Follow
Share

My dad has CKD and his most recent labs have him at eGFR 18, so borderline ESRD. A year ago he was at eGRF 28 making this is a somewhat rapid decline. He is pretty frail so I don't believe he would handle dialysis well nor do I think a nephrologist would even consider him a candidate. In addition to CKD, he has high blood pressure and Parkinson's. He was hospitalized for pancreatitis in January and was actually discharged to hospice after a 3 week stay. He was taken off hospice in late April after making a miraculous recovery. He is mobile, will use a walker once in a while. Lives in AL nearby and we are able to visit him frequently. I'm at a loss for what I am supposed to expect or tell him to expect or what the future looks like, or how long he has. He has not been to a nephrologist in a year but his dr doesn't necessarily think a nephrologist is even worth it at this point and said in passing that hospice might be an option. I definitely don't think he is at the point of needing hospice. I guess I am just looking for insight from anyone who has helped a loved one through this process. Thank you.

Find Care & Housing
His nephrologist might not recommend this. My mom with dementia with a level 4 told her doctor it would not be for her even with short term memory with a just in time conversation. He said that as GFR decreases, she would become more sleepy. She passed due to her dementia about a year later due to her forgetting to eat at 98.
Dialysis patients need transportation to dialysis with a 4 hour treatment 3 x week. Some have side effects after treatment. You need to also consider dementia and pulling out tube's with lots of blood. Also if behavior issues, would that mean a family member or hired help need to stay?
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to MACinCT
Report

Followup should be with his doctor and at this point he should have a geriatric specialist or a palliative care specialist rather than just a PCP. It should be understood, IF THIS IS HIS WISH, that he isn't a candidate for dialysis and no ports should be placed either permanent or temporary.
When it is time for Hospice then Hospice care should be applied for through his doctors. I am so sorry that one more thing is added to this already so full plate.
The important thing here is this and ONLY this if there is no dementia: these choices are for your father to make.
Helpful Answer (1)
Reply to AlvaDeer
Report

He does not want to pursue dialysis and he does not have dementia, though I understand it may come as he declines.

I'm curious what to expect in the coming months and what I should be prepared for.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to onlysandwich
Report
AlvaDeer Nov 18, 2024
You will expect the unexpected and that's the best way to prepare. People often think "Well, these numbers are bad, and with hospice he will just slip away". Nope. Not always. People can go on LONG after the docs have said "Without dialysis he will be gone in a few months. I have seen this as a nurse over and over again.
You will speak with the doc with your Dad, make it clear there will be no treatment and ask for followup labs, ask for hospice as soon as he can get it. I don't know about your state MAiD laws but in California I could avail myself of the right to die cocktail should my cancer spread and I get the 6 month prognosis. And I happily would do so. Beat hospice to the punch so on. But these are decisions of the individual.

Do come with specific questions if you have them; but know that the doc and hospice are the best ones to give answers individual to their own patients.
(2)
Report
Demential goes hand and hand with Parkinsons so watch for signs.
Because Dad will do no Dialysis, evenually his kidneys will stop functioning and toxins in the body will cause Dementia type symtoms.
Helpful Answer (0)
Reply to JoAnn29
Report

Ask a Question
Subscribe to
Our Newsletter