@jprust Welcome to Mayo Clinic Connect, in case you have not been welcomed, yet. Being a caregiver to your husband comes with its own set of responsibilities, but don't forget about taking care of yourself, too!

I am a chronic kidney disease patient, and started dialysis last September. In addition to that, like your husband I deal with fibromyalgia, and am actively on chemo for a blood cancer [unrelated to the kidney disease]. This is my experience. While I have been followed for many years with my kidney team, my eGFR slowly declined. As my health in general declined due to the combination of co-morbidities, my nephrologist said I could start dialysis at any time., but I resisted that idea! Afterall, I was at 18%, way too early to start dialysis in my thoughts. Well, by July 2022 I really was feeling poorly, and looking at my situation, I knew the only thing I could change was to pursue dialysis. So I am now on PD, and started that at 14% function.

It took me about 3 months to start feeling better, but it has worked! It is an individual case-by-case basis, but in my opinion, and the opinion of my team, starting dialysis at a higher eGFR level has a benefit. My kidneys have recovered to 19% now. I cannot be transplanted due to the cancer, so I knew that once I started dialysis, that is my lot in life for the rest of my life. Your husband's story may vary.

I would strongly encourage him to have a very frank discussion with his medical team, and include you and your thoughts. Dialysis can be either hemodialysis [home or in-center] or peritoneal dialysis done at home. In my opinion, better to start when you have a choice, not when your body crashes. What questions do you have for me?
Ginger