Kidney Failure Without Treatment

Choosing not to receive treatment for kidney failure isn't easy. Kidney failure means your kidneys no longer do their job of excreting waste products from your blood. Treating kidney failure requires dialysis to remove toxins, medications to prevent the buildup of potassium in your blood and diuretics to help flush excess water from your body. In severe instances of kidney failure, a transplant is necessary. If you refuse treatment for kidney failure, you will die before long.

Forgoing Treatments

• Dialysis and other forms of treatments can extend your quality of life when your kidneys have failed. Without treatment, your body will accumulate fluid and waste products. According to the National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse, refusing dialysis or ending your dialysis could shorten your life to a few days or a few weeks. The time you have left depends on the severity of your kidney failure and other health complications.

What to Expect

• You can choose to stay at home.

  If you choose to remain in a hospital with kidney failure, your physician can help control and ease your symptoms. You will experience nausea, muscle twitching and breathlessness. Having a doctor nearby is also useful if you change your mind and want to receive dialysis. You can receive specialized nursing in your home or stay in a hospice if you choose. Your doctor can refer you to community-based agencies that can make your finals days at home more comfortable.

Significance

• Talk to your family.

  If you want to refuse treatment for kidney failure, you and your family should first talk to a counselor. According to Baxter Healthcare Corporation, a medical team can help you understand what this decision will mean to you and your loved ones. Your family will need support, as your decision will affect the lives of every person close to you.

Considerations

• Trial dialysis can help you spend time with family.

  Even if you feel certain that you do not want treatment for kidney failure, you might want to undergo dialysis for a trial period. That way, you can experience the pros and cons of this procedure before making a decision to die of your disease. It also buys you time to spend time with your family and come to terms with your condition.

Preparation

• Draw up a will and power of attorney.

  Once you're satisfied with your decision, prepare a living will for your family and the medical staff. Your health-care provider needs to understand what you want them to do if you should fall into a coma. You might want to be resuscitated or placed on a ventilator. You should also consider giving a loved one power of attorney for your health-care decisions in case you become unable to direct care.