You may want to have a say in this decision, or you may simply want to follow your doctor's recommendation. Either way, this information will help you understand what your choices are so that you can talk to your doctor about them.
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Before you decide to stop kidney dialysis, you may want to talk with your doctor about your chances of getting a kidney transplant.
Dialysis is a process that filters waste from your blood when your kidneys can no longer do the job. When you have kidney failure, you may have either
Most people who stop dialysis die within a few weeks. As death nears, you may:
You may have other changes related to kidney failure. Talk with your doctor about what to expect as your death nears. A dialysis center can also help with end-of-life planning.
Whether you decide to continue or stop dialysis treatment, take the time to let others know your wishes about your care. You can use a legal document called an
If you have been getting regular dialysis, and if a kidney transplant is not an option for you, stopping dialysis may:
If you decide to stop dialysis, health professionals who provide end-of-life care can help you have the highest quality of life possible. This may be done through
Most people die within a few weeks after they stop dialysis.
If you choose to stop kidney dialysis, you may need the support of a team of end-of-life care professionals, such as a
Dialysis will keep you alive, but it is not a cure for kidney failure. Dialysis affects:
Problems linked to
Problems linked to
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These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
I've been on regular hemodialysis for the past 5 years. When I first started, I felt good and my activities were not limited. I was diagnosed with heart failure 2 years ago. Since then, my physical health has deteriorated. My doctor and I have discussed the possibility of kidney transplant, but because of my deteriorating health, we feel this would not be a good option. My preference is to stop dialysis and receive hospice care. I'm tired of not feeling good and want to die comfortably.
Georgia, age 81
I've had family members receive dialysis because of kidney failure. In fact, my aunt told me I would hate dialysis because she saw how miserable my grandmother was when she received dialysis over 30 years ago. Dialysis has changed so much since then. I started hemodialysis 4 years ago and have felt fine. In fact, I feel better than I did before starting dialysis! There certainly are diet changes, and sometimes my dialysis schedule is not convenient. But I feel these are small prices to pay for feeling better. I'm awaiting a kidney transplant. Although I look forward to the day when I won't need dialysis, I wouldn't consider stopping.
Marco, age 45
I have diabetes that has been very difficult to control. I received a kidney transplant 20 years ago. Two years ago, my kidneys began to fail, and I started kidney dialysis. Even with dialysis, I have not felt good. Even with another kidney transplant, there is no guarantee that I will feel good again. I have had problems with fluid retention and my appetite is poor. I am tired of diet restrictions and the limitations of dialysis. I have discussed my wish to stop dialysis with my family and doctor, and they have been supportive.
Max, age 49
I started dialysis 3 years ago when my chronic glomerulonephritis progressed to kidney failure. Even on daily peritoneal dialysis, I lead an active and productive life. I work full time and travel a lot. Even though dialysis requires organization, I don't feel that it negatively impacts my life. I feel good most of the time. At this point in my life, I wouldn't consider stopping dialysis.
Debbie, age 36
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to stop kidney dialysis
Reasons to continue dialysis
I'm ready to face my death and let my illness take its course.
I'm not ready to die.
I'm not happy with my quality of life.
I feel that my quality of life is okay right now.
Meeting my remaining life goals is not a priority for me.
I feel that dialysis can give me enough time to meet my remaining goals.
I don't want to keep relying on others for help with my dialysis treatments.
It doesn't bother me to rely on others for help.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Stopping dialysis
Continuing dialysis
Check the facts
Decide what's next
Certainty
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
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Clinical Review Board | All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals. |
Before you decide to stop kidney dialysis, you may want to talk with your doctor about your chances of getting a kidney transplant.
Dialysis is a process that filters waste from your blood when your kidneys can no longer do the job. When you have kidney failure, you may have either
Most people who stop dialysis die within a few weeks. As death nears, you may:
You may have other changes related to kidney failure. Talk with your doctor about what to expect as your death nears. A dialysis center can also help with end-of-life planning.
Whether you decide to continue or stop dialysis treatment, take the time to let others know your wishes about your care. You can use a legal document called an
If you have been getting regular dialysis, and if a kidney transplant is not an option for you, stopping dialysis may:
If you decide to stop dialysis, health professionals who provide end-of-life care can help you have the highest quality of life possible. This may be done through
Most people die within a few weeks after they stop dialysis.
If you choose to stop kidney dialysis, you may need the support of a team of end-of-life care professionals, such as a
Dialysis will keep you alive, but it is not a cure for kidney failure. Dialysis affects:
Problems linked to
Problems linked to
Continue kidney dialysis | Stop kidney dialysis | |
---|---|---|
What is usually involved? |
|
|
What are the benefits? |
|
|
What are the risks and side effects? |
|
|
These stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions.
"I've been on regular hemodialysis for the past 5 years. When I first started, I felt good and my activities were not limited. I was diagnosed with heart failure 2 years ago. Since then, my physical health has deteriorated. My doctor and I have discussed the possibility of kidney transplant, but because of my deteriorating health, we feel this would not be a good option. My preference is to stop dialysis and receive hospice care. I'm tired of not feeling good and want to die comfortably."
— Georgia, age 81
"I've had family members receive dialysis because of kidney failure. In fact, my aunt told me I would hate dialysis because she saw how miserable my grandmother was when she received dialysis over 30 years ago. Dialysis has changed so much since then. I started hemodialysis 4 years ago and have felt fine. In fact, I feel better than I did before starting dialysis! There certainly are diet changes, and sometimes my dialysis schedule is not convenient. But I feel these are small prices to pay for feeling better. I'm awaiting a kidney transplant. Although I look forward to the day when I won't need dialysis, I wouldn't consider stopping."
— Marco, age 45
"I have diabetes that has been very difficult to control. I received a kidney transplant 20 years ago. Two years ago, my kidneys began to fail, and I started kidney dialysis. Even with dialysis, I have not felt good. Even with another kidney transplant, there is no guarantee that I will feel good again. I have had problems with fluid retention and my appetite is poor. I am tired of diet restrictions and the limitations of dialysis. I have discussed my wish to stop dialysis with my family and doctor, and they have been supportive."
— Max, age 49
"I started dialysis 3 years ago when my chronic glomerulonephritis progressed to kidney failure. Even on daily peritoneal dialysis, I lead an active and productive life. I work full time and travel a lot. Even though dialysis requires organization, I don't feel that it negatively impacts my life. I feel good most of the time. At this point in my life, I wouldn't consider stopping dialysis."
— Debbie, age 36
Your personal feelings are just as important as the medical facts. Think about what matters most to you in this decision, and show how you feel about the following statements.
Reasons to stop kidney dialysis
Reasons to continue dialysis
I'm ready to face my death and let my illness take its course.
I'm not ready to die.
I'm not happy with my quality of life.
I feel that my quality of life is okay right now.
Meeting my remaining life goals is not a priority for me.
I feel that dialysis can give me enough time to meet my remaining goals.
I don't want to keep relying on others for help with my dialysis treatments.
It doesn't bother me to rely on others for help.
My other important reasons:
My other important reasons:
Now that you've thought about the facts and your feelings, you may have a general idea of where you stand on this decision. Show which way you are leaning right now.
Stopping dialysis
Continuing dialysis
1. In some cases, stopping dialysis could improve my quality of life.
2. After I stop dialysis, I will have several months to get ready for my life to end.
3. Whether I decide to continue or stop dialysis treatment, I should let others know my wishes about my care.
1. Do you understand the options available to you?
2. Are you clear about which benefits and side effects matter most to you?
3. Do you have enough support and advice from others to make a choice?
1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision?
2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
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Clinical Review Board | All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals. |
Current as of: March 1, 2024
Author:
All Ignite Healthwise, LLC education is reviewed by a team that includes physicians, nurses, advanced practitioners, registered dieticians, and other healthcare professionals.
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