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Learn how you can have the best possib
By
Craig R. Fisher, PhD, MSW, MS, L.C.S.W.,Nephrology Social Worker, The Renal Network, ESRD Network 10
There is a topic I am most passionate about – It is how to
improve our quality of life.
My goal in this article is to challenge you/ to encourage
you to take control of your life - to help you make healthy
choices about your treatment and how you live your life.
So here goes.
Recently I read a report about two research studies. Between the two studies there were a total of about 6,500
dialysis patients who were split into 3 different groups:
1st group - Patients who made self-directed, choices of
modality, i.e. in-center, frequent home hemodialysis, or
peritoneal dialysis. Those decisions were based on information they had received;
2nd group – Patients who worked with their care team to
decide;
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3rd group - Patients who allowed their care team to choose
for them.
Five years later, the patients who made their own choice
(Group 1) were significantly more likely to live longer,
healthier, happy lives and to get a transplant. This was
true even after ruling out other factors such as age, sex,
race, other illness, blood test levels, level of kidney function, education, work, and marital status.
Let me repeat! When self-directed with information, patients who make their own choices live longer, healthier,
and happier lives. This is not JUST some interesting information. These studies show how important your involvement in your treatment is, as well as in the length
and quality of your life.
This means that you can make choices and that the