Missing dialysis treatments causes toxins to build up in the body and can eventually lead to death. As a provider of non-emergency medical transportation, we have many clients that require weekly trips to dialyses treatments. We feel honored to safely and comfortably transport these patients to their appointments and back home each week.
There are good days and bad days and with some patients requiring three treatments a week, we truly understand how difficult those bad days can be. Therefore, it’s not uncommon to daydream about missing dialysis. Or, perhaps you want to go but lack the transportation to get there.
So, what happens to your body when you miss treatments? Let’s just say it’s not good for your health and can even lead to death in a relatively short amount of time. There’s no reason to miss an appointment for dialysis when you have Stellar Transportation on speed dial. Need more motivation to make your next dialysis appointment? Here’s what happens to your body when you skip treatments.
What Happens When You Skip Dialysis?
Of course, everyone has a scheduling conflict now and again that causes them to miss an appointment for treatment. If you work closely with your doctor and a team of medical professionals, and keep lines of communication wide open, you should be fine. It’s when patients skip weeks of appointments or stop regularly attending treatments that more serious consequences arise.
Without dialysis, renal failure (also known as kidney failure) sets in as toxins build up in the body. When your kidneys do not function properly, the body cannot get rid of excess toxins and wastes, which poison you from the inside out. Toxicity levels increase at different times depending on the extent of kidney function and overall health.
As toxicity levels increase your risk of cardiovascular disease and death shoots through the roof. A buildup of toxic fluids can make it more difficult to breathe, there are diuretics available to help remove excess fluids and make breathing more manageable.
Other changes you may notice after you stop dialysis include: loss of energy, muscle changes, mental changes, abnormal sensations (burning feet, sensory issues, etc.), skin changes, appetite and weight changes, urination changes, and sexual dysfunction.
Why Do Patients Miss Dialysis?
Just about everyone misses dialysis treatments at some point or other due to scheduling issues, illness, etc. Some patients make the decision to stop going all together for personal reasons, and they have every right to do so. Experts recommend talking to your doctor and other health care providers before making the decision to stop dialysis all together. Some doctors recommend patients speak with a mental health professional before making the decision to stop treatment.
Without treatment, your kidneys cannot not properly filter out excess toxins leading to a deadly buildup of toxins and fluids in the body. The amount of time it takes for untreated renal failure to turn fatal depends on the patient’s level of kidney function and overall medical condition.
It’s not uncommon to skip dialysis or switch days you’d normally go due to vomiting, nausea, vein puncture discomfort, or other physical issues or illnesses. Just make sure to talk to your doctor and make up your appointment as soon as physically possible.
Some patients decide to skip treatments because they are feeling better. No matter how good you feel, you need treatments to remain in good health. Over time, missing or switching around dialysis treatments causes issues in the body, even if it takes a little time to catch up with you.
If you are on the list for a kidney transplant, missing appointments can take away crucial points needed to secure a high-demand kidney. There aren’t enough kidneys for everyone that needs one, creating a competitive environment. If your doctor thinks you are not devoted to taking medications and keeping appointments to protect your health, they may decide a transplant won’t work.
Tips to Make it to all (or most) of Your Dialysis Appointments
Avoid missing dialysis and stay on top of your health by following these tips:
-Go over your treatment plan with your doctor, medical team, and/or social worker on a regular basis to assess how it’s working and potential improvements.
-Find relaxing ways to spend your time during dialysis treatment to fight off boredom. After all, boredom during treatments is one of the main reasons patients cite not wanting to go. Some ideas include blogging about your experiences, watching TV on a tablet, journaling or reading a book.
-Set up a solid transportation system so that a ride is never the reason you miss your appointment.
Lack of transportation is one of the most common reasons patients miss dialysis. We are here to ensure that never happens again. Contact us today to learn more and receive a free quote for local or long distance non-emergency medical transportation in Melbourne and beyond.