Hey there — that's a really heavy load to be carrying, and it's completely understandable to be asking this question. It takes courage to face it head-on.
With stage 5 kidney disease (also called end-stage kidney disease or ESKD), the kidneys have lost most of their ability to filter waste and fluid from the blood. This is Show Full Answer
Hey there — that's a really heavy load to be carrying, and it's completely understandable to be asking this question. It takes courage to face it head-on.
With stage 5 kidney disease (also called end-stage kidney disease or ESKD), the kidneys have lost most of their ability to filter waste and fluid from the blood. This is serious, but it is treatable. The two main treatment options for stage 5 kidney disease are:
- Dialysis — takes over the kidney's job of filtering waste and fluid from the blood. People can live for many years, even decades, on dialysis.
- Kidney transplant — a healthy kidney from a living or deceased donor replaces the damaged one. Transplants from living donors can last 20–25 years on average.
Life expectancy really does vary from person to person and depends on many factors, including age, how closely treatment plans are followed, and diet. Given the complexity of the situation, the most important step right now is to have an open and honest conversation with a nephrologist (kidney specialist). They can look at the full picture and help map out the best treatment path forward.
There are no guarantees in life, but people with stage 5 kidney disease do live meaningful, full lives with the right care and support. 💙
June 16
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