To choose or not to choose

One of the hardest decisions we will make in our individual journeys through chronic kidney disease is our choice of starting dialysis modality, that is, if we are lucky enough to live in a country where we have a choice. There are often barriers that we face to living the life we want to when receiving the different types of dialysis treatment. Factors that influence our decision-making at the commencement of dialysis can include availability of chairs or home training facilities, time needed to be away from home, what education we receive, our living situations and what stage of life we are at. The quality of life that we wish to have on dialysis also plays a big factor in our decision-making, along with what supports we have at home and our financial and living situations.