Nobody Likes Waiting

Nobody likes waiting. We hate to wait for the bus, we hate to wait to see the doctor, we hate to wait for a meal … the list goes on.

I never knew the true meaning of waiting until Mum went for dialysis. Each session takes 4 hours and I’ve never known time to slip by so slowly! Even the last five minutes seem like 5 hours! I see other caregivers talking among themselves; some talk to other patients. Generally nobody takes notice of “Keep the Noise Level Down” sign!

It was very difficult at first for the family to decide whether Mum should proceed with dialysis or not. We sought the opinion of relatives and friends, a few of whom are doctors. We heard many views and not so pleasant experiences which didn’t make it any easier for us to decide. But I think Mum is getting used to her twice weekly treatments. For some reason or other, she can’t relax or sleep like other patients during dialysis, so she munches away – biscuits, buns, fruit. I guess munching gives her more confidence and distracts her from what’s going on!

Renal failure is a common ailment ong elderly people. We made our decision and there’s no turning back. The important thing is that Mum gets to lead a normal life. I shall have to take one day at a time and be thankful for each day we can spend time together with Mum doing the things she likes. Waiting doesn’t seem so tiresome when I look at things this way.