Lived Experiences of Chronic Kidney Disease Patients Undergoing Dialysis Treatment: A Preliminary Study

This study affirms the competence of individuals suffering from chronic kidney disease (CKD) who undergo dialysis treatment in their ongoing acceptance of the illness and adjustment to their everyday routines. This study aimed to investigate the tangible encounters of patients coping with CKD while undergoing dialysis treatment. Diagnosis of CKD frequently necessitates modifications in the lifestyle. The preliminary study explores the personal encounters of patients residing on the eastern coast of Malaysia with CKD. A qualitative descriptive study explores the lived experiences of patients with CKD using a narrative approach. Purposive sampling selected the eight patients receiving dialysis treatment, and semi–structured interviews were conducted in a counseling room for confidentiality reasons. Three primary themes emerged in this research: (i) life before and after dialysis treatment in a flashback, (ii) patients’ health impacted their social life, and (iii) treatment and illness caused them to adjust their ibadah (worship) or religious practice. The challenges faced by patients undergoing dialysis treatment have provided valuable experience. All these primary themes have revealed the quality of life of dialysis patients through their illness. Individuals suffering from CKD with dialysis treatment face many intricate obstacles, including heightened symptom burden and functional restrictions across various routine activities in life. The originality of this study lies in its overall findings, which highlight the concept of embracing the current situation and accepting that their lives have deviated from the norm. Keywords: chronic kidney disease, dialysis, lived experience, patients, Malaysia. DOI: https://doi.org/10.55463/hkjss.issn.1021-3619.62.66