kidney failure

Published Aug 20, 2011

1 Post

my mother is 89 years old and 4 years ago was diagnosed with blocked ureter of the right kidney. a problem she apparently had since childhood which was not diagnosed until 4 years ago. her doctor suggested nephrostomy tube. dyalisis and surgery were ruled out due to her weak condition. the nephrostomy tube however had to be replaced numorous times and the last time she was taken to hospital, the surgeon said that they were unable to insert the tube. this was 3 weeks ago and my mother has since decided that she does not want any more treatment as it is just prolonging the inevitable.

her right kidney is now swollen and she her eyelids, ankles and stomach are also swollen. she has pain in the right side of her body. her slep pattern has changed and she hardly eats.

unfortunately, i live in a place where there are no hospices and i have devoted the last 5 years of my life taking care of my mother 24/7. i don't like to see her in pain. and i have not been able to convince her to seek treatment.

she still passes urine, but i am afraid that the infected kidney will infect her other parts. now that i have come to agree and respect her wishes, what can i do to make what is left of her life more comfortable?

i hope someone can give me some advice.