Stopping dialysis

[ddwebangel]

Question. If someone stops their dialysis treatments & let nature take its course, would it be considered suicide? This question has been on my mind for a while now.

[TABco]

Tough question. It’s one that I would discuss with a Pastor or similar religious professional if your concerns are that if you stop treatments, you’re sinning against God. I hope you are not seriously considering stopping. God has a plan for all of us. He never told us it would be easy. He told us it would be difficult. Pray to God. Cry out to Him. Ask Him to lead you down the path that will serve Him. Even in sickness God uses us in ways you may not see. Your perseverance through difficulties may be just the encouragement one of your friends/family needs. I’m saying a prayer for you now.

[TamekaS NKF Peer Mentor NKF Ambassador in reply to TABco]

That was awesome advice... Thank u for allowing God to use u.

[ddwebangel in reply to TABco]

Thank you TABco. I just replied to Zazzel about the question. And I asked my pastor the question & he could only answer on the spiritual part not the medical part. I have a very special relationship with God that I've had since I was a little girl. We have our way of communicating with each other. No I am not going to stop dialysis at this time but it is a choice I have if need be & I just want to know it will not keep me from heaven. Please read my reply to Zazzel & my bio to learn more about me. Thank you for replying & take care. I keep all people on this site in my prayers.

[kipchiri]

Hi! I think God gave us what we can handle and this is a small part of our lives we have to live the best we can. Just imagine the fun your family has while you are with them how yor niece and nephews want to be around you. By thinking of them it will want you to live more and by that they will grow up stronger knowing that you did fight a good fight with ckd and thus will make them see every trouble they face as a small challenge to them, If you give up it will be a weakness that will always pull them down. Be strong we will win this fight holding to eachother for strength

[ddwebangel in reply to kipchiri]

Hi kipchiri. Thank you for your reply. I haven't made the decision to stop dialysis yet. It was a question that has been on my mind. I have had CKD all my life. Had 2 transplants & taking care of all the other medical issues that comes when you have a transplant. Now with the 2nd trans about half damaged from the anti-rejection drug I took I'm on dialysis again. I was rejected for a 3rd transplant by one hospital & I am trying to get a second opinion by another hospital to put me on the list. I have a lot of medical issues & dialysis is sucking the life out of me. And if I decide to stop dialysis it does not mean I am weak!! I did my best in my life & proud of all I have done. I push myself everyday. Again thank you for your reply.

[Unityismine in reply to ddwebangel]

Hi, I have been on Dialysis only 4 months now, going on PD soon, and possibly having a transplant in the future if I can finally give up all nicotine (not easy). What are the other medical issues you had from a kidney transplant please? I am unsure if I really want all that comes with having a transplant. Thank you.

[Arleendodson in reply to Unityismine]

I’ve been on dialysis 4 yearsago. . I got pneumonia Because I work with the kids.I was lucky I had a transplant 23 years but this affected me. I can’t go on. To Neil dialysis because I have a hernia I was also there before. Good luck arleen dodson

[Carillon in reply to ddwebangel]

We all direct our own destiny, notwithstanding God. Do what you wish. Best to live and hope but I know what despair is and does to us.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to kipchiri]

Stopping treatment is *not* a weakness that will pull others down. Please do not trivialize another person's struggles. We all manage and cope differently. So, what may seem like giving up is a weakness to you, what exactly constitutes giving up? If a cancer patients goes through multiple rounds of treatment and decides to forego anymore does this make them weak? Offer positive suggestions may be more beneficial than declaring someone weak. Just my thoughts, and most who choose to stop treatment do so with clarity, not on a whim. Also, not everyone believes in the same God you do. Blessings

[kipchiri in reply to KidneyCoach]

Thanks I did not look at it from all points of view. Thank you again

[ddwebangel in reply to kipchiri]

No problem. You probably know this but everyone is different. The only thing we have in common is CKD. When & if I decide to stop dialysis I will have to be in pretty bad shape. Stay well.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to kipchiri]

Also, if someone decides to stop treatment, how can that possibly define "NOT" fighting the good fight? Seriously?

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

All major religions agree that stopping dialysis is not suicide. No more so than stopping treatments for cancer as both are a form of life support and we all have the legal rights to stop treatments. I would encourage you though to seek counseling either from your dietitian, doctor, pastor or a professional therapist for guidance. Depression can be very common with chronic health conditions. I'm going into my 16th year of dialysis and fully expect to make it another 20 years. You are *not* alone. If you want to chat, send me a private message. I'm a good listener. Sometimes just venting can do wonders. Many Blessings

[ddwebangel in reply to KidneyCoach]

Thank you MysticalUnicorn for your reply & the message invite. We will wait & see if second hospital will put me on the trans list. I'm doing my best one day at a time. Thank you.