DialySuites, 13241 Bartram Park Boulevard Suite 305, Jacksonville, FL (2025)

08/06/2025

Dialysis isn't just a medical journey — it's a life journey.

That’s why your social worker is here for YOU — to help you not just get by, but thrive.

Whether you're newly diagnosed or years into treatment, you deserve support that goes beyond the clinic.

As a dialysis patient you have access to a social worker. Come back for our series on how a renal social worker can assist in thriving on dialysis.

08/04/2025

"Mountains don’t move overnight, but with time, wind, and water, even the hardest stone is shaped."

This week, let’s be patient with our progress. Every treatment, every act of self-care, every small kindness — it all adds up.

07/28/2025

Your mindset matters. Start the week believing in your ability to overcome challenges and make progress in your health. You've overcome so much already.

07/24/2025

Ever Feel Like You Need to Urinate During Dialysis—But Nothing Comes Out?

You're not alone! This phenomenon, called phantom urination, is common for many dialysis patients. Here's what’s happening:

Why does it happen?
➡️ Nerve memory – Your brain and bladder were used to urinating normally, and those signals don’t always disappear.
➡️ Your bladder still exists – Even without kidney function, the bladder can contract and send signals, causing the feeling of needing to urinate.
➡️ Sensory "phantoms" – Similar to a missing limb, the brain can sometimes trick you into feeling something that’s no longer there.

It can be strange, frustrating, and sometimes even confusing. But it’s normal, and you’re not imagining it!

💬 If you’re experiencing phantom urination, talk to your care team—they can help you better understand what’s going on.

07/22/2025

AV Fistula Care — Your Lifeline, Your Rules!

An arteriovenous (AV) fistula is the gold standard for dialysis access. It’s strong and lasts a long time — but it needs your care to stay healthy!

At-Home Care Between Treatments:
Wash the access arm daily with soap and water.
Before each treatment, clean the site with antibacterial soap.
Gently pat dry — avoid scrubbing the site too hard.

🚫 What NOT to do:
❌ No blood pressure cuffs, IVs, or blood draws in the access arm.
❌ Don’t sleep on or carry heavy items with that arm.
❌ Avoid tight sleeves or watches on that arm.

🏊‍♂️ Bathing:
✅ You can shower — just wash the area gently.

❤️ Check your fistula daily — feel for the “thrill” (a buzzing sensation) to make sure it’s working!

07/21/2025

Managing kidney disease is tough, but so are you. One healthy choice at a time adds up to real change. Stay the course—you’ve got this!

07/17/2025

Feeling Weak After Dialysis? Here’s Why It Happens

It’s common for dialysis patients to feel drained or tired after treatment, and there are a few reasons why:

💧 Fluid & Electrolyte Shifts – During dialysis, fluids and electrolytes are removed, which can leave your body feeling off-balance.
📉 Low Blood Pressure – Dialysis can cause a drop in blood pressure, leaving you feeling weak or dizzy.
🧪 Toxin Removal – While dialysis removes toxins, it can temporarily leave you feeling wiped out.
🩸 Anemia – Kidney disease often causes anemia (low red blood cell count), making you feel more fatigued.
🍽️ Diet & Fluid Restrictions – Limited food and fluid intake can also leave you feeling low on energy.
⏳ Treatment Duration – Longer treatments can naturally leave you feeling tired.

💡 What can help?
✅ Stay within your fluid limits and stay hydrated
✅ Eat small, balanced meals before dialysis (if you can)
✅ Rest after treatment and take it easy
✅ Talk to your care team about managing anemia or low blood pressure

💬 Feeling weak after treatment is common, but if it’s persistent or severe, don’t hesitate to talk to your dialysis team about adjustments to your treatment plan. Your comfort matters!

07/15/2025

Graft Access — Handle With Care!

An AV graft works a lot like a fistula but uses a soft tube to connect your artery and vein. It needs a little extra love to stay infection-free!

Graft Care Tips:
Wash the access arm with antibacterial soap every day.
Don’t scratch or pick at the graft site.
Use clean, dry bandages if the skin is irritated or healing.

🚫 Protect Your Access:
❌ No blood pressure, IVs, or blood draws on the graft arm.
❌ Don’t wear tight clothing or jewelry over the graft.
❌ Avoid trauma — no lifting heavy objects with that arm.

🛁 Bathing & Swimming:
✅ Showers are okay, but be gentle.

👀 Watch for redness, warmth, or swelling — and tell your nurse right away if anything seems off!

07/14/2025

Your journey with kidney care is not a sprint—it’s a marathon. Keep showing up, stay consistent, and trust the process. You’re stronger than you think!

07/10/2025

“Why Can’t I Think Clearly?” — Dialysis & Brain Fog Explained

If you’re on dialysis and feel like your mind is in a fog — you're not imagining it.

-Many patients experience:
-Trouble focusing
-Forgetfulness
-Feeling mentally slow or "off" — especially after treatment

This is called dialysis-related brain fog, and it's more common than you think.
Why It Happens:
⬇️ Low blood pressure during dialysis = less oxygen to your brain
⚖️ Chemical shifts (like sodium, urea, and fluid changes) affect brain function
😫 Fatigue, poor sleep, stress, or anemia all play a role
🧠 Long-term kidney disease can impact brain health over time

What You Can Do:
✅ Hydrate wisely — follow your fluid plan to avoid big shifts
✅ Manage blood pressure — report dizzy spells or fog to your care team
✅ Rest well — aim for regular sleep and ask about sleep support if needed
✅ Exercise gently — walking and movement help your brain stay sharp
✅ Keep a brain routine — use notes, phone alarms, or reminders
✅ Talk to your doctor — brain fog is a medical issue, not “just in your head”

💬 Brain fog doesn’t mean you’re losing your mind — it means your brain needs support just like the rest of your body. Speak up and get the help you deserve. 💙

07/08/2025

Central Line (CVC) — Infection Fighters Needed!

🚨 If you have a central venous catheter (CVC) for dialysis, it’s a quick solution — but it needs strict care to avoid serious infections.

CVC Care Between Treatments:
Keep the dressing clean, dry, and intact at all times.
Never touch the catheter or the caps at home.
If the bandage gets wet or dirty, call your dialysis center — don’t change it yourself.

🚫 Important CVC Don’ts:
❌ No showers or baths unless your care team has approved it with a special cover.
❌ Never swim with a catheter — infection risk is too high.
❌ Don’t use scissors or sharp objects near the catheter site.

🧠 Pro Tip: Use a catheter shirt or dressing protector in the rain or during hygiene routines.

🗣 If you feel chills, fever, or notice drainage at the site — call your nurse or doctor immediately.

07/07/2025

Every small step counts—whether it's choosing water over soda, showing up to dialysis, or taking your blood pressure regularly. Progress is progress, no matter how small. Your kidneys are worth it—and so are you!

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