80+ Parent Starting Dialysis

[Anonymous]

I would think about purchasing a widescreen laptop with a DVD drive so he can watch movies during dialysis -- or ask if there is a dedicated TV with DVD player for each treatment chair (I think there often is). Then help him get movies prior to each treatment through Netflix or Redox. Perhaps he can binge a TV show with a lot of seasons like Sopranos or BB. Bingewatching almost makes going in for treatment something to look forward to .

Love to you OP. Always hard when a parent is ailing.

[Anonymous]

OP, every person I knew personally who was on dialysis, which includes four persons over the years did not live beyond five years. Two were 80 years or above when they started. Another was in her late 50s or early 60s and the other was in his late 40s. Three had other health issues like diabetes. One thing I observed was overtime the dialysis was extremely draining of their energy which you can imagine from the dialysis process. You should go into it with an open mind for your loved one. Over time they will begin to decline because of it although dialysis will be their lifeline. It will diminish their quality of life.

[Anonymous]

Hi OP - it seems like you have gotten substantive responses from two people. One more positive, the other explaining how draining it can be even when it works. Both seem like good advice, and are repsentative of my grandparent’s experience, who eventually wished to stop treatment. But, it was certainly helpful for a while. I wish you and your parent all the best.

[Anonymous]

My 58 year old family member has been on it for five years. He does always look exhausted. But he has the overnight at home kind, which is helpful. He is very active though, working and enjoying his life.

My friend's mom just decided not to proceed with dialysis after being diagnosed with kidney failure. She tried it a couple times and she hated it. She died within three weeks.

You need to be prepared for any reaction. Some people find it is more than they can take.

[Anonymous]

Hello. The responses thus far have been for hemodialysis. Peritoneal dialysis done at home is another option. My Dad needed emergent hemodialysis, but then had the peritoneal catheter placed. He does his dialysis each night. For him it provides a better quality of life than with the hemodialysis.

[Anonymous]

NP here: It’s helpful to hear the pros and cons. I also have a father in his early 80’s who will likely need dialysis. I’m not sure what I would do if I were in situation.

[Anonymous]

Anonymous wrote:Hello. The responses thus far have been for hemodialysis. Peritoneal dialysis done at home is another option. My Dad needed emergent hemodialysis, but then had the peritoneal catheter placed. He does his dialysis each night. For him it provides a better quality of life than with the hemodialysis.

+1
My dad also started with hemodialysis, but switched to peritoneal dialysis. He experienced far fewer side effects, and lived for ten years on peritoneal dialysis.