ABSTRACT
Objective: describing the limits and possibilities for self-care for people who are in conservative treatment of
chronic renal failure. Method: a descriptive and exploratory study of a qualitative approach with 15 people in
conservative treatment in clinic of uremia. Data production occurred from March to May 2011 through
narrative interview. Data were analyzed by Content Analysis Technique in the Thematic Analysis mode. The
research project was approved by the Research Ethics Committee, Protocol 0366.0.243.000-10. Results:
showed the categories >; > and >. Conclusion: live with a chronic disease
has not been perceived as synonymous of dependence, given the possibility to decide on the care of the body
and the organization of life. Descriptors: Chronic Renal Failure; Nursing; Chronic Disease; Patient Care.