| Kidney dialysis patient chose to die rather then receive more treatment - stv.tv |
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A woman who endured two decades of kidney dialysis has died after stopping the treatment which could have kept her alive for another 10 years. Sandra Dewar, 36, died from renal failure last Friday after making the decision to end all medical treatment. The care worker from Perth kept the decision secret from her friends and family for days so they could not try to change her mind. Sandra, who spent much of the last year in hospital, was warned by doctors there was little chance that she would get home after turning dialysis off. Sandra, who in 2008 received a kidney transplant which her body rejected, passed away at Ninewells Hospital in Dundee. Paying tribute to his sister, her younger brother William said Sandra was a great daughter, sister and aunt who loved fashion, make up, and going out dancing with friends. The 31-year-old said parents Jeanette and James, stepfather Freddie and sister Jeanette, 35, were still trying to come to terms with their loss. He said: "She could have lived up to another 10 years on the dialysis but we would have suffered a great deal. Obviously we were very upset when we found out as we didn't want to lose her but we all respected her decision and knew we would not be able to change her mind. It helps to know she is now at peace and there will be no more needles or operations. She battled bravely, for a long time and will never be forgotten." Sandra was diagnosed with a life-threatening kidney disorder at just 13. She completed her education at Perth High School and began work at a care home. At 19 she began dialysis but when her health started to deteriorate she was forced to give up her job as a care worker. She underwent a kidney transplant in 2008, but unfortunately her body rejected its new organ. A funeral service was held for Sandra at Perth Crematorium on Friday. People who read this story also read
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