Dialysis does not always help people live longer. For those 80 years old
or older and frail or with other illnesses, dialysis does not extend life. For some, the best way to treat kidney failure may be to let nature take its course. We call this Palliative care. It may also be called conservative management with no dialysis.
Choosing palliative care may make sense if:
• There is a lot of pain (such as from cancer) that can’t be helped.
• More than one severe chronic disease is present at the same time.
• Quality of life is poor, with little hope that it will get better.
• Someone does not know what is going on or fights the treatment (as with dementia).
Palliative care does not mean “doing nothing”. It is an active course of treatment.Palliative care offers help to cope with a chronic disease and boost quality of life. It does not shorten life or lengthen it. The patient will have clinic visits. In fact, a whole team of healthcare staff will seek ways to relieve pain, symptoms (like shortness of breath or sleep problems), and stress. Physical therapy, massage, medicines, diet, and other techniques may be used.
Feeling Hopeless or Afraid is Not a Reason to Choose Palliative Care.
It is very normal to be scared when you know that your kidneys are failing. It is also normal to worry about being a burden on your loved ones. You may worry that your life won’t be worth living if you must use a machine to survive. You are not alone if you feel this way. It’s vital to know that you are still YOU, whether your kidneys work or not. And, you matter. Don’t let depression make choices for you. Talk to someone, get treatment so you feel better, and make a choice when you are not as upset and afraid.
To know about palliative care treatment, call 020-41095000 / 020-41095002.
PallEx Healthcare c/o Deccan Hardikar Hospital, 1st Floor, University Road, Shivajinagar, Pune-5.