How long can a person live on dialysis?

What is Dialysis?

Dialysis is a standard procedure for those who have severely limited renal function. It is commonly used for individuals suffering from end-stage kidney failure, also known as chronic kidney disease (CKD) stage 5. A machine called a dialyzer filters out impure blood and toxins and returns the filtered blood to your body. Dialysis is not a cure, but a life-sustaining treatment that takes up the task of removing waste, excess fluid, and toxins from the body. Ayurvedic treatment for kidney disease tries to reverse the damage accumulated in the kidneys so that the patients do not have to undergo this medical procedure in the first place.

Types of Dialysis

There are two main types of dialysis: hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis.

1. Hemodialysis: This type of dialysis uses a machine to filter waste and excess fluid from the blood. A patient typically undergoes hemodialysis 3-4 a week, with each session lasting close to 3.5 hours.
2. Peritoneal Dialysis: In this type, a catheter is inserted in the abdomen, and the lining of the abdomen (the peritoneum) filters the blood. Peritoneal dialysis can be done at home and can be performed daily, depending on the severity of the disease.

How Long can A Person Live on Dialysis?

One common question that troubles a lot of individuals undergoing dialysis is: How long can a person live on dialysis?

The answer to this question depends on multiple factors such as the person’s overall health, the type of dialysis, and how well they manage their condition. The paragraphs below will explore these factors in further detail.

Life Expectancy on Dialysis

On average, people on dialysis can extend their lifespan by at least 5-10 years after starting treatment. However, many factors can influence this number such as:

1. Age: It is one of the most significant factors for dialysis patients. Older adults, especially those over 75, will have a shorter life expectancy than those in their 40s or 50s. The primary reason is the higher chances of older adults suffering from other health complications.
2. Underlying Health Conditions: Individuals with additional health problems (heart disease, diabetes, or high blood pressure) will almost always have a reduced life expectancy on dialysis. These conditions not only reduce the effectiveness of dialysis but pressurize the immune system of the body. People without significant comorbidities will live longer on dialysis.
3. Overall Health and Physical Condition: Patients who have a healthy weight, manage their diabetes or hypertension, and follow a kidney-friendly diet fare better on dialysis. Those with frail or weakened immune systems may experience more complications and a shorter lifespan, even after undergoing dialysis.
4. Dialysis Compliance and Treatment Plan: You have to adhere to your dialysis schedule to elongate your lifespan. Missing treatments or being irregular with your dialysis schedule can increase the risk of serious health problems and shorten life expectancy.
5. Type of Dialysis: Both hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis are effective, but hemodialysis is typically associated with a slightly lower life expectancy, especially for those suffering from cardiovascular issues. However, the difference is modest at best and the other factors discussed above play a far more instrumental role in determining the life expectancy of the patient.

Prognosis and Quality of Life

One must understand that undergoing dialysis requires a significant time commitment and the physical exhaustion part should not be undermined either. In addition, dialysis patients are at risk of complications such as infections, blood pressure problems, and bone disease.

However, with advances in technology, dialysis has become far more efficient and many patients live a fulfilling life even after undergoing dialysis. Managing your health, staying committed to your schedule, and consuming the prescribed diet help improve the quality of life of the patients.

Lifestyle Strategies for Better Prognosis

For dialysis patients, maintaining a healthy and proactive lifestyle can greatly improve their quality of life. Dr. Puneet Dhawan of Karma Ayurveda Hospital advises the dialysis patients to adhere to the following guidelines:

1. Nutritional Management

• Follow a renal diet: Keep a check on sodium, potassium, phosphorus, and fluid intake.
• Protein intake: Dialysis increases protein needs; opt for protein-rich foods (e.g., eggs, fish, lean meats). However, do consult your doctor beforehand.
• Control blood sugar & cholesterol: High blood pressure and sugar levels adversely affect the renal function.

2. Fluid Control

• Follow your nephrologist’s guidelines properly to avoid an overload of fluids.
• Limit salty foods so that you do not feel thirsty all the time.

3. Regular Physical Activity

• Low-impact exercise (walking, stretching, light weights) should be a part of your routine, if permitted.

4. Mental and Emotional Wellness

• Counseling or therapy: If needed, take the help of a counselor or psychiatrist so that your stress can be alleviated.
• Support groups: Talking with others on dialysis can help reduce isolation, fear, and anxieties that often accompany this procedure.

5. Medication Adherence

• Take medications exactly as prescribed; do not miss your medications at all.
• Regularly review medications with your care team to manage side effects and interactions.

6. Consistent Dialysis Schedule

• Don’t skip or cut dialysis sessions short; it may adversely impact your overall health.
• Consider home dialysis (peritoneal or home hemodialysis) for better flexibility and autonomy.

7. Regular Monitoring

• Keep track of lab results and inform your doctor if any anomaly appears.
• Attend all medical appointments.
• Be proactive in discussing symptoms; do not hide anything.

8. Avoid Harmful Substances

• No smoking or recreational drug use while on a dialysis.
• Limit or completely avoid alcohol as it can affect blood pressure and fluid balance.

Conclusion

While the average life expectancy for dialysis patients is around 5 to 10 years, multiple factors sway this number in either direction. Age, overall health, the presence of other medical conditions, etc. all are instrumental in determining the efficacy of dialysis and its impact on elongating the overall life expectancy of the patient.