Alternative Treatment Options For Depression

I've experienced several periods of depression throughout my adult life, and while prescription drugs have proved helpful, I've been keen to explore drug-free ways to manage and treat my depression. I started this blog to share my personal experience battling this illness and the alternative treatment options I've tried, including dietary supplements, talking therapies, meditation, relaxation exercises, massage and acupuncture. I also post about current research on the effectiveness of holistic therapies at treating depression, and the blog contains guest posts written by others with depression who have tried drug-free treatments. I hope you find the information on this blog useful.

Managing the Side Effects of Kidney Cancer Treatment

Health & Medical Blog

Although receiving treatment for either bladder or kidney cancer is life-changing in many ways, it does come with side effects. While you're looking towards your recovery, managing the symptoms and sensations you experience can bring additional comfort. With the right support and knowledge, you'll feel more comfortable.

Dealing with a higher risk of infection

In order for kidney cancer treatment to remain effective, it dampens your body's natural response to infections. Although this feels disheartening during the course of your treatment, there are ways to tackle it.

First, remain vigilant while spending time with others, and encourage those closest to you to alert you when they suspect they're unwell. Additionally, practice good hand hygiene at all times using washing facilities and hand sanitiser. You should also maintain a lower index of suspicion when it comes to feeling unwell. For example, approach a doctor when you have a low-grade fever rather than waiting for it to reach 38.4 degrees Celsius or above.

Managing increasing fatigue

Bladder and kidney cancer treatment encourage your body to work hard, but this can make you feel more tired than usual. Managing fatigue means striking the right balance between resting and building your stamina. 

In addition to getting at least eight to nine hours of sleep per night, consider listening to your body and scheduling naps during the day. You can also manage fatigue through good hydration, eating a healthy diet and taking a short walk each day. Including a small amount of exercise is essential for rebuilding and maintaining stamina, so it's worth discussing your potential limitations with a medical professional.

Protecting your skin against damage

Depending on the type of treatment you receive, you may encounter some skin damage. If this is the case for you, reduce the amount of time you spend exposed to UV rays, as you may find you're more likely to burn. Additionally, if you're encountering itching and scaling, ask about skin creams, maintain good hydration levels and switch your detergents to baby-friendly versions. 

Dealing with nausea and vomiting

Nausea and vomiting are rarely pleasant, especially when they affect other areas of your life. Some of the best ways to reduce nausea include the following:

  • Try to drink six to eight glasses of water per day, but achieve this through small sips.
  • If you cannot keep liquids down, turn to oral rehydration sachets.
  • Ask your doctor about anti-sickness tablets.
  • Avoid fizzy and hot drinks, as they may make nausea worse.

Finally, seek as much support as you can during your kidney cancer treatment, from family and friends to a team of medical professionals.

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27 December 2018