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.
I'm curious what to expect in the coming months and what I should be prepared for.
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.
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?