the ki ney citizen
So , what do the professionals know that leads them to that choice ? I am a dialysis social worker of over 18 years and I know why I would choose home treatment . hoice ! le life on dialysis
choices you make will have a powerful impact on your quality and length of life . One important choice you need to make is on how you are going to receive your dialysis . I have had the opportunity to give talks to dialysis professionals about the topic of patient empowerment on a number of occasions . At the beginning of each talk , I ask the same question , “ If you were , health wise , able to choose any modality ( in-center hemodialysis , home frequent hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis ), how many of you would choose in-center dialysis ?” The answer is always the same . In a group of 4 to 500 professionals ( I mean doctors , nurses , dietitians , social worker , techs , etc .) I will have only 1 or 2 who raise their hand and say that they would choose in-center treatment .
Let me count some of the whys . 1 . I like the idea that I would be in control of when I would do my treatment .
2 . Since I would not be locked into in-center treatment days and times , such as ( i . e . MWF at 11 a . m ., I would be far more able to travel , to choose when I will do my treatment .
3 . I would schedule my treatment around my life – not my life around my treatment schedule .
4 . Home patients report feeling stronger , being able to work again and / or do more around the house . 5 . Home patients report less restless leg syndrome . 6 . They sleep better . 7 . They have far fewer and shorter hospital stays . 8 . Most patients need fewer medications . 9 . There are less diet restrictions . 10 . Less stress and higher reported quality of life . 11 . Again , they report a higher quality of life .
The life we experience is largely based on the decisions we make or don ’ t make . The decisions that we postpone making are still decisions . Think about the decisions you have been making and what decisions you can change to new choices . The goal of this article is to challenge you to become informed , empowered and responsible for your treatment . You are the patient . You have the right and obligation to ask your doctor questions . You have the right to do research and talk with your treatment team . This is your body / your life . You will live with the consequences of your choices or non-choices . What are some first steps you can take to making active decisions in your life ? Starting today you can :
Set goals – What quality of life do you want ? Gather evidence and know your options and then begin to make the healthy choices that will help you achieve your goals . You might start by looking into the benefit of home dialysis for you . You are the patient , you have the right to explore your options and if your doctor will not assist you , you have the right to change doctors . However , also remember that as we ask the hard questions , we do this with respect . A gentle word is heard much clearer than an angry shout .
9