Life on dialysis: a lived experience.

The objective of this study was to explore the lived experience of patients with ESRD to determine if they are adequately educated about their illness so as to avoid the possible complications associated with the disease. Three pertinent conceptual categories emerged that described the concern in the life of patients on dialysis: 1) life changes on dialysis with sub-themes of restricted life, limitations, and hard on body; 2) coping; and 3) areas lacking with sub-themes of health management, education, and preparing the next generation. Identified deficits among this study group will help healthcare professionals fill in the gaps in the delivery of healthcare service, which when addressed, would ultimately ease the burden of this disease on patients and their families.