I’m hoping someone might share what to expect for my mom. She is 90 and has high blood pressure with newly diagnosed stage 4 kidney disease . She has recently lost control of her bladder and bowels and is feeling tired and weak . Her appetite is ok but she is having a difficult time using her computer which she loves and focusing on reading . Tia
anyway thank you all for your answers. As far as seeing her doctors it has been very frustrating. You get the switch board and leave a message and must wait for them to call you back. It sometimes takes 48 hours. I guess we all want to know what is going on with our parent, their prognosis, and even exact day of their death so we can figure out the finances and what we are going to be in for , but that is not how this plays out. I can not control this and am going to have to learn to accept each day as it comes.
You really need to discuss this with her doctor.
Again, crucial is that you (I assume POA for health care) speak with MD about diagnosis and prognosis. It may be time to call in hospice. Kidneys are one of the big three. Heart, lungs, kidneys all needed for life and once one system begins to cave the others follow like dominos.
I am sorry for this diagnosis. Your doctor is your best guide. Many, however, make promises about dialysis that are not realistic, especially at the end of life, and in my opinion it is a "heroic measure" at this stage of life.
I wish you the best. I would begin the think clearly and realistically now about the fact that end of life is on the doorstep, and how best to make this remaining time quality time, pain free as you can make it.