There is no single answer to whether dialysis can be stopped after it begins. Some people with acute kidney injury may gradually recover after the underlying cause is treated. Their medical team may then assess urine output, blood results, fluid balance and overall condition to determine whether dialysis can be reduced or discontinued. For irreversible advanced chronic kidney disease, dialysis is usually a long-term life-sustaining treatment unless a successful kidney transplant is performed.
The need for dialysis is not determined by creatinine alone. Clinicians also consider estimated glomerular filtration rate, electrolytes, acid–base balance, fluid overload, urine output, breathing and symptoms of uraemia. Feeling better does not prove that kidney function has recovered sufficiently. Delaying or missing dialysis without medical approval can lead to dangerous potassium levels, fluid in the lungs, abnormal heart rhythms and other life-threatening complications.
TCM may provide individualised supportive care for fatigue, appetite, sleep, bowel symptoms and swelling, with the aim of improving symptoms and quality of life. Because herbal medicines may affect blood pressure, electrolytes and kidney function or interact with other medicines, both the nephrology team and a qualified TCM practitioner should know everything being taken. Any decision to stop dialysis must be made by the nephrology team with close monitoring and should never be based on isolated success stories.
Patients can ask whether dialysis began because of acute injury or chronic failure, which findings are being used to judge recovery, and when reassessment will occur. Recording urine output, weight, blood pressure and symptoms may reveal trends, but does not replace blood tests or clinical review.
