How Long Can Someone Be On Dialysis?

Today, someone can be on dialysis for many years. Many patients lead long, active, and fulfilling lives for 5, 10, 20 or more years. The length of time depends on many things, including how well you follow your treatment plan.

The person on dialysis is the single most important member of the care team. Others include the kidney doctor, dialysis nurse, social worker, dietitian, and technician, as well as family and friends. People who do the best on dialysis actively work with their care team to make a treatment plan that fits their lifestyle and life goals.  

Learn more about the kidney care team.

Once you have a treatment plan, don’t cheat your health by missing treatments or cutting them short. Ask any member of your team to explain your dialysis dose number. Keep track of it so you know if you are getting the right amount of treatment to feel your best.   

Learn more about missing dialysis treatments and your health.

Find out about the many things you can do to lead a longer, healthier life. Learn from your dietitian how to manage fluid gain and eat a dialysis-friendly diet. Listen to your team when they discuss ways to reduce the chance of infection and hospitalization. Explore dialysis treatment options to find one that fits your health and lifestyle needs.

Check out NKF's recipes and diet tips.

Inform your team if there has been any change in your dialysis access or other body parts or functions. Be sure they know if you had a fall or other accident or have recently been in the hospital. Ask your social worker for help if you are troubled in some area of your life.

Learn more about dialysis treatments and life changes.

Life on dialysis can mean a longer life, but it should also mean a better life. You don't have to go through it alone. 

Here are three NKF resources to help you on your dialysis journey:

• NKF Peers: Get assigned a trained peer mentor who has been on dialysis.
• NKF Dialysis: Join an anonymous forum to ask questions and get answers from others on dialysis.
• NKF Cares: Get answers from NKF's trained staff members. 

Explore all of NKF's social media communities. 

By: Carolyn Latham, Vice President, Clinical Leadership, Satellite Healthcare and Past National President of ANNA