Has anyone considered not doing dialysis and dying naturally?

I have known 2 people that went this way. It is by no means an enjoyable experience either for them nor the family. Both these individuals were in continuous excruciating pain due to limb loss and got Hospice coverage for pain control.
I have an opinion, but then it is mine and mine alone, but I can't see this as an option for anyone as long as they were enjoying a life and friends as you obviously are.
We are about the same age and currently in rehab after a triple bypass heart surgery. The thought of giving up has never crossed my mind. I know you will know where I'm coming from with the statement "Live Long and Prosper"

I really appreciate your responding to my post. It isn't a topic people often feel comfortable with. For me I feel it is more like letting nature take its way. but mostly I feel it is freeing me from endless thoughts of what to do which was eating into the short time I may have left. Perhaps the fact I have no family and live alone has influenced me. Yes I have a good life and many friends and am taking advantage of that every day. Surprisingly perhaps I have had the support of my doctors in this decision. Thank you again.

Hi,
My mother in law lasted into her 90's with GFR 18 and no support, no pain but a slower life style. My mother died of kidney failure in front of me, no assistance and no pain. The body slowly shut down until the brain couldn't survive and died. I have also decided that is the way to go. No treatment and no transplant. Yes I do have some problems derived from the state of my kidneys, but I manage. My kidneys stopped working for 18 hours yet no pain. Now they let me know they are thirsty with some uncomfortable pain, but as I cannot drink enough to satisfy them, it is what it is. Subsequently I have been diagnosed with a rare disorder that is incurable and untreatable and I'm in end stage, so the choice has been made redundant for me. I have always let nature take it's course. At times I wish it would get a move on, but as I can't influence it, I just go with the flow making do.
Cheers

Interesting discussion…a very individual matter….age 80 in 2026 is not so old as it used to be, so I’d want to be resourceful and find ways to keep going using less invasive, natural methods for dealing with health—UNLESS I was very late stage with painful disease, a candidate for hospice…quality of life is primary for me, as it is for many people. Sometimes, modern medicine seems to forget that. Wishing you all the best, whatever choice you make.

I watched people who went to dialysis 3 times a week
There was no quality of life. It made me decide I will not do dialysis

I lost my Mother at the end of July 2025. She was 88 y/o. She did hospice at home which was a huge help, but no dialysis. Her doctor said she wouldn't be able to tolerate it and did not recommend it for her. The body eventually shut down between the kidneys and the ❤️ it was how she wanted to go and we were right there by her side. She had no quality of life prior to this for about a year to year and a half. Sleep, sleep, sleep 😴 💤 no appetite, back and shoulder pain.

Thank you so much for that. I was told it could be a few weeks. It sounds like your experience was longer. If you are comfortable I would like to know more about the process. Thanks. She was fortunate to have a loving family with her.

@knitpurl1 Have your doctors or other people indicated how long it will take (from the point you would need dialysis) and what the process is. It would help to have as much info as possible to I can plan what I need as i live alone. Many thanks for whatever info you have heard.

@jchirug Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect! Again, you ask a very interesting and personal question.

My response? Each person is different, even when we might have the same diagnosis. Our bodies are unique, and what stressors I experience may not be yours at all! I think even if we ask our medical team, they won't be able to give you a definite answer. My cousin was on in-center dialysis for a few years, with no hope of a transplant. He had cardiac issues. He and his wife discussed the idea of him stopping dialysis, as he felt his quality of life was so poor. She loved him deeply, and she also understood his reasonings. He passed 2.5 weeks after stopping dialysis.

I understand your position. Remember that even though you have that stance now, you can probably change to include dialysis if your mindset changes. "There are no hard and fast rules". You mention you have no family. Do you have a network of friends who will be there to support you no matter your path going forward?
Ginger

To answer the question posed in the title of this discussion, Yes I have.
Background: I am diabetic and have CKD stage 3. My nephrologist told me I would need dialysis &/or a kidney transplant (at some point). “It is not a question of if, but when.”
My father-in-law had end stage renal disease (ESRD or CKD stage 5). He was on dialysis for a period of time and declared “Dialysis is no way to live!” (He later had a living kidney donor transplant. My daughter / his granddaughter was the living kidney donor. He lived 3 years after that!)
When I started with my nephrologist for my own CKD in 2008 I told him that I would rather die than have dialysis.
Well, then my own spiritual beliefs and Christian faith got the better of me. As a Christian I’ve dedicated my life to God for His purposes. Who am I to say what I will or won’t do? I believe my birth was out of my control and also that my death (the cause, circumstances, how, where, when, why…etc) also belongs in God’s hands. My life is a gift from God and I need to take care of that gift the best I can.
(So now that my sermon is done) I’ve spent the past 20ish years learning about CKD, eGFR & kidney lab work, renal diets, hydration, dialysis, kidney transplant… I was evaluated, accepted and approved for kidney transplant. I was even listed (“inactive”) because I’m a little too healthy for “active” listing. I also spent a fair amount of time looking into living kidney donor transplantation and looking for a living kidney donor. All of these endeavors have been worthwhile and educational. My CKD is stable at stage 3 (eGFR in the low 30’s) and I have been removed from the inactive kidney transplant list.
Should things change I’ll have every chance to reevaluate. I think that is an important theme in this discussion. We can change or minds. The other theme is to have a support network of folks who understand our situation, beliefs and plans (medical providers, family, friends, neighbors, coworkers, faith based communities, people who have similar interests and hobbies…etc)
I hope and pray that anyone facing decisions like this will keep an open mind, do the research, consider the options ….. before making any rash decisions then be able to come to terms with what is decided and be at peace about it (or change their minds).