Journeying with patients
Forging ahead with home care dialysis
It was not long ago that Khoo Tin Wee found herself at the brink of death, facing the daunting trials of kidney disease and a harrowing battle with Covid-19 during her pregnancy. Today, at the age of 40, Tin Wee has defied the odds, serving as a beacon of strength. She embraces a life filled with the freedom to spend quality time with her children, efficiently manage daily tasks, and looks forward to a better quality of life.
“Kidney failure isn’t the end. PD has given me the strength to embrace each day with my family by my side, proving that hope can thrive despite adversity.”
Khoo Tin Wee, who looks to the future with optimism
Courage under crisis
Tin Wee’s life took an unexpected in 2015 when she discovered her kidneys were damaged. Despite early warnings from a kidney specialist urging her to prioritise her health, she faced significant challenges. It was not until 2021, when Tin Wee was pregnant with her fourth child, that the true gravity of her kidney troubles surfaced. The steroids she took to preserve her remaining kidney function compromised her immune system, and she contracted Covid-19. This led to a challenging six-day ordeal in the intensive care unit while carrying her unborn child. Miraculously, she emerged from the depths of despair, giving birth to a premature baby.
Embracing hope with PD and family strength
The recommendation for a kidney transplant as an option for a better quality of life loomed, but she could not find a suitable donor. She had the choice of undergoing haemodialysis – thrice weekly for four hours each time, requiring travel to an NKF community-based dialysis centre – or home care peritoneal dialysis (PD), allowing her to undergo 10 hours of treatment at night while sleeping in the comfort of her home. She opted for the latter, as it is gentler on the body and allows her the flexibility to continue caring for her four young children.
Tin Wee’s journey with PD reflects her unwavering determination. Adhering diligently to dietary restrictions and prescribed regimens, she gradually reduced her nightly PD sessions to six days per week, due to increased urine volume and reduced toxicity levels in her bloodstream.
Her family, serving as a crucial support system, is a cornerstone of her recovery. Her husband actively assists with her PD while the older children take care of the younger siblings during weekends. Regular visits by her mother-in-law provide additional help.
External support, including regular check-ins from a dedicated PD nurse and the camaraderie of a PD support group, has played a pivotal role in providing essential support in Tin Wee’s dialysis journey. Reflecting on her experience, Tin Wee encourages fellow dialysis patients not to lose hope, for the crucible of adversity lies the strength to forge ahead.
A message of hope and encouragement
“Kidney failure is not the end of the road,” she says. “Treatment offers a second chance to keep us moving forward. As long as we can undergo dialysis, we should cherish this opportunity for a new lease on life.” Tin Wee stands as a testament to resilience, triumphing over adversity with courage and determination.
PD Support Group
Calling themselves the PD Warriors, members of the PD Support Group support each other for better health literacy, alleviate psychosocial issues and enable community bonding amongst patients and staff. The PD Warriors collaborates with external healthcare partners to better meet the needs of PD patients. For their dedication, the PD Warriors received the prestigious Inspirational Partner Award under the Singapore Health Inspirational Patient & Caregiver Awards 2024.
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