What to do During Dialysis
It’s always a good idea to bring along something to pass the time during dialysis. Books, magazines, word puzzles, music, or movies watched on a laptop or portable DVD player are popular. You can also bring along something you’d normally do at home, take up a hobby, work toward a degree, or any number of things. Here are some more ideas offered by in-center hemodialysis patients:
Learn a new skill. Bring along a book, workbook, or practice materials. You might learn about how to do your own home repairs, train for a job that will pay you more money, or start a new craft, like beading or smocking. If you are thinking about doing home dialysis, you can ask to read the training manual.
Work on a project. Depending on where your access is, you may or may not be able to do some of your work tasks, or knit, crochet, cross stitch, embroider, or needlepoint while you are getting treatment. You might be able to tie fishing lures, darn socks, sew on buttons, or get other small home chores out of the way.
Catch up with loved ones. Use dialysis time to write letters and cards to people you care about. If you can use a computer in your facility, you could send emails. Write letters to your legislators to support quality care for people on dialysis.
Take a class. If you can use a computer at your center, you may be able to take a class online while you’re at treatment. If not, bring homework to do while you’re on the machine.
