Dialysis Without Fear

More than 400,000 people in the United States undergo kidney dialysis. If you or a member of your family are one of them, then the prospect of a regular appointment with a dialysis machine may seem like the end of life itself. But that reaction couldn't be more wrong.

In Dialysis Without Fear, psychiatrist and dialysis patient Dr. Daniel Offer joins with his wife, Marjorie Kaiz Offer, and daughter, Susan Offer Szafir, to reveal how life can be lived--and lived well--on dialysis. Drawing on his long medical career and more than seven years of personal experience with dialysis, Dr. Offer dispels many misconceptions surrounding this treatment, explaining how you can adapt to the new diet, travel, work and continue to partake in life's joys and celebrations. But the fears and hardships can be quite real, and Dr. Offer brings his years as a psychiatrist to bear as he provides practical advice on how patients can overcome them. Walking through each step of dialysis, he explains different types of treatment, examines the pros and cons of a transplant, and discusses side effects. Since dialysis affects the entire family, Dr. Offer and his coauthors also provide realistic insights into how relatives can cope and thrive together, sharing the humor, courage, and triumphs of real families who have successfully faced the challenges of dialysis. The result is an inspiring, practical guide that will help you and your family learn to overcome the difficulties of dialysis, live without fear, and enjoy every day.


"An informative and insightful introduction to what everyone whose kidneys have failed should know. The personal tone and contents of this book will educate and inspire anyone facing kidney dialysis or transplantation to lay the groundwork needed to face the challenges that lie ahead."--Garabed Eknoyan, MD, Baylor College of Medicine, Founding Co-Chair, Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative & Former President of the National Kidney Foundation

"Dialysis without Fear approaches the problem of kidney failure from multiple perspectives-that of patients, family members, and to a lesser extent the health care team. While describing in detail the nearly meteoric impact of kidney failure and ongoing need for dialysis to stay alive, the authors highlight healthy coping mechanisms for dialysis patients and their families. The book has a pervasive air of optimism, love of life and acceptance. It attempts to teach one how to strike a balance between realistic constraints and enjoying life fully. While imparting a wealth of factual information, invaluable to patients new to dialysis, it celebrates the life-saving value of renal replacement therapies. Anyone involved in the field of dialysis in any capacity stands to gain knowledge, compassion and a deeper understanding of what patients and their loved ones are going through by reading this insightful book."--Orly F. Kohn MD, FACP, Director of Dialysis Program, University of Chicago

"Dialysis without Fear approaches the problem of kidney failure from multiple perspectives-that of patients, family members, and to a lesser extent the health care team. While describing in detail the nearly meteoric impact of kidney failure and ongoing need for dialysis to stay alive, the authors highlight healthy coping mechanisms for dialysis patients and their families. The book has a pervasive air of optimism, love of life and acceptance. It attempts to teach one how to strike a balance between realistic constraints and enjoying life fully. While imparting a wealth of factual information, invaluable to patients new to dialysis, it celebrates the life-saving value of renal replacement therapies. Anyone involved in the field of dialysis in any capacity stands to gain knowledge, compassion and a deeper understanding of what patients and their loved ones are going through by reading this insightful book."--Orly F. Kohn MD, FACP, Director of Dialysis Program, University of Chicago

"An informative and insightful introduction to what everyone whose kidneys have failed should know. The personal tone and contents of this book will educate and inspire anyone facing kidney dialysis or transplantation to lay the groundwork needed to face the challenges that lie ahead."--Garabed Eknoyan, MD, Baylor College of Medicine, Founding Co-Chair, Kidney Disease Outcomes Quality Initiative & Former President of the National Kidney Foundation

"While the book is directed to patients and their families, I find it an absolute must-read for all those involved in the care of dialysis patients, including nephrologists, dialysis nurses, dietitians, and social workers. It has some pretty good suggestions on how we can approach and motivate our patients."--B. Peter Sawaya, MD, in Doody's