| Author | Subject: hard times |
| judy | Posted At 23:04:31 08/29/2001 I was diagnosed with kidney disease in '97'. I have been going thru life almost like nothing is wrong. I would keep my dr. appt.'s regularly but it just did not sink in how I needed to change things. Well now I am getting close to dialysis and am freaking because I have let myself and my husband down. I recently had an access put in my arm and am waiting to see if my blood vessel will rise or if they will have to go in and raise it. Don't won't that to happen. Another thing I am having trouble with are my friends and relatives. They talk to me like this is the end. It makes me not want to tell anyone. What do I do? |
| Joel | Re: hard times (Currently 3 replies) Posted At 10:08:54 08/30/2001 I know how you feel. went thru the same things. 1. I suggest you tell your friends and relatives BUT, do it matter of factly. This is what I did and it has been no problem. I think a lot of the reaction you get is a function of how you treat it. The few who acted like it was the end of the world, I just informed them about the facts. 2. I had a fistula put in early, but asked my doctor as the time grew near about PD. I now use a cycler at night and I strongly suggest you look into this. It is not much of a burden. I'd be glad to offer any other advice or info Joel |
| Beth Witten | Re: hard times (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 20:45:51 09/11/2001 Hi Judy, I hoped someone would respond to you and tell you that you CAN live a long time and enjoy many of the activities that you currently enjoy after you start dialysis or have a transplant. I've known several people who have lived 25-30 years or longer with kidney failure. Some have had transplants. Others were not transplant candidates or chose to stay on dialysis. I have friends on dialysis and with kidney transplants who work, attend school, volunteer, take care of their families, raise children, go on vacations (even cruises), and even talk with people like you about their experiences and/or give speeches about kidney disease to raise public awareness. They have found that having a positive attitude, seeking answers to their questions, and taking action as an active participant on their treatment team has helped them do well. This can help you too. I'd strongly suggest that you contact the National Kidney Foundation (NKF) for information about People Like Us, Live! classes. Professionals teach these classes that include information about kidney disease, diet, coping and finances, and all the options for treatment and people on dialysis and with transplants share their experiences at them too. Call (800)622-9010 or looking on the NKF website (www.kidney.org) for information about People Like Us, Live. |
| Connie | Re: hard times to Judy (Currently 0 replies) Posted At 17:15:11 12/13/2001 Sorry for you to go through this , but life go on no matter what. I went through the same thought process 4 years ago; IÐám on CAPD for 3 years now. Yes, I have to make some adjustments in routine, but I also get to do some of the things I wouldnÐát have chance to do before. I started traveling, aerobics, and line dancing. Keep a good attitude, Then life is not so bad after all. Good luck. |