Choosing to stop dialysis can have deadly consequences. Kidney dialysis can be life sustaining. Sadly, most individuals who make the decision to stop dialysis die within just a few weeks. However, adults have the right to make medical decisions for themselves, and many choose to stop dialysis. In fact, in the United States, approximately 25% of those dealing with kidney failure make the decision to stop receiving dialysis treatments.

Sometimes people stop dialysis for happy reasons. If a person with kidney failure receives a successful transplant, he or she can stop dialysis. Unfortunately, most individuals do not stop dialysis for this reason. Donor kidneys are in short supply, and the majority of individuals who choose to end dialysis are, essentially, making the decision to die.

Often, the reason for choosing to stop dialysis is an emotional one. Many individuals choose to stop dialysis because they are either not likely to receive a transplant or ill suited for one. When faced with the need to continue receiving dialysis for the rest of their lives, many find the prospect unhappy and intolerable. For some, the quality of life with regular dialysis treatment is far less than desirable. As such, they would rather live a few weeks on their own terms than have the potential to live years with dialysis.

Sometimes, the decision to end dialysis is made for health reasons. An individual may choose to end dialysis because of the side effects and complications common to the treatment. Possible complications can range from low blood pressure and fever to infection and allergic reactions. Even diet may be affected by dialysis, as loss of appetite is common in those undergoing dialysis treatment.

The decision to stop dialysis is often related to cost. While it is true that most insurance programs cover dialysis treatments, many individuals still find dialysis expensive. Stopping dialysis allows individuals to alleviate this expense.

Before an individual makes the decision to stop dialysis, he should discuss the possibility with loves ones and his treatment team. In some cases, adjustments can be made to improve the patient’s quality of life, while allowing for continued dialysis treatments. If such adjustments are not enough to make continuing dialysis desirable, the treatment team may be able to provide advice and support for ending treatment.