Kidney Function 4% Dialysis Not Started Why? - Kidney Disorders Message Board

bestoldies · 08-04-2009, 05:58 AM

My Mom is 81 years old and has a lot of health problems.

Multiple Myeoloma, Congestive Heart Failure, Renal Failure, had one lung removed to Cancer, and Dementia. The Nephrologist told me four weeks ago that she had 10% Kidney function and that we should think about Dialysis. We told him yes start the Dialysis ASAP. I took her to see him two weeks later, he ran another blood test and he said this would determine Dialysis. I said we already agreed to start Dialysis. He said lets see what this blood tests shows. It took us two weeks to find out blood test results he now said her Kidney function was at 4%. He ordered another blood test and told my Mom she needs to think about Dialysis, he would call me with blood test results in a few days. Why is this doctor waiting about starting Dialysis if her Kidney function is only 4% and better yet why was it not started when it was at 10% function. I am confused because other posts show Dialysis was started when their Kidney function was at 15%.

I know my Mom has a lot of health problems could this be why the doctor is hesitating about the Dialysis?

Cora1003 · 08-04-2009, 08:59 AM

I would suggest have a serious chat with the doc. I have encountered some that don't like to bother with elderly patients and that could be why he is hesitating to start. You need to be direct and find out why your instructions to start were not followed. It could be that the dementia is also a significant issue. Is she combative or cooperative, because that can make a difference.

Sorry I can't be more help, but you must confront (in a polite way, of course) the doc.

bestoldies · 08-04-2009, 09:31 AM

Thanks, Cora.

I did confront him about it, and he just said let's wait and see what this blood test shows first. Maybe the doctor is thinking about the DNR my Mother has, that if she did not have Dementia she would probably refuse Dialysis. She is not combative at least not yet, she goes along with whatever we tell her. This is a tough decision for all concerned, my Mom has been seriously sick for almost 40 years. When does one decide that person has been through enough and leave it up to God to decide. No easy answer that's for sure.

Cora1003 · 08-04-2009, 12:01 PM

I can't say I've been in your shoes. I wish you the best and I'll say a prayer for your family. Take care.

deedee1313 · 08-05-2009, 07:31 AM

I understand what you are going through.My husbands health really started to decline in 2001.Over the next 5 years he lost both of his legs,the sight in one of his eyes,had a heart attack,and went into kidney failure.He was in pain all of the time.At 53 he went into septic shock and ended up on life support.At that time I decided that it was enough and I took him off the machine.We lost him and I have never regretted the choice that I made.There have been times that I have said what if,but then I think about how sick he was and I know I made the right choice.I hope it helps to know that you aren't alone in this and in the end you will make the choice that you need to make,whichever one it may be.