@ronaldjbaer You ask a very good question, one that I find difficult to respond to!

Dialysis is a treatment, not a cure, for CKD. That said, many of us have additional health concerns going on, in addition to our kidney issues. So, there is that to consider and sleeve into our daily lives. Getting a handle on everything together is indeed a balancing act, sometimes on a daily basis! It requires rigorous scrutiny and evaluation.

Quality of life is very subjective, in my humble opinion. Activities and things we used to do may need to be modified, revamped, or put to the side. We learn a lot about ourselves, and what/where we find meaning. I have known people who were on dialysis for 5+ years, or decades, who learned to live their lives in a new way.

As for myself, I cannot be transplanted, so I am on "dialysis for life". At this point, it has been over 4 years, of peritoneal dialysis. Quality of life over quantity of life is my motto, now. Quality of life entails not just physical, but emotional and mental well-being. This may not be the pat answer you are looking for, Ron, but I am interested in your thoughts on this.
Ginger