How Long Can You Live On Dialysis?

Dialysis is the process by which the waste and extra chemicals are removed from the blood by an artificial kidney called a hemodialyzer. Dialysis becomes an essential procedure for people that have failed kidney functioning or have difficulty cleaning the blood by the kidneys.  Unfortunately, people sometimes can not survive without having two to three dialysis sessions in one week as the toxin buildup in the body is too high, but how long can you live on dialysis? We will answer this question in this blog and look for ways to increase life on dialysis. We will also discuss the impacts of leaving dialysis on the patient's life.

How long can you live on dialysis?

If the kidneys are not working or there is complete kidney failure, the person can live their whole life on dialysis treatments. Though the patients always have the option to opt for a kidney transplant. Life expectancy on dialysis can differ for different patients and can also way with the levels of damage to the kidney and the treatment plans.  Average life expectancy on dialysis can be from 5-10 years, and some patients can live well for 20 to 30 years as well. Therefore, one should take proper care of the patient on dialysis to increase the patient's life expectancy.

How long will dialysis treatments last?

The length of the dialysis treatments is dependent on the following factors like

1. The level of functionality of the kidneys. Sometimes there is a complete failure, but sometimes there can be 50-60% failure. In either case, the treatment and dialysis play will be different.
2. The fluid weight gain occurs in between the treatments. This fluid gain happens if the gap between dialysis is too long, and the swelling or fluid retention can be seen on the legs and arms of the patients.
3. The amount of waste formed and stored in the body.
4. The size of the body.
5. Type of dialysis machine used to operate on the patients.

Each dialysis session can take about 4 hours and be done thrice weekly. There is another dialysis called high flux dialysis that takes less time.

Impact of dialysis on the patient's life -

Many patients can live everyday lives for up to several years after starting dialysis treatments. Dialysis can make patients feel better after the first session and help with different kidney problems. Sometimes the patients and their families require care and support during their dialysis journey or before their patients are recovered or have a donor for a kidney transplant.

How to prolong age with dialysis?

One can increase their age on dialysis by taking care of the following-

1. Diet: Dialysis requires patients to be on a different diet; they must eat a particular diet and drink limited amounts of liquids daily. The diet plan will change depending on the treatment the patient receives, the condition's severity, and the problem's length.
2. Travel: Patients can travel on dialysis as dialysis centers are located worldwide and in every city. Dialysis treatment is standardized, and appointments are very quickly taken with the centers.
3. Work: Patients can go back to work after a while and can also person physical labor like heavy lifting and dogging, or if there is a need for proper rest, they can also change their jobs.
4. Expenses: Dialysis can be expensive, and patients should have health insurance to cover the medical needs of their health.
5. Life expectancy: Kidney failure can require dialysis treatment for the rest of the patient's life until a kidney donor can help with kidney transplants. Life expectancy on dialysis can vary depending on how much you follow your treatment plan. On average, there can be 5-10 years for people on dialysis, with 20 to 30 years of increased life expectancy.

Inform the healthcare staff of your unique demands and the necessity of your treatment while on dialysis.

What will happen if dialysis is stopped?

Without dialysis, there can be a buildup of toxins in the blood, leading to uremia, and the patients can also die under such circumstances. As the toxins build up in the body, physical and emotional changes can be seen, and the body will shut down. In many cases, the shutdown can be orderly seen in material circumstances like-

• Loss of appetite and fluid overload
• Sleeping most of the day
• Restlessness
• Vision will not change
• Disorientation and confusion can be seen on their face
• Changes in breathing patterns and congestion can result in color or skin temperature.

Patients that are thinking of stopping and not starting dialysis can eat much or drink any fluids. The many cases forcing food and nutrition is not recommended. Instead, medications are given, discomfort, anxiety, or agitation are observed throughout the shutdown or slip of awareness, as well as heart-stopping breathing.

Summary -

For many people with a kidney problem, dialysis becomes an ultimate option because otherwise, they need a donor for a kidney transplant. Since donors are not widely available, patients live their lives on dialysis. Dialysis works like an artificial kidney and removes the toxins in the body. Dialysis removes all the toxins in the body and is performed thrice or twice weekly. Dialysis can allow the person to live longer for at least 20-30 years which is a reasonable period for the patients. Dialysis is a lifesaver. Also Read: Everything You Need To Know About Dialysis If you have further questions, please reach out to a Nephrologist for assistance. Contact them today to get all your queries resolved.