Mom Might Have to Go on Dialysis, What Can I expect?

Question

Is there anything she can do for your kidneys now or is it too late?

Answer 1

I'm so sorry to hear this. Unfortunately, her kidneys won't get any better and will need dialysis for the rest of her life or a kidney transplant.

My husband is in renal failure also, due to diabetes. Your mom will feel kind of crappy on dialysis for a while, until the toxins are completely out of her system.

There are different types of dialysis. Hemo dialysis and Periotonel. Most people do the hemo.

Dialysis lasts about 3-4 hours for each session, depending on your weight. Most people do it in the dialysis center. At first she will have to get a catheter to go on dialysis and will get a fistula in her arm. This is so the bad blood can go out and the cleaned blood can go in.

My husband has been on it for a year and he feels great. He is still able to keep working, since he is only 37. He does dialysis at home now, he is on the Nx Stage System, for hemo dialysis.

Your mom will also have to watch her diet now. Watch her fluid, since she won't be able to get it all out of her system. Most likely her legs and feet are swollen. She will be on a low potassium and phospherus diet. This is because the kidney usually gets rid of this, but since she needs dialysis, the machine doesn't get it all out.

My best to your Mom and your family. This is a tough time right now, but she will get through it. Keep positive and help her from getting depressed.

Answer 2

I am on dialysis myself. The first thing your mom will need to decide is what type of dialysis she wants--hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. If she opts for peritoneal dialysis they will have to insert an access in her stomach. If they opt for hemodialysis they will insert a temporary catheter in her chest and then perform either a fistula or graph for permanent access sight.

During the time that she has the catheter, she must be very careful to not let the access site get infected. During this time she should also be sure she does all of the exercises prescribed to help develop the arm access. The average fistula takes about 8 weeks to develop, but a graph can be ready for use in about three weeks. If possible, she should get a fistula, they last longer and are natural.

The actual dialysis is usually three to four hours in length. Most patients go three times a week. Some go as many as five times per week. Before she goes to her first treatment at the center she chooses, I would suggest she go visit the center just to see what it is like. She will need a pillow, a blanket and headphones.

Actually she will probably take less medicine after she starts dialysis. I know I do. Most people do because they now receive iron, epo and vitamin D during dialysis. Also you do not have to take medication to prevent kidney stones. But she must remember to atke her binders with each meal and snack.

When I first started dialysis I got so sick each time. I got very nauseated and I ran a fever and threw up. That lasted for about 3 months and I have never had a problem since then.

I don't know much about peritoneal dialysis. I know you have to change bags about 4 times a day.

She should also begin transplant evaluation as soon as possible. That way if there are any problems prohibiting her from candidacy they can be remedied.

Answer 3

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Answer 4

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Answer 5

If they're talking about dialysis, then it's too late to do anything other than a kidney transplant. It's usually done 3 days a week and will take up to 4 or 5 hours each time.

Answer 6

My mother-in-law lived with my wife and I for over 20-years, the last three of these years she was on dialysis. Between treatments she would get very tired and my wife had to keep a close watch on her fluid intake. She would also complain about the treatment being pain full. But even at that she enjoyed her grandchildren and the activities she was involved in. If she indeed requires dialysis I would suggest a support group.

Answer 7

My grandmother had to have dialysis - it can be pretty tough. Your mother will have to have dialysis for the rest of her life, unless she was to get a kidney transplant. She will likely be really tired after the process. Good luck to you and your mother.

Answer 8

Well I'm not sure if there is anything you can do, but my granfather is on dialysis and he goes to a center a few times a week. As for what to expect I'd say that she might be tierd after dialysis though.

Answer 9

if she has to go on diaysis there is noting she can do. i went into total kidney faliure in march 2000.i had no ieal what it was, now i do. she will be very weak and might have trouble with her blood levels and blood pressure. i went three times a week for 4 hours. make sure that she does not miss a treatment. if she misses a treatment she will feel like she is running out of breath.the treatments take the fluid of your body that your kidneys usually does.you feel weak but good when you leave but by the time you go back you feel bloated. be sure to stay on the diet and stay away from to much fluids. that includes ice cream.ice,jello,watermelon,grapes,anything that has a lot of liquids in it. be sure to stay on the diet,it is hard to stay with it at first but you will learn how to follow it as time goes on.when se starts it seems so overwhlemng but listen to what they tell you and keep a positive attuide.
i got a kidney and pancreas transplant in 2003, you need to get with a transplant list as so as possible if she qualifies for it. i no longer have diabetes and no more diaysis.
be patient and kid to your om. her body is going to go through a lot of changes. she might get mean and distant. just remember that this is all new and it is a huge thing to go through. ask her doctor to give her something for depression, i went on zoloft and it helped me a lot.it is very time comsuming but she hasto go.
i fell for her and and your famliy, i will oray that things go well.

Answer 10

If she has to go on dialysis it means that she has to go on dialysis for the rest of her life. You can expect her to have to do dialysis up to 5 times per day.