Emotional Adjustment

Having kidney problems can create a number of changes in your life, which require some fine-tuning from you. These problems can include how and what you think about yourself, how others perceive and respond to you, your ability to work or go to school, your sexuality, and even your finances.

Most people go through a number of reactions when they hear that they have kidney failure. There is no predictable sequence of reactions - each person responds in their own unique way. You may find that you have any number of different reactions, in any strength and order, or that you have a few of them. For example, some people have difficulty believing the news. Others go through periods of shock, irritability, anger, fear, or even depression. Fortunately, most people eventually accept what is happening to them and are able to put their energies into finding the best ways of coping with this change in their lifestyle.

No matter how you react to kidney disease, you will be affected in what you think about yourself, how you feel, how you function, and how you relate to others. The key to managing your circumstances is to establish and maintain a healthy balance between your emotions, what and how you think, and what you do for yourself.

When it gets right down to it, there are only two type of problems - those that can be solved versus those that can only be managed. On occasion, kidney disease can be solved through any number of interventions, but most of the time it becomes a long-term management issue.

You can really help yourself through a number of proactive activities. Taking into consideration your health care needs, you can plan in advance the time necessary to dialyze, medications, finances, companionship, and emergency resources. You can openly discuss your needs and concerns with your significant family members, your friends, the renal team members (such as your social worker), and other renal patients.

If you need personal support other than what is mentioned above, there is a Peer Support Program available through the Kidney Foundation of Canada. This program matches you up with another person who has been through similar experiences. This is someone you can talk to who will help you cope with kidney disease. Each peer support person is carefully screened and matched with you to ensure that you are connected with the most appropriate person available.

To access this service, please speak with Jennifer Francis from the Kidney Foundation. Simply ask any team member to arrange a meeting and they will do so. You can also call the Kidney Foundation directly at (519) 742-2023 or (800) 667-3597.