Dialysis?

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Specializes in ICU.

How long can a person stay on dialysis? Life? 5 years? 2? 10? I have no clue. Someone asked me the question the other day and I had no idea! (Although I'm sure it varies greatly based on the person's age, comorbidities, etc etc).

Thanks!

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Specializes in hemo and peritoneal dialysis.

We have a woman who has been on for 25 years with the original fistula still working fine. Well developed above and below elbow. She does use a walker due to a hip fracture a couple years back, but she gets around fine with it. :yeah:

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

I too have several pts on hemodialysis >20 years.

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Specializes in ICU.

Wow, thats amazing. How long do you have to be on dialysis before you're considered a "Chronic renal failure" instead of "Acute?"

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Pretty much when you go to dialysis you are considered chronic. However, some pts do "regain function" and come off dialysis.

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