I Hate Dialysis Message Board
Introduction => Introduce Yourself => Topic started by: alex.cordero on May 05, 2009, 04:04:32 PM
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Hello everyone. I'm here to get some advice for me dad. He doesn't know how to use forums on the internet so I'm helping him out.
My dad is 76 and is a diabetic. He's been a diabetic for about four solid years and the good news is that the doc just lowered his insulin dosage--but that's for another newsgroup.
His kidneys are now functioning at 12% efficiency. They were at 24% last back in September of 2008 and the kidney specialist wants him to go on dialysis now! My dad (and I, frankly) are fighting this decision and ultimately, it is up to my dad.
He says he feels great as long as his insulin dosage is managed and lately he's actually been putting the weight back on. He's very careful about what he eats and my son gives him plenty of exercise--my son is 20 months old and he's quick for a toddler.
So my question is, how much longer can we put off dyalisis before we face the reality that his life is about to change in a way that he never imagined? He's being as positive as possible.
Thanks.
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:waving; Welcome to IHD.
12% Function is pretty low. And your both right only your father can make the call.
But it does sound like it is time to make that call. I would read up on this site and learn what you can.
There are a couple options on types of dialysis PD or Hemo. You could read up on that.
It is good he is feeling well. So this is the time to make a decision and the sooner the better.
The option of not choosing dialysis is well documented here at IHD.
One of our caretakers (someone who helps a person with dialysis) sadly had this same situation
and her mother decided not to do dialysis. It is a touching thread full of emotion. No one judged her
going back to the fact that it is each individuals option.
With that said i surly hope your father looks into it. Sounds like your son is a good motivation :thumbup;
Ask any and all questions.
Welcome to you all.
P&K
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I am 68 years old and I waited as long as I could. I had to be taken kicking and screaming because I felt relly well. I was without family to be concerned with but personally, if he is in good health otherwise and since he has that grandson to enjoy I'd get serious and discuss it with his nephrologist.
By the way, I've done dialysis 2 weeks now and I'm starting to get back to normal. I'm told that soon I'll feel even better than I did before. (Diabetes here too... same situation)
Will you father at least come on line and talk to people. That's what got me through to this point. Not only good information, lots of varied ideas, lots of heros and lots of humor. It all helped.
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You do need to make some decisions. If you decide to do dialysis, you have many options, including alternatives that can be done at home. If you put it off for too long, you won't be able to make the most of the time available for planning.
I think you will find a lot of answers right here on this site, as well as a lot of support from others who have been in your situation.
Look around and ask questions.
Welcome! :welcomesign;
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You all sound wonderfully supportive, it's exactly what I was looking for. At this point, his Nephrologist is respecting my dad's decision but would like him to at least consider a "shunt" in case his health declines and dialysis needs to be started. He's been through all the classes and watched the presentation. He knows what's ahead of him but is using a lot of herbal remedies, good spirits and what the heck, waiting for a little divine intervention. Ok, now reality sets in--how long can the body sustain a significantly decreased kidney function? I don't think they'd consider a donor at his age but you never know. We have to be realistic, the discussions with the neph have already taken place, the doctor is just waiting for my dad to say "uncle".
Also, should I move this discussion elsewhere since this is the introduction section?
Thank you all.
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:welcomesign; Alex and good on you for looking out for your Dad. I say, get ready for dialysis (fistula surgery or whatever he chooses) and then when he starts to feel really awful he can decide what he wants to do. I'd also say be very careful about herbal remedies because when our kidney function is impaired, many of those can make things worse as the body can't clear them. Always check with a nephrologist before taking any of these "natural" remedies.
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:welcomesign; Alex. You will just love it here. You'll find all kinds of information and support to help you with your Dad, and Bless your heart. Please post often and keep us updated. :cuddle;
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:welcomesign;
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Welcome Alex, good to have you aboard.
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Hi Alex. Do you know if he'll have to do haemo or can he do PD? I've done both and much prefer PD. Last night I went out after school with some mates and did my dialysis 'exchange' in the toilet at the restaurant. I'm now sitting checking out the IHD site while I do an exchange. It's very portable and it's possible to travel and do all the things he's used to. Yes, it's a pain in the a, but it's better than feeling really horrible. Good luck and tell him he's a lucky man having you on his side!
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Hi Alex,
I think I can relate somewhat to your situation. Just wanted to mention, be careful with waiting too long. My mother did not want to undergo dialysis, and waited and waited. In a way our family became sort of numb, not wanting to force her into anything, and trying to support her decision. She ended up collapsing in a public place and barely survived due to extremly high potassium levels. I think there was this idea that she would "know" when she needed dialysis, but that is not what happened.
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:welcomesign; Hi Alex. First, thank you for being such a caring son for your father. :cuddle; Supportive family and friends makes dealing with this disease a little easier. It sounds like your Dad and neph have a good working relationship and together will make the right decision. I have been at 12-15% for a couple of years! My labs keep looking good, so we are holding off for now. But, my labs are checked regularly and we stay on top of everything healthwise. It is all different for each person. Learn everything you can, ask tons of questions and stay aware of how your Dad is feeling. You will all make the right decision. Keep posting and let us know how your Dad is doing. Once you become a member, you are family!! :grouphug; Glad you joined!
paris, Moderator
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Welcome to our community, Alex! I am very gratified when someone joins us because of their concern for a family member or loved one.
I am hoping that the right decisions are made. I myself wanted to be well for my grandson (he will be 6 tomorrow) though dialysis is not a walk in the park, it has certainly helped me a lot. Just before dialysis, walking up three steps would almost knock me out. Now I am able to almost run up flights of stairs (notice I said 'almost'!)
This is a wonderful place to be - full of information, support, and even fun at times. We are much more than a forum - we are a genuine family, sharing and caring. :grouphug;
Let us know how your dad is doing.
Bajanne, Moderator
P.S. I teach French at our Community College. They will be doing their final exams today. My top student's name is Arianne Cordero (any relative? ;D ) She is from Santo Domingo.