Can a dialysis patient make a decision to stop treatment?
Yes, dialysis patients are allowed to make decisions about stopping dialysis treatment. You are encouraged to discuss your reasons for wanting to stop treatment with your doctor, other members of your health care team and your loved ones before making a final decision.
Can a person change their mind about dialysis?
Sometimes patients may refuse dialysis treatment, but later change their mind. This is very understandable and acceptable. Everyone has the right to change their mind at any time and can discuss this with the kidney team.
Why is dialysis so difficult for some people?
Having heart disease or other chronic conditions may also make the renal treatments such as dialysis particularly difficult. For those who are easily confused, for example, people who have dementia, dialysis may seem frightening or upsetting.
When did hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis begin?
Hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis have been done since the mid 1940’s. Dialysis, as a regular treatment, was begun in 1960 and is now a standard treatment all around the world. CAPD began in 1976.
Yes, dialysis patients are allowed to make decisions about stopping dialysis treatment. You are encouraged to discuss your reasons for wanting to stop treatment with your doctor, other members of your health care team and your loved ones before making a final decision.
Sometimes patients may refuse dialysis treatment, but later change their mind. This is very understandable and acceptable. Everyone has the right to change their mind at any time and can discuss this with the kidney team.
Do you see the same people each week on dialysis?
You keep a dialysis schedule each week, so you will see the same people each week. I felt like the new kid walking into school today, but was eased by the friendliness of my dialysis neighbors and them welcoming me. As I began my dialysis treatment I noticed quickly how quiet it was in the clinic.
Having heart disease or other chronic conditions may also make the renal treatments such as dialysis particularly difficult. For those who are easily confused, for example, people who have dementia, dialysis may seem frightening or upsetting.