1. < Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD)
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Has anyone considered not doing dialysis and dying naturally?

Posted by jchirurg @jchirurg, Aug 3 10:23am

I am 80, have had a great life. I asked doctors what would dying be like from CKD so I can make an informed decision. AI was a help too.
I have been enjoying friends, museums, travel and feel like I have been freed from having my life being filled with my disease 24/7. I am curious to find out if anyone else has considered this and what have they learned about it.

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talltxlady | @talltxlady | Aug 4 6:29pm
In reply to @jchirurg "Thank you so much for that. I was told it could be a few weeks. It..." + (show)
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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.

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@jchirurg, she was put on Hospice at home in February 2025. Her eGRF was 13 to 15. She was selfless until the end. Giving us all 1 more of everything 🙌 her birthday 07/28 she turned 88, she and my Dad had 59 years married 07/29 and she passed that next day 07/30.
If you and your doctor decide against dialysis, please definitely get Hospice. They're the most loving, caring people you will ever meet. Definitely not in it for the $$. They all deserve so much more!
Hope this helps you.
I miss her more than anything đŸ˜Ș every day. I pray for her soul every day. I know she's with Jesus 😇

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ebowry | @ebowry | 1 day ago

I am 80 and GFR 12. And a disabled Veteran with full medical care from the VA so I do not have to worry about money. I did a bit of research on to go on dialysis or tough it out. Seems the VA did a study on that and someone my age has a life expectancy of about 2 years, weather they go on Dialysis or not. I have decided to go on PD Dialysis as it is easier on the body and I have my days free to do what I please. Do your own research and look at all the options and make your decision. Keep in mind, you can change your mind and select another dialysis type or just go off dialysis any time you want to.

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sharlyn777 | @sharlyn777 | 4 hours ago

Mom Mom will be going on to care at some point, I guess. She’s at Stage 4 CKD, been there for 6-7 years.

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sharlyn777 | @sharlyn777 | 3 hours ago
In reply to @cehunt57 "To answer the question posed in the title of this discussion, Yes I have. Background: I..." + (show)
Profile picture for Cheryl, Volunteer Mentor @cehunt57

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).

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@cehunt57 Thank You so much for your Courage to share your faith(strength), experience & hope. This is a lot to take in some days. God loves you


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