Femoral Catheterization Treatment in India

Sophia Johnson, a 68-year-old retired school...

Sophia Johnson, a 68-year-old retired school librarian, had been managing type 2 diabetes and hypertension for over two decades. Over the past year, her kidney function had declined steadily, and she was now in end-stage renal disease (ESRD). She was experiencing severe fatigue, persistent nausea, swelling in her legs, and dangerously high potassium levels. Her nephrologist, Dr. Evans, explained that her kidneys were no longer able to filter her blood effectively, and she urgently needed dialysis to survive. He recommended starting hemodialysis, which required a more permanent and reliable access point than the temporary neck catheter she had. He proposed a femoral catheterization as a bridge to a more permanent arteriovenous fistula in her arm, which would take weeks to mature. The procedure itself, performed under local anesthesia, was uncomfortable but not painful. Sophia felt pressure and strange sensations as the catheter was threaded into the large femoral vein in her groin. The recovery in the hospital was straightforward, though she had to lie flat for several hours to prevent bleeding. The catheter immediately allowed for efficient dialysis sessions, quickly relieving her nausea and reducing the swelling. Emotionally, Sophia had been terrified, feeling like her body was failing her and dreading a life tethered to a machine. After the procedure, while she still grappled with the reality of her new normal, the immediate physical relief was profound. The catheter became a tangible lifeline, a necessary step that gave her body a chance to stabilize and her spirit a moment to catch up, shifting her fear toward a determined focus on managing her health.