NO TREATMENT

Some people may choose not to start dialysis when their kidneys fail. Those who choose not to be treated are kept comfortable until they die. A dialysis patient may also choose to stop dialysis if their treatments and life become unbearable to them or their medical condition becomes hopeless. The amount of time anyone lives after stopping dialysis varies from several days to two weeks depending on how much kidney function is left.

If you choose to stop dialysis, your medical condition and dialysis care would be evaluated to see if improvements could be made. If no improvement could be made, you would be asked to discuss your feelings with your family, doctor, and other dialysis professionals. The results of your decision and what you could expect would be explained to you

It is important for you to learn about the type of renal replacement therapy you choose. You, your doctor, and your health care team will decide which therapy is best for you. The decision will be based on your medical needs, you physical needs, and your lifestyle.

You may be anxious, afraid, and angry. You may worry about the future. These are normal feelings. Share your feelings with your family, your doctor, or your health care team. Many parts of kidney failure and its treatment can be frustrating and stressful. You will go through a period of adjustment and acceptance. Expressing your feelings may help you in that adjustment.

Many people who are treated with dialysis have satisfying lives and have even returned to work. One purpose of dialysis is to give YOU the best chance to live YOUR life the way YOU want to within the limits of your disease and overall health.