gfr 6

with a gfr of 6 what is the life expectancy if you don’t want dialysis

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

That is a hard question to answer because there is more to it than just a GFR. Some would say a week to 10 days, others say shorter or longer depending upon other comorbidities

[WinJ3]

It’s hard to say. Life expectancy with a GFR of 6 without dialysis can vary significantly depending on various factors such as overall health, age, underlying medical conditions, and the cause of kidney disease. Without treatment such as dialysis or kidney transplantation, severe kidney failure can lead to complications such as fluid overload, electrolyte imbalances, and accumulation of waste products in the body, which can be life-threatening.

Your Doctor would be the one to understand your situation.

[Marvin8]

If YOU are the one with GFR 6 and able to type this question and read the answers, I'm guessing you probably have longer than a week or two. Your nephrologist would be the best one to ask.

[Hidden in reply to Marvin8]

it’s my dad who is in his 90s who lives with me. He’s not great but very comfortable. He has very few symptoms other than a small amount of fluid in his feet. He’s not keen on the thought of dialysis. I’m beginning to think he may be right. Hard to know and he’ll expect me to make the decision for him

[Badger2024]

I would imagine that if someone had a eGFR of 6 and didn’t want dialysis that they would be very scared. Nobody WANTS dialysis and I would say that everyone is a bit scared of the unknown before they begin dialysis. My advice would be to go on dialysis whilst deciding whether to continue or not. Wishing you all the best xx

[nonna70]

If he's comfortable, great. No dialysis is definitely a choice any of us can make. If you go that way, make sure he is kept as comfortable and free of pain as possible.

[PKDpostTRANSPLANT]

When my aunt chose not to go back on dialysis when her transplant failed, she was put on hospice care at home. She made it about two weeks. It does vary person to person, but since the timeframe is unknown I would consider hospice (if he isn't already on hospice). The symptoms at the very end may be difficult even if he is comfortable now, and hospice care can ensure he is comfortable.

I'm sorry for what you are going through. I'm sure it is difficult to be the one in charge of the decisions. Praying for your family.

[punkin1406]

I hate to say it this way, but your Dad is 90 and probably not in good health. I know some 90 yr olds who workout everyday and may live well into their hundreds. If your Dad has a gfr of 6, barring a miracle, he won’t be one of them. Consult with doctors and make your decisions from there. I have heard dialysis is very hard on a younger person so just get information and make a decision. I am only 74 with very mild ckd but I am getting my affairs in order because one never knows. God bless!

[Beachgirl32]

a a gfr of 6 isn’t great . His body may slowly start having other toxin then swollen feet . I would ask his doctor if it would be a painful for him if he die if he decide not to be on dialysis. I know you want him to be as comfortable as possible . It a hard decision to make for someone may god grant you stenght through this .

[Helloyall]

You have to weigh quality if life vs quantity of life. You know best what Dad will want.

[PensacolaSharon]

No one can answer that question. Do you know there are at home overnight while you sleep dialysis options? Before you decide not to do dialysis, make sure you've at least heard all of your options.

[Pisces49]

I am praying for you and your family that you make the best possible decision.

[FelineFandom146]

As others have said, it is a hard question to answer. even your Nephrologist won't be able to answer it. I asked mine (several different ones) over the years. They just don't know. Every person is different and depending on other health issues, the answer depends. But, my Nephro doc told me about one of his patients who had a eGFR of just 2 who had no other issues and didn't need dialysis or transplant at that time. It frightened him to worry about her so he pushed her into beginning dialysis. I personally know of an elderly woman with an eGFR of 5 and has lived without any issues for over three years now. She isn't on Dialysis or received a transplant, yet. So, again the answer, it depends. I am in Stage 5 CKD with a eGFR of 13 to 16 for two years now. Hope this answer helps.....

[orangecity41 NKF Ambassador]

I am 82 years of age. I was diagnosed at CKD 4, 6 years ago and put on appropriate CKD diet based on bloodwork. So far the diet has stabilized CKD. I am also active.

Here is a link for article of National Kidney Foundation that explains eGFR and has a chart on age relation. ttps://kidney.org/atoz/content/gfr

[Darlenia]

Your dad is in his 90s. And you're taking care of him! You're a very loving and caring person to be there for him. Interestingly, as people age, their organs all begin to deteriorate - it's normal and expected. Very few humans live to be 100, but your dad is closing in on that. This said, I have a friend (a registered nurse) who told me that her mom lived to be 100, threw herself a big birthday party with a large number of people showing up. That was her goal - to reach age 100. Then, a few months later, her mother refused to to have the battery in her pacemaker replaced. She passed away peacefully in her sleep shortly afterwards. My friend noted that her mom's kidney function was incredibly low at that time - and she was very surprised that her mom lived pretty well with no kidney interventions. Her mom was happy, no direct health problems from her failing organs - yes, she was weaker and slower but her mind was okay, her humor intact, and more. My friend also noted that, besides her organs slowing down, her mom's metabolism also slowed down so it seemed her organs didn't need to do much - and she was glad she hadn't put in place invasive procedures which would have unnecessarily stressed her mother and the family. You may have your dad in your life for a short time or a long time in the months ahead. No one truly knows. I would simply watch your father and his quality of life. And enjoy each day to the fullest with plenty of hugs. I sense you and your dad will find peace in mapping the path forward, knowing your dad's palliative team will surround you and help you over any tough spots . Hugs!

[Hawaiilover]

That is a hard question like all have said as everyone is different, but I wanted to add my story as well. My GFR had been in the teens and was gradually dropping over a year. When it hit 6 I was still feeling well and active and really didn't notice any difference except slight swelling in my ankles. 2 months later when I went for my regular labs (I was still feeling ok, but my legs were getting quite swollen) I was immediately admitted to the hospital, and they started dialysis on me. They said if I didn't I would have died. Changes happen so slowly you don't realize how bad it is until it happens. Dialysis is not fun, takes a lot of time and can make you tired, but it saved me, and I was fortunate enough to have my daughter donate a kidney and had surgery 5 months after starting dialysis. At 90 years old, It is certainly his choice on what he wants to do and how he wants to spend his days. It's not an easy decision and I wish you luck. Spend as much time as you can now and enjoy.