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Balance : Drainage Problems
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Continuous Ambulatory
Peritoneal Dialysis
The information here
is given as a guide only and patients are advised to seek further information
from their own doctor.
Weight & Fluid
Balance
Size of Dialysis Bags
The Dialysis Solution (Dialysate) is supplied
in bags. The bags can be 1500 ml, 2000 ml or 2,500 ml. You will be advised
which bags to use, depending on how much dialysis your body needs, and you will
be supplied accordingly.
Strength of Dialysis Solutions
There are 3 strengths of
Dialysate Fluid
(Dianeal -base solution / lactate / glucose)
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yellow
weak
light
small |
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green
medium
middle |
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orange
strong
big
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Different strengths and combinations of bags
are used in order to maintain a steady body weight.
Your body weight
will vary if there is fluid loss (you will weigh less) or fluid retention (you
will weigh more). This can easily be corrected by the strength of the Dialysis
Bag used for the next Exchange or series of Exchanges.
You should strive to keep to
your ideal body weight. Your weight will be higher "Overloaded" if your body
has taken on too much fluid. Your weight will be lower than normal if your body
has lost too much fluid and become "Dehydrated".
If
you become "Dehydrated" you weigh less.
If you have become "Overloaded" you
weigh more.
You will be supplied with a chart or dairy in which to
record your daily weight loss or weight gain. If you have moved away from your
ideal body weight you will soon learn which Bag to use to correct
things.
Signs of being Overloaded
- Weight Increases
- Feet/Ankles Swell
- Shortness of Breath
- Puffy Eyelids
- Higher Blood Pressure
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Reasons can be 1) Drinking too much 2) Eating foods with hidden
fluid content 3) Not draining out enough fluid.
Signs of being
Dehydrated
- Weight Decreases
- You may feel dizzy
- You may feel sick
- Constipation
- Lower Blood Pressure
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Reasons can be 1) Not drinking enough 2) Using too many
'strong' bags.
What to do if you are Overloaded :-
- Drink Less
- Use a stronger Bag
- Make sure you aren't
constipated.
- If the problem continues Phone the Renal Unit
for advice.
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What to do if you are Dehydrated :-
- Drink More
- Use a weaker Bag
- If the problem continues Phone the Renal Unit
for advice.
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Things to do every morning
- Measure and record your
weight
- Control how much you drink
- Decide which Bags to use : Weak, Medium or
Strong
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Aim to stay near your ideal weight
Drainage Problems
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Constipation will cause problems if ignored.
- Take regular laxatives.
- Eat a high fibre diet.
- Inform the Renal Unit if you are having
problems.
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Things to check your Waste Bag for :-
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Fibrin, which looks like cotton wool floating in the Waste Bag, is a
naturally produced protein. It can cause drainage problems. |
 |
Blood in the Waste Bag. Do not be alarmed if blood colours your bag
orange/red. It can be caused by tugging the line or for women with a period. It
can however cause drainage problems. |
In either case your Renal Nurse will advise what action, if any, is
needed.
Please click on the links below for further CAPD
info.
Introduction to CAPD | Clean
Procedures : Infection | General Info |
