my mom is 78 in stage 5 of kidney failure and has congestive heart failure. heart rate is 32. doctor wants to do a pacemaker kidney doctor said more or less don't bother. she takes high blood pressure meds to control bp. she does not have diabetes. she seems to be doing good right now and it has been about a month since we have found out she is in stage 5. intake of liquids and output are slowing down.My mom is not a candidate for transplant or dialysis because of her heath. her weight is down to 91 pounds
shadaro - From what you've described, it's not the kidney failure that's the problem. It's age and heart failure. 78 is quite elderly, and a pacemaker would only help so much if the heart is failing. I'd get hospice help.
ReplyDeleteGracinda - At Stage V kidney failure, a person is in End Stage Renal Disease, meaning the kidneys are not functioning. Dialysis is needed at this time to live.
ReplyDeleteHas her kidney doctor discussed dialysis with her? Does she want to start dialysis when it is time?
Perhaps he has had this conversation with her; I'm quite sure he has mentioned it at some point by now, but maybe she hasn't discussed it with you.
To be blunt, if she doesn't want to do dialysis, then there is not a point in doing the pacemaker, because her body's organ systems are shutting down. And there is no point in only helping one organ if you aren't going to help the rest.
Your mom is really quite ill, and she likely doesn't have a lot of time.
Does she have a medical power of attorney? Does she have a living will? Has she expressed her wishes for the end of life care? These are discussions that she NEEDS to be having right now.
I wish her and you the best.
Panther4Life - Do you know her creatinine level and eGFR? It really depends on these numbers. At her age and health status, a kidney transplant (meaning being placed on the UNOS transplant waiting list) is probably out of the question. At stage 5 kidney failure, dailysis or a transplant are needed in order to live. Your best bet is to see whether she is a candidate for dialysis or not. This may ne a bit of a stretch, but you should find out of it is possible to give her one of your kidneys (if willing) and at the same time get a pacemaker. It would be worth looking into. Hope this helps!! :) Best wishes to both of you.
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