I am finding life difficult at the moment - Kidney Disease

Kidney Disease

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I am finding life difficult at the moment

fartikins profile image
23 Replies

Hello - I am due to go and see the nephrologist on the 28th to find out the results of my biopsy. I spoke to his secretary about my blood results and she said they were stable. they were reading 16.5. I am getting so worked up about this appointment I can't think of anything else - its like waiting to be executed.I don't know what will happen to me. My blood sugars are doing really well - I am insulin dependant and also my blood pressure is consistent. I just eat a huge bowl of porridge with fruit in the morning and not much else. I drink loads of water weak tea and weak coffee. I do suffer from insomnia anxiety and depression just to add into the mix. I find it hard to go out at the minute - because of this I have lost my job which I really enjoyed so much - I haven't got a lot going for me really. I hope this does make me sound full of self pity but I didn't realise the stress that this would put on me along with everything else. Its like viewing the world through slow motion. Yesterday I was so constipated I thought I would have to go to A/E but I managed at the end - will it always be like this. My son stayed with me for a few days while my husband was abroad and he really tore a strip off me saying that I wasn't being fair to hubby or to him and to pull myself together. One of the suggestions was that I go and join the WI - that is the last thing on my mind at the moment. Perhaps when I know what is going to happen I will feel better - thanks so much for reading and listening.

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23 Replies
jodaer profile image
jodaer

I don't have any words of wisdom for you but I do know how hard it is to wait for a diagnosis and then to come to terms with how my life will be after. It's only 1 more week then you will know. It's not for your son to say what isn't OK for your husband. My only suggestion would be take this week for your pity party (we all need one once in a while) and then determine how you will proceed after your diagnosis. It seems as if many people here are or have been on dialysis and live a pretty good life still. Good luck

Bassetmommer profile image
BassetmommerNKF Ambassador

Fartikins,I am so sorry you are going through so much. My suggestion is that you speak to your doctor about your anxiety and depression. Both of these are symptoms and chemical reactions and there is help for you to control them. There is no shame in having these problems so speak up and ask for some help from your doctor. My stepdaughter was having real issues to the point where she wouldn't go out and everything was a struggle. She got put on some medication and is a whole new person. She is working and attending college. No shame, but no gain if you don't ask. I think you might find some of the other things you are going through easier, and it will help your physical health as well. Make sure whatever the doctor suggests that it is safe for the kidney.

RhenDutchess123 profile image
RhenDutchess123

There are 5 stages of grief...when we lose something ...whether it is a loved one or a life that we once knew....it is painful...and it's okay to grieve...its a very important part of healing.. #1...Shock

#2....Disbelief and Denial

#3....Anger

#4....Depression

#5....and finally....Acceptance

You must walk through all 5...and the first 4 may come in different order and you may go back and forth....this is important to do so that you can reach #5.....Give yourself time and be kind to yourself..

When you get your results...the hardest part will be over and you can begin to move forward again....and make decisions again...and begin a new Life with new meaning..

There will be many different kinds of treatment for your "troubles"....make a plan...You are in control....read about them...ask questions...debate different alternatives....include your Family...hear their thoughts...

.... You have Got This....

....Amazing Grace...

fartikins profile image
fartikins in reply to RhenDutchess123

thank you all - God bless

S_dillow profile image
S_dillow

I'm at the acceptance stage with my diagnosis.i live one day at a time and no longer stress over test results.whatever happens happens and I am at peace with that.

Tissybell profile image
Tissybell

See a dietician and explain your problem. Have you tried chocolate protein drinks to build protein and muscle. I found it helped to use seasoning to make my meals healthy but savory

Tissybell profile image
Tissybell in reply to Tissybell

Sorry- this was for the lady with no appetite!

pheebee profile image
pheebee

Hi Fartikins, constipation can have a huge effect on mental health, I've seen it many times in my job as a mental health nurse. Deal with it by having regular walks and warm baths, and eating a bit more roughage. I'm pretty sure a faecal softner like lactulose is safe for you to take and you can get it over the counter (check with pharmacist if you're unsure). Once the constipation is sorted you'll feel much much better. Best wishes.

fartikins profile image
fartikins in reply to pheebee

Thank you so much for your kind reply

pheebee profile image
pheebee in reply to fartikins

Just found this- Hope it helps. There are some articles on the internet saying that Lactulose is actually good for Kidneys.

LAXATIVE OPTIONS Recommendedin Patients with Chronic Kidney Disease

Osmotic Laxatives

• Not absorbed — does not affect blood glucose in diabetics

Lactulose

• Onset: 24 to 48 hours

• Usual starting dose: 15-30 mL po daily PRN or regularly

• Flatulence more common

Polyethylene glycol 3350

(e.g. Lax-a-day®, Restoralax®)

• Onset: 48 to 96 hours

• Usual starting dose: 17g po daily

fartikins profile image
fartikins in reply to fartikins

Thank yo so much for your reply

fartikins profile image
fartikins

Thanks for your reply

Hello67 profile image
Hello67

We care and you are in my prayers. God is walking through this with you. All the advice others have given is so good, I pray you take their advice. God bless 🙏🏻

fartikins profile image
fartikins in reply to Hello67

thank you for your kind thoughts

drmind profile image
drmind

We're all here to support you. Do what you can to control your anxiety but somehow I think it's just part of your life. Do you take anti anxiety meds or is it not prescribed? I'm assuming it's not prescribed freely because they can be very harmful if not used under careful supervision.

Hoping you get though the week soon and get some positive news. Try to get out and walk if you can even if its a short distance. It's one of the best stress reducer. Best.....

fartikins profile image
fartikins in reply to drmind

Hello thanks for your reply. I take mirtazepine and a 5mg diazepam tablet at night otherwise I just would not sleep. I wish I had never started those medications.

Oregal profile image
Oregal

I am like you when I am awaiting news that may be frightening. I don’t sleep, I don’t eat well and I just cannot settle my mind. Ask for help from a doctor this week to at least get one thing under control, sleep. That may help you put the rest in perspective while you await results. My doctor prescribed Trazadone for sleep and by getting decent rest, I have been able to cope with my new diagnosis of ckd. My nephrologist said Trazadone was fine to take. Also, because I’ve been changing my diet, I found that two senna at night as needed help with constipation. Good luck to you and come back to this forum because there are so many good listeners here.

fartikins profile image
fartikins in reply to Oregal

Hello - thank you so much for your reply. It so good to know that I am not alone in this nightmare. I already take a sleeping tablet thanks to a breakdown I had many years ago. I was looking for some sort of gentle relief I could take at night without it affecting my kidneys. All I know is that I don't want to go through yesterdays hell again. Thanks once again.

Oregal profile image
Oregal in reply to fartikins

I am also taking a small dose of a cbd tincture that has a smaller amount of thc in it. I have also found that cbd/thc gummies help me unwind before bed. This is legal in my state and I mail order them My nephrologist had no problems with me taking that. Hang in there.

Sophiebun11 profile image
Sophiebun11

Hi,

Sometimes we need more support than those are around us are able to give.

Have you tried seeing a therapist? It may be a big help being able to vent your concerns. I started seeing a therapist when I was diagnosed with blood cancer. It was very helpful.

I didn't want to put a drain on my friends, but we do need a place to vent and feel safe doing so.

Best of luck to you.

drmind profile image
drmind

Hang in there. It's so wonderful that everyone out there is offering support. In one way or another some of us have been there, too.

Dora86 profile image
Dora86

I'm so sorry you feel this way. I have been in the same place you are in. No one xan tell you how to think feel or what to do. Just take each day as it comes and set a small daily goal and work your way from there. Counselling can be really helpful. It took a real wake up call to snap me back in reality. I wasted 2 years of my life feeling like you do. I really hope you get through this.

fartikins profile image
fartikins

Thank you all for your help

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