Personal paths of fluid restriction in patients on hemodialysis

The aim of this study was to explore the dialysis patients’ perspectives about their experience of fluid restriction. Qualitative interviews were conducted in order to grasp the patients’ lived experience and from a phenomenological analysis several categories emerged, that describe patients’ understanding. In particular, three themes from patients’ experience are described and discussed in this article, because of their particular relevance for health professionals: (a) the fluid restriction introduces for individuals a perception of themselves as addicted who deal with a constant inner conflict; (b) considering the difficult to find the right boundaries between common sense and scientific knowledge to gain fluid restriction; (c) the role of personal motivations and willingness in pursuit the compliance. Recognizing the force of personal meaning for people with renal disease will support health professionals to address patients in pursuing the regime of fluid restriction.