How do end stage renal patients who've been through hemodialysis maintain health?

Question

It is unrealistic to expect drastic improvements (or even any improvements at all for some) but to keep the function at eGFR 10% for many years is a challenge, isn't it? What kind of effective health maintence can the patient do? And what are some medical therapies/nursing interventions to keep them constant?

Answer 1

They do not maintain health well at all. They delay death.

Hemodialysis is a way to slow down the dying process, or to bridge the gap until a donor kidney can be found for transplant. It is not without risk, and there are a number of complications that can upset their delicate metabolic balance.

The best health maintenance they can do is to eat a "renal" diet recommended by a nutritionist, and to follow the advice of their nephrologist, taking their medications as ordered. Showing up for dialysis is a good idea, too.

You'd be surprised how many people start feeling a little better and think they don't need to go as often. Sigh.

Answer 2

1

Answer 3

End stage renal failure is treated with continuous or ambulatory dialysis. This process adds months or rarely years to life but not life to years. Chronic renal failure hastens ageing process further and ultimately people succumb to uremia.
Patients must be told the truth and given an option to refuse dialysis.