My dad is 73 and has been on dialysis for 3 years now (hemo). He's been an insulin-dependent diabetic since his mid-40's. My dad has been retaining fluids in his tissues recently, which means removing water is not possible since the fluid is not in his bloodstream. I can't find any information on what happens when/if dialysis stops working. Can it stop working? What kinds of things do dialysis patients usually die from? Any information would be greatly appreciated.