Living With Dialysis: A Guide for Patients, Family and Caregivers

There comes a time in everyone’s life when we are forced to reflect on the meaning of our existence. At times, we feel victimized by the circumstances that present themselves on this journey through life. Somewhere in the drama of living we are faced with a crisis that turns our lives upside down. We seek answers to such troubling questions as: What went wrong? How could this happen? Why me?

One such crisis is a diagnosis of kidney failure and the realization that ongoing dialysis treatments will be necessary to maintain life. We struggle and rage that life is unfair, that this setback was not part of our life plan. The foundation of our life has been shaken. What was stable, secure, and predictable is gone. Nothing feels right anymore. But remember that life is full of change. Change is essential. Unfortunately, many people have the mistaken belief that they can control everything around them, but that is an illusion. Attempting to control other people, circumstances, and things will leave us feeling exhausted and isolated. It is to our detriment to hang on to the old when the new is knocking on the door. Change can be very exciting. Embrace the spirit within yourself and open yourself to embracing the spirit in others. Get on with your life. Spark that inner light. It does not depend on outer circumstances. Take an inventory of current habits and start to make choices that will positively affect the outcome of any situation in your life.
It is common for negative thoughts and feelings to surface when a person has a setback. A health crisis forces us to examine life. These setbacks can cause us to lose touch with the good things about ourselves. A medical crisis can trigger fear leading to self-doubt and uncertainty. To overcome these setbacks we must put our hearts into that which we desire. Look at life from a different angle. There is a purpose and a plan for your life that takes into account your needs, wants, desires, talents and abilities. Every human being has problems. It is important to look beyond the problems to the solutions. The first step is to deal with one issue at a time. Do you have a passion for something? Gardening? Stamp collecting? Art? Painting? Writing? Biking? Compose a list of activities that gave you pleasure prior to starting dialysis. Read articles about people who receive dialysis treatments yet continue to engage in life with gusto. Join a support group. Visit someone who is just starting dialysis and offer your experience, strength, and hope. Get yourself very familiar with what dialysis is. Speak to social workers, doctors, nurses and even other patients. After all, knowledge is power.

Although many medical advances have been made in the treatment of kidney disease, the emotional effects of kidney failure on patients and their families remain great because many areas of everyday living have to be changed. This guide is to help find effective coping strategies for patients, families and caregivers.