COPD and dialysis

[myporkchop]

Hi all,

Two specialists have concerns about my mum starting dialysis given she has difficulties with COPD. She has recurrent chest infections. They are concerned that she might not be able to cope with dialysis. We went and saw the specialist last Thursday as they wanted her to have made a decision about starting dialysis or not. After joining this site and reading all of your comments etc she felt encouraged and made a decision to give it a go. They are looking at peritoneal dialysis as she hemo may be difficult for her to access veins etc. They said they could do the operation for the catheter under local anesthetic. They said they would have to be creative at it as putting her to sleep may be too risky "as may not wake up".
We are so dam worried. I feel so sorry for her going through this, and I don't know how to make this any easier for her

[kickingandscreaming]

So sorry, MPC.  Sometimes conservative care is the best way to go.  Especially with so many bodily systems under duress.  Going through with surgery/dialysis is a big gamble in your mother's case.  But the alternative is perhaps more of a known-- but not a very comforting known. Sadly, we all reach a point where our issues get the better of us.  Some of us are closer to that point than others.  The most important thing is to go forward with your eyes open.  I'm sorry there are so few options left.

[myporkchop]

Thanku for that. It is very difficult decision for her. I don't want her to suffer but don't want to loose her so soon either. She wants to live but is so worried about her other health conditions. She is still young 64 and has fought thro many health complications. Although we thought we might have lost her years ago she kept fighting and got thru it. This time feels so unreal

[DayaraLee]

Nothing helpful to add, Myporkchop. But I will be praying for you, mom, and family. 

[myporkchop]

Thanku dayarlee

[Charlie B53]

I have the early stages of COPD.  I don't really know anything about it.  I have a chronic cough, mostly mornings bringing up that yuck from almost a lifetime of smoking.

Recently I took 50 MG of benadril nightly, not to clear my sinus' but for the aide to falling asleep.  I was having a bad time with a change in pain meds.

The benadril caused me serious distress during the daytime as it not only dried the mucus membranes it also dried the yuck somewhat, making it very difficult to clear my lungs.  What I used to clear first thing in the morning now took almost ALL DAY.

You bet I quit taking benadril.

If your Mother has a productive cough be very wary with any new meds.  She does not need anything to cause drying.  Other than dialysis to remove the excess water.   Possibly water pills to help any remaining kidney function to keep shedding watrer.  Your Neph will be your best source for medication information.

Will be hoping to hear how she does.

Take Care,

Charlie B53

[myporkchop]

Thank you Charlie. She smoked cigarettes from a very young age (approx. 45 years). She has been in and out of hospital for the last 8 years in the respiratory ward (usually around winter, but not always). She gets fluid on the lungs, chest infections and gets really short of breath. They prescribed her water pills which helped a lot. She always has a back up course of antibiotics to start as soon as she is noticing symptoms of COPD. I spoke to her GP today to inform him that she has made the decision to give dialysis a go. He seemed really pleased that a decision has been made so we can start with the process. I mentioned that we were worried about whether or not she is doing the right thing (having dialysis or not), he said there is not right or wrong answer. I mentioned to him that the surgeon said they can operate and the anesthetist said they would just need to be a bit creative in how they do the procedure (i.e under local anesthetic), but can do it. The G.P thought this sounded very positive. Which then gave us some hope, if he is positive about it.

Thanks again I will keep you all updated

Regards

[cassandra]

Thanx for the update. Good luck to you, your mum and family

Love and strength, Cas

[Charlie B53]

Don't quote me, but I thought I heard that spinal block may be used in some cases a general anesthetic deemed to risky.

Some people are total paranoid about anyone poking into their spine.  I myself have mixed feelings having both good and not so good experiences.

It may be an alternative worth asking questions about.  although I would definitely want to be certain to make SURE the one doing the poking is very well experienced, NOT a recent beginner.

[myporkchop]

Sorry Charlie, I thought I had responded and thanked you for your reply, but I hadn't...so thank you. I will ask about the spinal block.
Thanks again