How Long Can You Live with Total Renal Failure

The kidneys of people with total renal failure fail to function properly or at all. As a result, patients experience a lot of symptoms such as swelling, high blood pressure, loss of appetite etc. “ How long can I live with total renal failure” or “what is total renal failure lifespan” is frequently asked by the patients or their family members. Virtually, people with total renal failure don’t need to worry too much.

Total renal failure, also known as end-stage renal failure may be caused by diabetes, high blood pressure or other long-term diseases that place prolonged strain on the kidneys. A person with total renal failure may experience decrease in volume or frequency of urination, discoloration of urine, nausea, weight loss without trying, malaise, decreased metal clarity, weakness, very weak immune system etc.

The total renal failure lifespan

It is hard to give an accurate number of lifespan of patients with total renal failure lifespan. It depends on severity of kidneys and is most accurately determined after discussion with several physicians. Although dialysis is not a cure for total renal failure, it can extend the life expectancy. A study shows that 42% dialysis patients die of heart failure, or the diabetes complications. Those without prior complications have a 70 percent chance of survival after five years on dialysis. Those with pre-existing illness rang between a 46 percent and 29 percent chance of survival after five years on dialysis. Kidney transplant is another way to extend the lifespan. However, it is not a easy thigh to find a donor so people may not have a chance for kidney transplant until death comes to them. Even though a person is enough lucky to get a successful kidney transplant, he has to take anti-rejection drugs to stop the body destroying new kidneys. More important anti-rejection drugs have a lot of complications such as diabetes, cancer, etc. It is common that people return to chronic kidney disease after years.


Although you are diagnosed with total renal failure, it is achievable to alleviate the symptoms, improve quality of life and prolong lifespan by proper treatment. Perhaps, immunotherapy is a hope of improving the kidney function and prolongs lifespan.