My father who is 84 has kidney disease...

[green.willow]

...has been advised to start dialysis? If he chooses not go start dialysis, what is his general prognosis? How long will he live and how will he likely die?

[Elaine P]

He's already well beyond the average men's mortality rate, which is currently around 75. Still, if he's healthy, he should undergo dialysis. If not, he will surely die from this kidney problem. No one can predict exactly how long he will live, with or without dialysis, not even his doctor, but it WILL prolong his life if he undergoes the treatment. It doesn't hurt, by the way.

[Lee]

It would not be good not to go. Dialysis cleans out his blood of toxins . Should feel better after a treatment .

[Kristina]

There is no way to tell. Doctors can give their "prognosis" or "opinion" all day long, but every person is different. Some people can fight and win and others just can't. It's personal choice at his age if he wants to do dialysis or just spend the rest of his life as comfortable as he can be.