Please Help Information on terminal kidney failure

[jella]

Hi Everyone, I'm posting from Ireland & I'm really hoping someone can help. My aunt who is 49 years old and has a learning disability developed kidney/ end-stage renal failure last summer. She also has chronic heart failure and because of this is not strong enough  for dialysis or a transplant. The only pain relief that can be perscribed for her is 500mg of paracetemol. Her consultant in the hospital has discharged her from his care to our family doctor, but our family doctor has been of no help. He just tells us she is a great warrior and there is no more he can do for her. She stopped eating last week and asks to use the toilet about every 5mins 24/7. She may only pass urine one time out of every 5 attempts and spends her days in bed, she's too weak to even sit on the armchair now. We know there is no cure and all we can hope for is to keep her as comfortable as possible. I've tried contacting the Irish Kidney Association but they do not have any information on this condition. If anybody has been through this or has any information at all on this I'd really appreciate it. Is it normal that she would feel the urgency to urinate so often and be unable to pass urine? Thanks in advance we are at our wits end between the lack of information and also with physically trying to care for her.  

[egbertsouse]

I think you're Aunt's sensation for the need to pass urine is a fairly common side effect. Has anyone spoken with you/your family regarding peritoneal dialysis? It might be something to look into due to your Aunt's unique situation. Just a thought.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

How is your aunt? She is very lucky to have you care for her. End-stage kidney disease is the complete, or almost complete failure of the kidneys to function. The kidneys can no longer remove wastes, concentrate urine, and regulate electrolytes. This may present as decreased alertness (drowsiness, confusion or  delirium);  decreased sensation in the hands, feet, or other areas; decreased urine output; easy bruising or bleeding; fatigue; frequent hiccups; general ill feeling; headache; itching; nausea or vomiting; no urine output; skin may appear yellow or brown and unintentional weight loss.

Dialysis or kidney transplantation are the only treatments for ESRD. Eating a low- protein, high- carbohydrate diet, limiting fluids, salt, potassium, phosphorus, and other  is advised. At this point, support groups may also help. Talk to your doctor with what to expect or  palliative measures. Take care and regards.