Tips on dealing with Kidney Disease

Nobody truly knows what having kidney disease is like until you have had to deal with it yourself.  We asked our patient co-investigators to tell us tips they learned along the way to help them deal with this disease. 

1. Attend a support group meeting: 
   If there is a kidney support group in your area, go! You will learn so much from other patients and they will learn from you. 
2. Get on a transplant list as soon as you can:
   If you want a transplant and you qualify, do everything you can to get on the list quickly. If you are told you do not qualify, do not give up. Other health systems may approve you. 
3. Learn about your medications:
   It is helpful to know the proper dosages, names, and the purpose of each one of your medications. 
4. Pay attention to your emotions:
   Give yourself time to adjust and feel in control again. You may be dealing with uncertainty about the future or with changes in your lifestyle and relationships. It's normal to go through a period of confusion.
5. Encourage your appreciation of life:
   Make sure you still are doing things that are most meaningful and bring you the most joy despite heartache and illness you may be going through.
6. Find out the symptoms of CKD:
   And report your symptoms to your doctor. Some symptoms (like fatigue) can be treated, so you will have more energy and can feel your best.

​Do you have a tip you'd like to share? Feel free to leave a comment below!