O/T Kidney Diseas

newter

O/T Kidney Diseas

newter

I am writing here because people here are so helpful and I have just begun researching kidney disease for my dad.  He just found out today that his kidneys are only functioning at 20% and up until recently, his health has never really been an issue.

Anyway, he is 75 and has really led a very active and healthy life.  He has been treating high blood pressure  and high cholestrol for at least 13 years and now his kidney specialist doctor is telling him it is too late to reverse the damage.   At this point they need to slow it and probably some time in the future; dialysis.  I find it really hard to believe that his PCP did not see any warning signs earlier to get him to a specialist quicker. Then again, I think his doctor is an an idiot for prescribing z-packs any time it is requested.

I am just searching for anyone with any helpful info or experience.

Thank you, 

Lorene

I see I just spelled disease wrong and now I can't change it.  Why is that?

Anonymous

Lorene:  I dont know how much help this will be.  Wanted to send you a hug first cause I know this is probably scaring you.  I see lots of people everyday with chronic renal failure.  Many do very well without dialysis.  On the otherhand, I also have taken care of alot of patients who are on dialysis and they are doing great. 

Chronic meaning that many people can live good healthy lives.  Maybe its too late to correct the damage, but its not too late to manage the problem.

newter

Nicki,

Thank you so much for responding.   I am sure I am going to have tons of questions soon.  I know next to nothing about dialysis and kidney disease so this is going to be quite an education.  Just like the BC journey. 

I do have one immediate question.  How well is dialysis tolerated?  My dad still works full time, has a girlfriend, travels.  Should he expect a change in the quality of life if he does need to have dialysis?

Anonymous

For someone your dads age, dialysis should be tolerated well.  Many can do it at home instead of going to a center.  The hardest thing is the time it takes, but if he did it at home he could do it at night.

There are many people walking around who are on dialysis and you would never know it. 

One baby step at a time.

Time for this girl to go to bed.  I know its scary, and I will do some research tomorrow, but I think its gonna be ok.

newter

Thank you, again.  I really appreciate this.