What questions would you ask?

[danbaskett04]

Hello. I've been feeling really tired and sick to my stomach a lot. Just feeling like crap all the time. My GFR is 13 and my neph wants to talk about starting dialysis. I was wondering what are some of the questions that you would ask.  My next visit is on Aug 05. Any thing would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks

[jbeany]

First question - has anyone explained the different types of dialysis to you? You have a number of options.  You may be limited by what is available in your area, though.  At a bare minimum, they should be able to offer you PD or regular 3 times a week hemo in a dialysis center.  Some places are now offering in-center nocturnal.  Home hemo is also an option in some places.  Depending on your health and lifestyle, you need to learn enough about the different kinds to decide which one you want to pursue.  Find out from your doc what is available and what one best suits you.  There are advantages and disadvantages to each kind, so the more you learn, the easier it will be to get the kind that works best.

Then you need to learn about accesses.  You need a different kind for PD than you do for hemo.  If you are thinking of going with PD, you need to discuss whether or not it would be a good idea to have a hemo access put in as well.  There are several kinds of hemo accesses - you need to learn the difference between a perma-cath, a fistula, and a graft.

Find out how many centers are in your area, and which ones are in the best locations for you.  Is your doc affiliated with one of them?  Will you see him more often if you go to one he is affiliated with?  Is it a profit or non-profit center? (The for-profit ones are not always as good for the patients, but that's not always true.) 

Find out if you can visit the centers and get a tour, or talk to any of the patients.

It's all pretty overwhelming at the beginning.  It does get better, though.  Good luck!

[kellyt]

   Good job, jbeany!

[Jean]

That was a good job jbeany. I did try to get a tour of the two local facilities, one said no, so I am going to try Da Vita this week.

[Yvonne]

Our renal unit in the UK gave John a DVD and a booklet on Different options for dailysis.  Maybe you could ask if your renal unit has these items!

[kellyt]

My Neph's office gave me a DVD as well.  I was a little put off by it, although thankful for the gesture, because all the people in the DVD were all  happy and smiling while going off to dialysis.  blah, blah, blah   My doctor laughed when I told him that.

I also asked my Neph what would he do if he were in my shoes.  He said home hemo.

[kitkatz]

That was a good job jbeany. I did try to get a tour of the two local facilities, one said no, so I am going to try Da Vita this week.

Jean if you come to Davita West Magnolia, to see the nocturnal facility, I am in the back in a bed.  Come say Hello!  Name of Katherine! We can make them get you a chair and chat!  I am usually there by 8 pm.

[Jean]

MWF Kit?

[monrein]

Monday, Wednesday, Friday Jean.