Does anyone know the chances my Grandma has of going through dialysis? She had one kidney removed due to cancer and the other kidney has been failing. She had a heart attack and her blood pressure is very low-80 over 48. The doctors took her off dialysis because of all of her problems, plus she pulled the tube out of her neck. Today, they called and said her blood pressure is stable and they want to start dialysis again. But, they have to surgically insert another tube in her neck. I feel this is mutilation! What should we do?

Hi:

In a situation like this, a lot depends on what your grandmother wants. The doctors obviously think a second attempt is worthwhile, but this is more a question of her quality of life. How old is she? Is she still able to make these kinds of decisions on her own? Please discuss your feelings with the doctors. During my time on hemodialysis, I had several catheters implanted in my chest. One actually fell out shortly after the surgery. I also had a fistula fail that left my wrist and hand scarred. Mutilation or necesssity7

Best,
Mike