A Defining Moment in a Life-Long Journey with Dialysis.

BACKGROUND: The author seeks to address the issue of lack of communication between the physician and the patients as one of the possibilities for continued poor outcomes despite technical advances in dialysis. The failure to relate to patients as 'people' leads to a failure to individualize treatment and deal with atypical problems presented by some patients, which, in turn, leads to less than optimal outcomes.

SUMMARY: Statistical statements of life expectancy for dialysis patients are misleading. While accurate in a vacuum, they are less accurate when applied to individuals. Life expectancy can be improved by better communication and education, which may lead, in turn, to positive attitudes and motivation. Though often overlooked, these factors are instrumental in achieving optimal results. The author draws on her personal experience of 40 years using all modalities of dialysis. Through abundant experience from decades of interactions with practitioners and healthcare professionals, she states her views on how dialysis need not be spirit- and life-defeating.

KEY MESSAGE: While long-term global results are yet to be quantified, the author's 40 years of dialysis and a productive, happy life, speaks for itself. Dialysis is not the end of life; it is only a condition to be dealt with.