THE NARRATIVE OF A CHRONIC RENAL FAILURE CLIENT: ORAL HISTORY AS RESEARCH STRATEGY

ABSTRACT: The objective of this research was to understand the meanings of the failure kidney for a client who for twelve years is in hemodialisys treatment. The study was developed from November, 2002 through March, 2003.The Oral History as a research strategy showed the following categories: The failure kidney sick diagnostic discovery and the routine with it; The hemodialisy treatment and its limitation; The concerns about self image; The hopeness for a kidney transplant; The relationship with health professionals team; The family support; New projects of life; Attempts to feel itself useful. The patient’s narrative showed how difficult is the treatment, dealing challenges daily, discoveries and hopes, a constant effort to fight against the limits, but demonstrating capacity to exceed the suffering. It was evident the positive and trustful relationship established with the health professional team, strengthening its social and ethical commitment in co-responsibility relationship, involvement, cooperation, consensus, dialogue and participative feelings. This study presents how important is to perceive each person as a singular one and the way that this person lives and deals with illness situation. KEY WORDS: Chronic Renal Client; Hemodialisys; Oral History