dialysis temporary or permanent?

[merrianne11]

Hi! I'm merrianne11 and am new here. I've just begun dialysis as of today and don't know if it's going to be temporary or permanent. Doctor just says "we'll see". My kidneys are damaged due to chronic, frequent kidney stones, about 5mm every 2 to 3 weeks for 2 years. It's been a strange road but my hope is that this is only temporary, that my kidneys will heal if the stones stop. I understand that this situation is rather unusual? Has anyone else experienced the same? And does anyone have any information as to just how expensive the dialysis will turn out to be? I can't seem to get any straight answers from medical staff so growing quite worried. I'm unable to keep up the cost for too long. Please share your experiences with me as I'm new and not getting much outside personal experiences with others. I would appreciate the sharing of your experiences and valuable wisdom regarding kidney disease and dialysis, though I'm very sorry we had to "meet" this way.

Thank you!

[TamekaS NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador]

Some states are different, but do ur state have Medicaid? They help pay for that. And Medicare. When I had to start dialysis in 2003 they immediately signed me up at the hospital for Medicare.. so use all resources u can possibly use. Plus starting dialysis they should have gave you a social worker at the dollar system that also is supposed to assist you with the paperwork and finding resources to you help get these treatments paid for. I hope this information becomes useful for you

[merrianne in reply to TamekaS]

Thank you! I currently have Medicare with an AARP add on coverage. You’re exactly right! I asked the social worker at my hospital because of your suggestion and she has applied for Medicaid on my behalf. Their coverage is better than I could dream of. Even covers transportation since I can no longer drive. This is a godsend. Thanks so much Tameka! One less (and Big) thing off my mind. I hope you’re doing well? I’m very grateful to you for your reply. You made a BIG difference!

[TamekaS NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador in reply to merrianne]

I'm so glad I could help. Something u shouldn't have to stress over. I'm happy for u that things are coming together

[TABco]

Hi Merrianne. I too ended up here from damage from years of stones. I passed over 200. Dialysis can be very expensive. Luckily, there is help. I am getting my COBRA insurance premiums paid by the National Kidney Fund. Your center can help you apply. God Bless you.

[merrianne in reply to TABco]

Thank you for your response. So many kind and thoughtful folks here. Sorry you’ve experienced the same with kidney stones, but 200?! WOW! I empathize with you. They are such a terrible inconvenience, to say the least, and life changing at such a frequency. There’s a great website for stones at the University of Chicago, should you want to check it out. Just found out I have cystinuria, so apparently no end in near future. Best of luck to you and thank you for your warm welcome!

[lbrmarsh]

I think thst even if you are NOT 65 yet, Medicare will cover 80 percent of the cost of dialysis. Ifyou have secondary insurance they will probably pick up the rest of the cost. why not check with a social worker or call Medicare at 1 800 MEDICARE.

[merrianne]

Thank you! I have the Aarp Medicare complete coverage and they do cover most. It’s just a little scary as the remainder is building up fast. Just wondered what most folks do. Thank you for your reply! I really appreciate everyone’s caring enough to respond. Best wishes to you all!