Obsessed with Dad’s labs

[Halsdaughter]

I got new labs for my father and I’m trying to wrap my head around them. I have a call into the doctors to have him explain them to me but in the meantime does anyone have input?

BUN 88

Creatinine 4.11

GFR 12

BNP 199

PTH intact 214.6

pTH calcium total 81.1

PTH creatinine 3.98

PTH phosphorus 5.5

ACR calc random urine 47

These are just the few that stand out, he’s 92 stage 4 Copd, heart failure and now looking like stage 5 kidney failure.

I dreamt he died last night and I woke up in tears. Any input from you guys would be appreciated we do have a nephrologist and that’s who’s call I’m waiting for. Dialysis seems like I’d be hurting him more than helping. Moms 88 and I’m an only child and the only brain left to make the hard call.

[cs65 NKF Ambassador]

I guess you have to think about your dad's wishes, too. Are you his health care proxy? Has he told you in the past what he would want done if he was unable to make medical decisions? I have seen older people at our center who had COPD or breathing problems and others with heart issues. Even I had chest pains during dialysis that turned out to be stress-related cardiomyopathy as well as a blockage in one coronary artery. I was hospitalized for a week and then returned to my dialysis center. People on dialysis like myself are well taken care of and monitored constantly. They provide oxygen and any other supportive therapy that is needed and prescribed by the nephrologist. Does that help any? It is is also very important for his primary care practitioner to coordinate and be made aware of all of his conditions. You can get a lot of support from the doctors and nurses as well as the entire dialysis staff (Doctor, nurses, technicians, social worker, dietitian).

[lowraind]

So sorry. Just wanted to say that I am 77, with other health problems, but have already told my family, should I reach esrd (which I hope not to because of changes I have made), I want palliative care. Has your dad directed what he wants done?

[Gotthecall_123]

I just found out I could access my labs online, like you I can’t wrap my head around them? Your nurses at dialyses clinic should be Abel to help your doct can definitely help but in my exspearance doctors are very busy I would try your horses while waiting for Doctor😀I was on dialyses for 7 years it’s very rough on your body,BP,and many other things,you should have a long talk to your dad about this.at his age there’s no chance of a transplant🙏I guess iit comes down to quality of life🌹my prayers are with you may Jesus give you the strienght to make the best decision for your dad🙏

Dave

[KelliC_NKF]

I'm sorry to hear about this difficult situation. I agree it's important to talk with your dad about his wishes - the healthcare team can help you with this. Here's some information on dialysis options and also on choosing not to start dialysis as well: kidney.org/atoz/atozTopic_D.... All the best to you and your family !