What to do if i'm 18 and soon to be on dialysis, life expectancy?

Dialysis life span: Dialysis patients patients live for a shorter period of time than do their age-matched controls not on dialysis. At the age of 18, you should definitely see if you can get a renal transplant from a family member or go on a cadaveric list to obtain one. A transplant will give you the most normal life possible when compared to either hemodialysis or peritoneal dialysis. Speak to a transplant team.

Ask the nephrologist: Life expectancy depends on many factors. Assuming you are in generally good health otherwise, please consider a transplant, especially from a related living donor. This gives you the very best chance of living a longer, healthier life. Some patients are able to get transplants before they absolutely need dialysis! If you must do dialysis, look into home peritoneal or home hemodialysis. LGromkoMD