals, Inspirational Quotes, and tailored Products and Services which teach Chronic Kidney Disease, Dialysis, Kidney Transplant, Diabetes and High Blood Pressure patients how to better manage and improve their lives.