Probably a foolish question

[Escabeche]

I’m assuming that my husband’s dialysis will begin very soon because his eGFR was 9 a few of weeks ago. We’re in the UK and dependent on the National Health Service, thankfully. My question may seem odd but it just occurred to me. If dialysis isn’t going to slow the disease down, it follows that it’s symptom control. Ok. His only clear symptom is fatigue. He sleeps more than he used to. His labs, blood pressure etc are good. So, what will dialysis do for him, considering the huge change of life it entails? What would happen if he declined it? We would only think of this, obviously , if dialysis wasn’t going to prolong his life or contribute to his wellbeing. Stands to reason. What do you think?

[Bassetmommer]

The immediate answer is that it cleans the toxins out of the blood that his kidneys can no longer. If he does not do dialysis, those toxins will build up and eventually kill him. If he has fluid build up, it will also remove that, making it easier to breath and less stress on the heart and kidneys. It will prolong his life, up to 20 or 30 years in some cases. Short term, now a days up to 10 at least, depending on age and compliance. He will have more energy and feel better in general. And yes, it is a huge lifestyle change. Look into home dialysis which is easier on the body. There are two types. Ask for a tour of the facility he if that is what he is choosing and talk with other patients. He really is late to the game to be figuring this out. If he is doing hemodialysis, does he have a mature fistula?

[Escabeche in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thanks for this Bassetmommer. I felt it was so foolish. Of course your answer makes complete sense. I feel so much better about the prospect of dialysis. All I need to concentrate on - and this is vital - is making him feel that things are ok, everything full of hope and just as it should be. Thanks 🙏

[Bassetmommer in reply to Escabeche]

Please do not feel foolish. This is what we are here for. To answer questions. I had a rule in my classroom, and I told my students, "Never feel that any question you have is an issue. The issue is on me the teacher for not being clear. Asking questions show intelligence and curiosity and is a wonderful habit to have." Ask away

[Escabeche in reply to Bassetmommer]

Thanks. I needed that

[Escabeche in reply to Bassetmommer]

Forgot to say that he’s chosen home PD.

[Bassetmommer in reply to Escabeche]

Good choice

[Dialysis_Saves]

Hi There!

Dialysis will definitely contribute to his wellbeing. It will take out the stress on the body currently. It also depends on how do you perceive things to be. For me, it's been a second chance in life. Take it positively and it will have positive effects on you.

God bless....

[Escabeche in reply to Dialysis_Saves]

You are so right. Attitude is more effective than anything else. I believe it got me out of cancer. Thank you.

[Ziggydoodah]

I'm based in the UK. My gfr was down ton9 and I felt fine. Determined not to go on dialysis. However one day I woke up and fell awful and had to admit it was time for dialysis. Believe me, everything you are questioning is normal. I am on haemodialysis so different from home dialysis. Your husband will have more flexibility with his treatment. But beware there will be setbacks. It will not be straightforward. So just prepare yourselves. Someone on this website said you will grieve for your past life and you will. He will start to have good days. What happens if he doesn't have dialysis? My consultants response...You will have approx 3 weeks but its a peaceful death 😳...he doesn't mess his words.Keep us up to date with his progress and remember we are here if you need any support.

It's usually the fear of the unknown on this journey that causes anxiety. One step at a time is my motto. You are both stronger than you think x

[Escabeche in reply to Ziggydoodah]

I’m so grateful for this reply Ziggydoodah!

[Beachgirl32]

I started pd dialysis at 8 efgr I felt good but my neph told me I may think I feel good but labs have been going down so they say otherwise so I went on pd in Feb 23 I will admit I love doing of at home and with the cycler Machince but as someone said there may be setback no one told me about the drain pain you could get with pd and I was one who got it every night some never experienced and my team would have to change my prescription to try to help me with that but it never help. You will get ton of boxes on pd make sure you have room my brother always did pd manual he never had drain pain unfortunately for me I still did even when doing it manually. In June I got a rare fungal infection you can get peritonitis on pd make sure you keep the acess clean I never got that the fungal infection I got from the catheter inside which they said was rare but surgeon will not put catheter back in if you had this type of fungal infection. So I went to hemodialysis in June I actually feel better on hemodialysis. Everyone first experience pd like I did if pd is right for you I hope it works fine for your husband I just look someone would of told me before about the drain pain so just wanted you to be aware it could happen I hope it doesn’t .

[Escabeche in reply to Beachgirl32]

I’m more positive and better informed thanks to these conversations and I’m deeply grateful

[Escabeche in reply to Beachgirl32]

I need this! Thank you Beachgirl 32

[drmind]

Best of luck. Remember there are no foolish questions