@susangail53 To be placed on a transplant list is quite a procedure. From tests of all kinds to mental health evaluation, and all. Remember, dialysis is not a cure for kidney disease, it is a treatment, just like a transplant is. We each have to be honest with ourselves, and come to the decision that is best for us.

From the National Kidney Foundation: https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/stopping-or-not-starting-dialysis
and: https://www.kidney.org/kidney-topics/dialysis-deciding-to-stop

These two articles may off you some information you do not have yet, or serve to underline what you already know.
Ginger

@susangail53 It's a good thing and I'm happy for you that you're in relatively good health. And I understand your not wanting to go on dialysis. Sometimes kidney transplants can be performed preemptively...which means it would be done before the person went on dialysis. There are pros and cons for both dialysis and for kidney transplant. If or when you might consider future steps. I would suggest that you read up on and educate yourself on the pros and cons, and advantages and disadvantages, of each course of action. Then you can make a decision as to how you may want to proceed. The options are dialysis (which you don't want), transplant, or neither one. I would like you to be informed about and comfortable with whatever decision you make for yourself. Another thing to consider that might factor in is that you may not even get to the point where you need dialysis. Some people can and have remained in the late stages of CKD for years. But, again, make sure that you're comfortable with whatever decision you make. In the meantime, you can also talk to your nephrologist about this and he/she could provide you with additional information and resources, and even with other people you can talk to who can answer some of your questions. In the meantime, please stay as well and healthy as you can. I wish only the best for you! ❤️

Agree with you, susangail53. I am in 4th stage, GFR 25. I will not go on dialysis. And a transplant is so far off in the future, if I'm even approved. There are many that live comfortable lives for as long as they can in stage 4, even stage 5. I asked my nephrologist what the process of dying is like with kidney disease. Let's face it, I want to know. She said painless. You lose energy, sleep a lot as potassium levels rise. I plan to go that route. Thank you for your honesty. Please keep us informed of improvement on Oct. 31 appointment. My next blood draw is in November and done every 3 months. GFR reduces each time but I now get Cystatin C tests as well.