How Long Can a Person Live After Stopping Dialysis?

A diagnosis of chronic kidney disease is scary for both the patient and their caregivers. One particularly difficult choice some families face is whether to continue or discontinue dialysis treatment. This is an emotional and deeply personal decision, leaving many caregivers and family members wondering how long a person can live after stopping dialysis. The team at Agape Hospice & Palliative Care is here to help answer this question, among many others. Here’s what you need to know about hospice care and dialysis.

Understanding Dialysis and Its Role

Dialysis is a life-sustaining treatment for people with end-stage kidney disease. It takes over the functions of the kidneys, removing waste, toxins, and excess fluid from the body. For many people with severely reduced kidney function, dialysis is key to maintaining health and prolonging life. However, dialysis isn’t a cure—while it can extend life, it doesn’t completely stop the progression of kidney disease.

What Happens When Someone Stops Dialysis?

Sometimes, those with kidney disease prefer to stop dialysis and live out their final days in greater comfort. This decision is never made lightly and involves discussions with family, physicians, and hospice care providers. If discontinuing dialysis is deemed to be the best option, the treatment will stop, and the patient’s body will no longer remove waste and excess fluid. As a result, toxins will start to build up.

The timeline after stopping dialysis varies greatly depending on factors like the person’s overall health, the remaining kidney function, and other underlying medical conditions. Generally, people who stop dialysis face a life expectancy of 7 to 14 days. Some may live a little longer if their kidneys retain minimal function, while others may have a shorter timeframe.

What Affects Survival Time After Stopping Dialysis?

Everyone is different, and the survival time after stopping dialysis depends on a combination of medical, physical, and emotional factors. Here’s what could influence this timeline:

• Kidney Function—Even after dialysis is stopped, some people retain a small amount of kidney function. This residual function may be enough to temporarily delay the buildup of toxins, extending survival by a few more days or weeks.
• Overall Health—People in overall good health, with no other serious medical conditions, may survive slightly longer than those with additional health complications.
• Nutrition—Dehydration or poor nutrition can accelerate the decline after dialysis stops.
• Age—Younger individuals may last slightly longer without dialysis. That said, age plays a minimal role compared to overall health.

What Happens to the Body After Dialysis Stops?

When someone with kidney failure stops dialysis, they may begin to experience several adverse symptoms. While these might sound distressing, the hospice professionals at Agape can take steps to manage discomfort. Caregivers should be prepared for these potential symptoms in the days after dialysis is stopped:

• Fatigue
• Loss of appetite
• Swelling
• Confusion or mental fog
• Shortness of breath
• Itching or discomfort from uremia

Helping Your Loved One Transition With Dignity

If a loved one has decided to stop dialysis, you can help them transition with compassion and dignity. While this time is sure to be emotional, here are some practical steps to making sure your loved one feels cared for:

• Prioritize Comfort Over Cure—The goal of hospice care is to provide comfort in someone’s final months, weeks, or days. Family members can help by adding simple comforts to their loved one’s living environment, helping with personal hygiene, or cooking favorite meals (as tolerated).
• Maintain Communication—The last thing you want is for your loved one to feel alone. As much as possible, keep lines of communication open. Respect your loved one’s wishes, have conversations, and offer emotional support when needed.
• Be Present—It doesn’t take much to be part of your loved one’s support system. Often, just being there is the most comforting act. Your presence can affirm your love for them and offer peace during a difficult transition.

Our Hospice Care Team Is Here for You

Deciding to stop dialysis is one of the most difficult decisions you or your loved one will face. While the process can feel overwhelming, remember that you don’t have to go through it alone. Agape Hospice & Palliative Care is here for families in Los Angeles and Orange Counties navigating this challenging time. Get in touch with our compassionate team today.