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When does preparation for dialysis begins?

A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member asked a question 💭
Albrightsville, PA

I am now Stage Four gfr of 16 when does dialysis begin?

September 2
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Reactions
A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member

Great news ! My blood tests today came back gfr 16 Better than 2 weeks ago when it was 15 gfr.

September 28
A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member

Thank you. I haven’t had surgery scheduled. Why did you decide hemodialysis???

September 28
A MyKidneyDiseaseTeam Member

France’s, I have a GFR of 16 too. I had kidney class, surgery for a fistula or graft. My dr said I don’t need to talk to a dietitian as my CKD is different. I thought dialysis would begin soon, but he said until it is below 15 and I exhibit several of the symptoms frequently, they won’t start it (insurance coverage?) Right now I mostly have fatigue and sleep A LOT!

September 28
MyKidneyDiseaseTeam

With a GFR of 16, you're at the lower end of Stage 4, which means you're very close to Stage 5 territory (GFR of 15 or below). That's actually a good thing to be aware of — it means now is exactly the right time to start preparing.

Preparation for dialysis typically begins in Stage 4, and here's what that usually involves:

- Show Full Answer

With a GFR of 16, you're at the lower end of Stage 4, which means you're very close to Stage 5 territory (GFR of 15 or below). That's actually a good thing to be aware of — it means now is exactly the right time to start preparing.

Preparation for dialysis typically begins in Stage 4, and here's what that usually involves:

- Talking with your nephrologist about which type of dialysis is right for you (hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis)
- Getting vascular access surgery (like a fistula or graft) if hemodialysis is chosen — this needs time to heal before use
- Learning about home dialysis options if that's a preference
- Meeting with a dietitian to adjust your kidney-friendly diet as your kidneys decline further
- Discussing kidney transplant as an alternative to dialysis Dialysis itself typically begins when the GFR drops to 15 or below, or when symptoms of kidney failure become significant — things like severe fluid buildup, nausea, or waste buildup in the blood.

Since your GFR is already at 16, having an open and urgent conversation with your nephrologist about next steps is really important. Every person's situation is different, and your doctor knows your full picture best.

September 2

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