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. Show
Kidney Failure: Should I Start Dialysis?
Get the factsYour options
Key points to remember
FAQs Having chronic kidney disease means that for some time your kidneys have not been working the way they should. Your kidneys have the important job of filtering your blood. They remove waste products and extra fluid and flush them from your body as urine. When your kidneys don't work right, wastes build up in your blood and make you sick. When kidney function falls below a certain point, it is called kidney failure. Dialysis is a process that filters wastes from the blood when your kidneys can no longer do the job. It is not a cure for kidney disease, but it can help you live longer and feel better. It is a life-saving treatment when you have kidney failure. You have two types of dialysis to choose between: hemodialysis (say "HEE-moh-dy-AL-uh-sus") and peritoneal dialysis (say "pair-uh-tuh-NEE-uhl dy-AL-uh-sus"). Most people feel better within a week or two after starting dialysis. But it can sometimes take longer to see a change in your symptoms. HemodialysisHemodialysis uses a man-made membrane called a dialyzer to clean your blood. You are connected to the dialyzer by tubes attached to your blood vessels through a vascular access—a place where the blood can flow in and out of your body during your dialysis sessions. Your doctor will prepare the vascular access weeks to months before dialysis starts. The access is usually in an arm. Dialysis is done mainly by trained health professionals who can watch for any problems. You will need dialysis on a regular basis, usually several times a week. In some cases, hemodialysis can be done at home. You will need to be trained, and you will need to make room for the dialysis machine. You may have choices for how often and how long you need dialysis. Peritoneal dialysisPeritoneal dialysis uses your body's own tissue (the peritoneal membrane) as a filter to clear wastes and extra fluid from your body and to return electrolyte levels to normal. Unlike with in-centre hemodialysis, you don't need to travel to a dialysis centre for your treatment. Peritoneal dialysis is done every day. It can often be done at night, while you sleep. You will need to have a catheter (dialysis access) placed in your belly before you start dialysis. If you don't have dialysis, your kidneys will continue to fail and you eventually will die. How long you could live depends on your overall health aside from your kidney disease and how much kidney function you have left. As death nears, you will start to:
If you don't have dialysis, health professionals who provide end-of-life care can help you have the highest quality of life possible. This may be done through hospice palliative care. Hospice palliative care offers the chance to think about personal goals, relieve pain, and take care of your emotional and spiritual needs.
Compare your options
Start kidney dialysisStart kidney dialysis
Don't have kidney dialysisDon't have kidney dialysis
I want to have dialysis, because I'm not ready to die. I still feel young. I have a lot of things I still want to do with my life. I want to work on my craft projects and spend more time with my grandchildren. Teresa, age 60 I have other bad health problems. I've had heart attacks, and I also have heart failure. I don't think dialysis will give me much more time. I feel like I've had a good life. I'm ready to go whenever it's my time. Stan, age 72 I know I'll spend a lot of time at dialysis. But I can read there. And I love writing letters to family and friends. My partner can drop by sometimes and spend some time with me, and maybe I can make some friends at the dialysis centre. Raul, age 62 I want to spend the time I have left with my family, not having dialysis. My daughter said I can come live with her, so I can spend more time with her and her husband. Helen, age 83 What matters most to you?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 have kidney dialysis Reasons not to have kidney dialysis I'm not ready to die. I'm ready to face my death. More important Equally important More important I have goals I still want to meet. I have met all the goals I had for my life. More important Equally important More important I don't mind having to rely on others for transportation or other help. I don't want to keep relying on others for help with my dialysis treatments. More important Equally important More important I feel pretty good overall, because kidney failure is my only major health problem. I'm already sick from other health problems and am not sure dialysis will help me feel any better. More important Equally important More important My other important reasons: My other important reasons: More important Equally important More important Where are you leaning now?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. Starting dialysis NOT starting dialysis Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward What else do you need to make your decision?Certainty 1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure 3. Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps. Your SummaryHere's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision. Next stepsWhich way you're leaningHow sure you areYour commentsKey concepts that you understoodKey concepts that may need reviewPatient choicesCredits
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. Kidney Failure: Should I Start Dialysis?Here's a record of your answers. You can use it to talk with your doctor or loved ones about your decision.
1. Get the FactsYour options
Key points to remember
FAQs What is kidney failure?Having chronic kidney disease means that for some time your kidneys have not been working the way they should. Your kidneys have the important job of filtering your blood. They remove waste products and extra fluid and flush them from your body as urine. When your kidneys don't work right, wastes build up in your blood and make you sick. When kidney function falls below a certain point, it is called kidney failure. What is dialysis?Dialysis is a process that filters wastes from the blood when your kidneys can no longer do the job. It is not a cure for kidney disease, but it can help you live longer and feel better. It is a life-saving treatment when you have kidney failure. You have two types of dialysis to choose between: hemodialysis (say "HEE-moh-dy-AL-uh-sus") and peritoneal dialysis (say "pair-uh-tuh-NEE-uhl dy-AL-uh-sus"). Most people feel better within a week or two after starting dialysis. But it can sometimes take longer to see a change in your symptoms. What happens during dialysis?HemodialysisHemodialysis uses a man-made membrane called a dialyzer to clean your blood. You are connected to the dialyzer by tubes attached to your blood vessels through a vascular access—a place where the blood can flow in and out of your body during your dialysis sessions. Your doctor will prepare the vascular access weeks to months before dialysis starts. The access is usually in an arm. Dialysis is done mainly by trained health professionals who can watch for any problems. You will need dialysis on a regular basis, usually several times a week. In some cases, hemodialysis can be done at home. You will need to be trained, and you will need to make room for the dialysis machine. You may have choices for how often and how long you need dialysis. Peritoneal dialysisPeritoneal dialysis uses your body's own tissue (the peritoneal membrane) as a filter to clear wastes and extra fluid from your body and to return electrolyte levels to normal. Unlike with in-centre hemodialysis, you don't need to travel to a dialysis centre for your treatment. Peritoneal dialysis is done every day. It can often be done at night, while you sleep. You will need to have a catheter (dialysis access) placed in your belly before you start dialysis. What will happen if you don't start dialysis?If you don't have dialysis, your kidneys will continue to fail and you eventually will die. How long you could live depends on your overall health aside from your kidney disease and how much kidney function you have left. As death nears, you will start to:
If you don't have dialysis, health professionals who provide end-of-life care can help you have the highest quality of life possible. This may be done through hospice palliative care. Hospice palliative care offers the chance to think about personal goals, relieve pain, and take care of your emotional and spiritual needs. Why would you consider starting dialysis?
Why would you consider not having dialysis?
2. Compare your options
Personal storiesPersonal stories about considering starting dialysisThese stories are based on information gathered from health professionals and consumers. They may be helpful as you make important health decisions. "I want to have dialysis, because I'm not ready to die. I still feel young. I have a lot of things I still want to do with my life. I want to work on my craft projects and spend more time with my grandchildren." — Teresa, age 60 "I have other bad health problems. I've had heart attacks, and I also have heart failure. I don't think dialysis will give me much more time. I feel like I've had a good life. I'm ready to go whenever it's my time." — Stan, age 72 "I know I'll spend a lot of time at dialysis. But I can read there. And I love writing letters to family and friends. My partner can drop by sometimes and spend some time with me, and maybe I can make some friends at the dialysis centre." — Raul, age 62 "I want to spend the time I have left with my family, not having dialysis. My daughter said I can come live with her, so I can spend more time with her and her husband." — Helen, age 83 3. What matters most to you?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 have kidney dialysis Reasons not to have kidney dialysis I'm not ready to die. I'm ready to face my death. More important Equally important More important I have goals I still want to meet. I have met all the goals I had for my life. More important Equally important More important I don't mind having to rely on others for transportation or other help. I don't want to keep relying on others for help with my dialysis treatments. More important Equally important More important I feel pretty good overall, because kidney failure is my only major health problem. I'm already sick from other health problems and am not sure dialysis will help me feel any better. More important Equally important More important My other important reasons: My other important reasons: More important Equally important More important 4. Where are you leaning now?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. Starting dialysis NOT starting dialysis Leaning toward Undecided Leaning toward 5. What else do you need to make your decision?Check the facts1. Dialysis can cure my kidney failure.
That's right. Dialysis may help you live longer, but it can't cure kidney failure. 2. Dialysis can help me feel better.
That's right. Dialysis can help you feel better. 3. I may be able to have dialysis at home and not go to a centre.
That's right. Some people go to a centre. But others are able to have dialysis at home, often while they sleep. Your doctor can help you decide if that's a good choice for you. Decide what's next1. 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?
Certainty1. How sure do you feel right now about your decision? Not sure at all Somewhat sure Very sure 2. Check what you need to do before you make this decision.
3. Use the following space to list questions, concerns, and next steps. Credits
Note: The "printer friendly" document will not contain all the information available in the online document some Information (e.g. cross-references to other topics, definitions or medical illustrations) is only available in the online version. How long can kidney patient survive without dialysis?People who stop dialysis may live anywhere from one week to several weeks, depending on the amount of kidney function they have left and their overall medical condition.
How long can you live with Stage 4 without dialysis?Stage 4 Kidney Disease: The kidneys are significantly damaged. Kidney failure becomes likely, which will require dialysis or a kidney transplant. A 40-year-old man with stage 4 kidney disease has a life expectancy of 14 years after diagnosis, while a 40-year-old woman can expect to live 16 more years.
How long before death when kidneys shut down?Once the patient reaches end stage renal disease (ESRD), death usually occurs within a few weeks. This can be longer or shorter depending on the patient's overall health, and how much kidney function they have left.
What happens in kidney failure without dialysis?If you don't have dialysis, your kidneys will continue to fail and you eventually will die. How long you could live depends on your overall health aside from your kidney disease and how much kidney function you have left. As death nears, you will start to: Feel sleepy and weak.
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