Keeping a Brave Front

Abstract

The burden of end stage renal disease often seems insurmountable. This is especially true for patients who are on renal replacement therapy, whose lives and whose family's lives have been changed by this dreaded illness. As nephrologists taking care of dialysis patients, we are witnesses to the effect chronic kidney disease has to the patient and their family. Often, aside from managing the patient during regular dialysis sessions, we take the time to converse with the patient and with the patient's family.