Coping with Kidney Failure
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| Talking to someone you feel close to may help when you're feeling down. |
Changes in your kidney function may mean adjusting to a new normal. You can deal with new treatments and emotions by learning more about chronic kidney disease. Begin by talking to your healthcare provider, dietitian, and friends and family.
Understanding your emotions
Living with kidney failure can be very stressful. It's common at times to feel:
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Angry and frustrated over having to depend on others.
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Confused about all the instructions you've been given.
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Worried about things going wrong with your treatment.
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Upset with side effects of kidney failure or the treatment for it.
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Hopeless and depressed about your future.
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Unhappy with your body.
Don't keep these feelings to yourself. Talk with your healthcare team and your loved ones. They may know ways to help. It takes time to learn new information for chronic kidney disease care.
Accepting your body's changes
Kidney failure and its treatment cause changes in your body. These changes can affect the way you feel about your sexuality. Your desire for and feelings about sex may change. Be open with your partner about your feelings and talk with your healthcare providers. They can help you understand your body's changes.
Finding support
You may find it hard to ask others for help. But it's also hard to face a chronic illness alone. When you need some help or just want to talk, turn to friends, family, and members of your healthcare team. Also consider joining a support group. Here, people meet to talk about common problems. Ask your healthcare provider if there are kidney failure support groups nearby for you and your family.
To learn more
These organizations can give you more information about kidney failure. They may also guide you to local resources, such as support groups.