how long can one live on dialysis?

[Tara]

My mom has hereditary kidney disese and high blood pressure, just 2 days ago her doctor told her to go to the ER because her potasium was extremly high, she had an EKG and gave medication to bring levels down.  Well she is apprently not wanting anyone to know how bad things are, she casualy mentiond that she may need to go on dialysis. Thats not good right? be honest how long can someone typicaly live on dialysis? shes 42

[Len]

 the way things are going   you might have to put up with her for another  30 - 40 years  or more
 always a chance for a transplant too

[Bajanne]

Hi Tara, Welcome to our board.  As you have seen from the start, this is a place to get answers and support.  Could you please go to the forum "Introduce Yourself" and do that?  It would be good if you could get your mom to join us.  This site was more than helpful to me when I first found out that I had to go on dialysis, and it was a real tool in preparing me for my challenge.
Looking forward to hearing more from you.

[Epoman]

My mom has hereditary kidney disese and high blood pressure, just 2 days ago her doctor told her to go to the ER because her potasium was extremly high, she had an EKG and gave medication to bring levels down.  Well she is apprently not wanting anyone to know how bad things are, she casualy mentiond that she may need to go on dialysis. Thats not good right? be honest how long can someone typicaly live on dialysis? shes 42

You want honesty ok, your mom WILL NOT die from being on dialysis, she can live indefinately on dialysis, she will however die from complications of dialysis. But she is 42 she can get a transplant or live another 30-40+ years on dialysis. It will be a tough road but if she's a fighter she will be fine.

- Epoman

[goofynina]

Hi Tara,   Please make sure your mom understands her options, there are different ways for dialysis,  Hemo, CAPD, Nocturnal and i think there are a couple more,  the only reason i know that is from this awesome website.  When i started off i began with Hemo,  going to the clinic 3 times a week for 5 - 6 hours a shot,  not too sure how your mom feels about needles and blood but those are some disadvantages of being on Hemo,  I have since started doing PD,  I have to admit, it took some getting used to,  i do it every night, 10 hours while i sleep (or play on the pc) lol,  but i would recommend PD to anyone, before i would Hemo,   the diet isnt AS restricted and you arent AS restricted on fluids,   but you do have to be careful.  I am sure if you have any further questions myself or anyone here (these people are awesome) will be more than happy to answer anything you need to know,   Good Luck to you and your mom,   please tell her not to worry,  there is still life while on dialysis, we are all proof...... Hope to hear from you again soon, 

Goofynina

[Panda_9]

If her potassium is going up then something musnt be quite right. If she isnt going to be put on dialysis right away, I would hope that they educated her about a low potassium diet, just to keep her well until she needs dialysis (if thats the case). Its important to know, that high potassium can cause a heart attack, and you cant always be revived. Im sure if you ask members here there will be more than just me who have experienced the trip into ER with high potassium.

[ginger cookie]

Hi Tara,
Before anyone gets too excited please have your mom visit with a nephrologist. I understand that she has a hereditary disease of the kidney, but often people have that their entire life without being on dialysis.
There are several medications for your heart and high blood pressure that can make one's potassium go up, even without compromised kidneys. A good nephrologist will really look at that end of her care. I've seen patients have emergency dialysis through the ER and never need it again after a medication adjustment.NEWS FLASH: Please know that most ER doc's (and family practice)have a very limited knowledge of renal patients and their highly specialized meds/diet needs. A good nephro. can adjust meds and diet and keep pt's away from dialysis as long as possible.
If she does need dialysis remember that the statistics for lifespan that you will be quoted reflect data from years ago.Technology,medication and monitoring is better now. Sometimes people get upset when they hear that the US has a higher mortality rate than many countries in regards to dialysis. Remember this: In the US we begin dialysis on anyone, no matter their age or physical condition. I have dialyzed many poor folks over 90 years old with weak hearts/ dependant on breathing machines just because their families could not let go.Obviously, these people do not have a long lifespan but are nonetheless counted in the stats of the US. There are other countries who do not consider dialyzing people like this.
I have dialyzed a man who was on dialysis for 39 years,he worked most of that time as a school teacher. He died by a head injury clearing trees from some land that he owned. Wonderful man.
Best wishes and prayers to you on this journey, you have found a wonderful forum here and a BS-free source of info in this board.
-maryann

[Panda_9]

Well said ginger cookie!
I think its terrible that some families will put their frail aged mother/father through dialysis. If they arent capable of making the decision themselves, then I dont think it should be the families decision. By this I only mean if they are like 90+ and so old and frail with no quality of life. If dialysis were to give them QOL back then thats fine. But to put them through dialysis when there is no QOL, just so the families can keep them alive, is cruel. I would want them to just let me go.

I think in time my pop is going to need dialysis, and I am 99% sure he will say get stuffed let me die. He is only mid 70s, but has battled cancer, and has uncontrollable diabetes, plus heart problems. One of my mums aunties is looking like she will need dialysis soon too, and I think she will also choose not to do it.

[kitkatz]

I am in agreement.  Letting go and letting God when the person old an frail and has no quality of life is the right thing to do.  I would not want to be on dialysis and be out of my mind or so old it is the only thing keeping me going.

Besides dialysis is good for those people who can take it and really use it. It is a hard slog and you need to aware of what lies ahead.

Katherine

[Tara]

Thanks for all your resonses! Shes going to see some specialists.  She is a RN, so I think so knows more then shes letting on, she doesnt want anyone to worry.  She has seen many family members going through this, as well as patients.

[ulrika]

I think I know what you are through right now. It is devastating to find out that a loved one will need dialysis. I know, when my daughter was diagnosed, I did a lot of research on the different dialysis options, and none of them sounded very pleasant. If I can give you and your family some advice, I suggest you always try to go with your mother to her doctors' appointments. Don't take no for an answer from her. Tell her that this affects the whole family, and you have a right to know what is going on. Your mother is still young, and if your family stick togeather you will get through this. I am keeping a record of my daughter's dialysis experience on my blog.
I know it is overwhelming for you, but it will get better, as long as you are involved in your mother's treatment.
Hugs, Ulrika (Christina)

http://www.kidneytransplantforkyliesmom.blogspot.com

[SpeedFleX]

I have a friend he has been on dialysis for 34 years now maybe a lil less maybe more not sure exactly anyways he is 50 now and is very healthy. The thing is he is also very strict with his diet and always looks at how much he drinks and what he eats. so as u can see u can live a normal life span even without natural kidneys..

[angieskidney]

I have a friend he has been on dialysis for 34 years now maybe a lil less maybe more not sure exactly anyways he is 50 now and is very healthy. The thing is he is also very strict with his diet and always looks at how much he drinks and what he eats. so as u can see u can live a normal life span even without natural kidneys..

That is very encouraging.

[sandman]

Indeed!

[Riki]

I consider dialysis life support.. since really, that's what it is.. without it, I would die... I have a pretty good quaility of life on dialysis.. I work part time.. from home, mind you.. I'm active in the community.. I can't get down on the floor and play with my nephews.. but I can still play.. *L* dialysis doesn't necessarily mean death.. and it doesn't mean life and living will stop either... most of my coworkers don't even know I'm on dialysis.. that I'm sick at all... you can't tell by looking at me that anything is wrong.. I guess I look a lot healthier than I am.. *L*  anyway, my point was that we can go on living on dialysis.. indefinatley... and transplant is an option as well... I'm keeping my fingers crossed.. my next one is coming!!  *G*

[angieskidney]

I consider dialysis life support.. since really, that's what it is.. without it, I would die... I have a pretty good quaility of life on dialysis.. I work part time.. from home, mind you.. I'm active in the community.. I can't get down on the floor and play with my nephews.. but I can still play.. *L* dialysis doesn't necessarily mean death.. and it doesn't mean life and living will stop either... most of my coworkers don't even know I'm on dialysis.. that I'm sick at all... you can't tell by looking at me that anything is wrong.. I guess I look a lot healthier than I am.. *L*  anyway, my point was that we can go on living on dialysis.. indefinatley... and transplant is an option as well... I'm keeping my fingers crossed.. my next one is coming!!  *G*

I am finally going back to work and am nervous as hell! How come you work from home?

[Riki]

I work from home because it's easier.. *L*  I'm legally blind, so don't drive.. and there isn't public transportation where I live... so it was just easier this way... i've only been working from home for a couple of weeks... before that, my mom or my bro drove me to work..

[angieskidney]

I work from home because it's easier.. *L*  I'm legally blind, so don't drive.. and there isn't public transportation where I live... so it was just easier this way... i've only been working from home for a couple of weeks... before that, my mom or my bro drove me to work..

Ah yes, that makes sense At least I have public transporation semi-close to me and I can see perfectly with glasses and I have disability-paid taxi cab service for any medical appointments.

What do you do?

[Riki]

technical support... call centre work... I use a voip system through my computer to take calls... and vpn to the company server for logs and other info I might need..

[angieskidney]

technical support... call centre work... I use a voip system through my computer to take calls... and vpn to the company server for logs and other info I might need..

That is sooooo cool!! 

[Bajanne]

I must say that this particular topic ' how long can one live on dialysis?'  is very important to me.   I have been encouraged by the postings.  I want to be around to see my grandson grow up - he is three years old now.
I am always chatting with the 'oldsters' in my centre - no one there is over 60!  But I like hearing from those who have been on dialysis for over 10 years.  When I first was diagnosed, I said that I did not expect any more than 10 years (that is how much my brother had).
 However, I should never compare myself to my brother.  I had breast cancer at age 43 - twenty years before, my sister had it at age 42 and died.  But here I am 13 years later.  Who knows?  I might have another 40 years on dialysis!!!

[angieskidney]

I must say that this particular topic ' how long can one live on dialysis?'  is very important to me.   I have been encouraged by the postings.  I want to be around to see my grandson grow up - he is three years old now.
I am always chatting with the 'oldsters' in my centre - no one there is over 60!  But I like hearing from those who have been on dialysis for over 10 years.  When I first was diagnosed, I said that I did not expect any more than 10 years (that is how much my brother had).
 However, I should never compare myself to my brother.  I had breast cancer at age 43 - twenty years before, my sister had it at age 42 and died.  But here I am 13 years later.  Who knows?  I might have another 40 years on dialysis!!!

You sound like you are here for a reason Maybe you still have some unforseen purpose you are not aware of You can't pass on before that point Keep on truckin' I am glad you are encouraged because that is what I have understood this site is for

[Padster]

"You sound like you are here for a reason  Maybe you still have some unforseen purpose you are not aware of  You can't pass on before that point"

Where do people get this sh*t from?

I hate crap like that. As if people are meant to suffer here because they are going to have a fantastic life elsewhere. It is utter nonsense. Surely we ALL have a RIGHT to a happy healthy life.

[angieskidney]

I'm starting to feel as if my posts are all wrong ... my mom always told that to me .. that I have a purpose .. but we all have a purpose. I don't believe  there is a single person who does NOT have a purpose .. thus everyone does .. thus of COURSE everyone has a right to be happy. It was just supposed to be damned encouraging .. but crap .. I am getting very discouraged lately about me posting at all ..

[Bajanne]

Angie, you have the right to your point of view. Thank you for encouraging me.