My dad has been a pretty sick guy for years. He is a 71 year old man who has a kidney disease and now has been told that he has to take dialysis. He has a few other illnesses, he has osteoporosis, which usually affects women, and rheumatiod arthritis and cannot walk very well and cannot do a lot with his hands which are almost completly closed and crooked from his painful condition. My dad does not say much and never complains I worry so much about him. I would just like to know what his chances are without coming right out and asking him. ANY info would be greatly appreciated. Thank you.
2006-07-20 04:30:57 · 5 answers · asked by Anonymous in Health ➔ General Health Care ➔ Other - General Health Care
Dialysis is a life prolonging treatment. It is hard on the body, but it doesn't mean he's dying any time soon. He can live for another 5-10, or even 15, years on dialysis considering his age and that he has other medical problems. If he has heart problems or cancer, then that will dramatically affect his outcome, but you did not mention any of that.
Kidney failure and dialysis will affect his quality of life. His whole lifestyle is changing. For the rest of his life he wil have dialysis treatments 3 days a week for about 3.5-4 hours. His diet will be extremely important to follow. He is also on fluid restrictions since his urinary function is likely diminished. He should try not to have any more than 1 liter of fluid each day. By fluid, that means anything that is liquid at room temperature, like coffee, milk, juice, soup, ice cream, popsicles, etc.
After his treatments, he will feel tired and sometimes a little sick. Patients often become frustrated, especially at first, and might just want to quit dialysis. The decision to quit dialysis is a very personal one and quitting will result in death. It should not be made on a whim and it should be discouraged if your father is depressed (being seriously depressed might mean he isn't thinking clearly about the decision). This is also a good time to make a living will, where your father outlines to his family members exactly what he wants done medically if he is unable to make those decisions for himself.
This is a difficult transition, not only for your father, but for all those closest to him. Seek out support from other patients and their families. There is a social worker assigned to your father's dialysis facility who can help. The technicians, nurses, dieticians can be a great source of information and encouragement. Best of luck to you.
2006-07-20 05:12:43 · answer #1 · answered by Dave S 4 · 1⤊ 0⤋
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2016-09-22 06:19:17 · answer #2 · answered by Vanessa 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He can live for a long time as long as he takes his medicines correctly. The other diseases seem common for a man his age.
We never know long we have to live so the point is to have fun and love every moment of your life without hurting people. I can be hit by a truck today, who knows.
2006-07-20 04:36:22 · answer #3 · answered by Eileen S 1 · 0⤊ 0⤋
He can live for several years on dialysis.
2006-07-20 04:36:25 · answer #4 · answered by karen wonderful 6 · 0⤊ 0⤋
on dialysis, he wont live long that usually means hes dying anyway..id be surprised if he lived longer than 6 months..... im sorry......
2006-07-20 04:35:40 · answer #5 · answered by shortyonwheelz2005 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋