Deciding when it is time to stopdialysisis a personal choice.
For people with end-stage kidney failure,renal dialysisis essential to survival because the kidneys no longer work properly.
Ending dialysis is an option, though.
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It may be a decision you discuss with anephrologist(healthcare provider specializing in kidney care).
The final stage of chronic kidney disease is called end-stage renal disease (ESRD).
People who find themselves faced with the choice to continue or stop dialysis almost always have ESRD.
It is important to recognize that dialysis also has limitations.
What Is Kidney Failure?
Acute renal failureis a sudden loss of the kidney’s ability to remove waste.
Signs It Might Be Time to Stop Dialysis
It can be a complicated decision to end dialysis.
In 78% of the cases, the request was made by the person or their family.
They’re also more likely to be living in care facilities like nursing homes.
Palliativenephrology is a field of kidney care focused on managing end-of-life care in people who decide to discontinue dialysis.
Emotional pain also is a consideration.
Social workers and other professionals may be a part of a healthcare team helping you with your dialysis decision.
But changing a diet to include them can make it harder to breathe due to the fluid buildup.
Be sure to discuss them with your healthcare provider.
you’ve got the option to return to dialysis treatments if you change your mind about discontinuing dialysis.
You may experience discomfort if you’ve missed at least a few sessions.
Some people may live only a day; others may live a few weeks without treatment.
In a September 2023 follow-up with the group, researchers found 377 (about 40%) had died.
Summary
Some people make the decision to stop receiving dialysis treatments for their kidney failure.
It’s a life-changing decision to make in conversation with a healthcare provider.
American Kidney Fund.Kidney failure (ESRD) - symptoms, causes and treatment options.
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2023 May 1;183(5):462-469. doi:10.1001/jamainternmed.2023.0265
National Kidney Foundation.Dialysis: deciding to stop.
2018 Jan;55(1):108-116.e2.
2018 May;71(5):627-635. doi:10.1053/j.ajkd.2017.11.011
