work life balance with CKD - stage 5

[Needkidney24]

Hello everyone. I maintain a healthy lifestyle with a good diet and regular yoga practice. While I'm currently on the transplant waiting list, I haven't experienced typical acute symptoms like ankle swelling yet. However, I've noticed that getting less than 8 hours of sleep significantly affects my energy levels, concentration, and work performance.

As someone who has worked in the tech industry (currently job hunting), I'm familiar with how demanding and high-pressure the environment can be. I'd appreciate hearing from others who have navigated career changes or made workplace adjustments to better manage their stress levels while dealing with similar health challenges.

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Are you doing dialysis....because you have all the symptoms of needing it

[Needkidney24 in reply to Bassetmommer]

not yet, but planning for a PD soon.

[6V53]

I had to step down from a management position to hourly (I work retail). Injust physically could not do the 60 hours weeks anymore. I wonder how much the overwork and stress of dealing with unreasonable customers exacerbated by kidney disease. I was able to take a design position where I get to be creative, don't generally have to deal with upset customers, and I don't have to put so many miles on my body. I also cut back to 32 hours a week, which allowed me to maintain full status (insurance). It has been a huge financial hit, but I needed the rest.

I am now 30 months post transplant and I have increased my hours to 40. Down the road I would like to get back into management, but I want to be careful how I do that because I need to protect this new kidney. I also have to build back my strength and stamina that were sapped by 30 years of CKD. It is also important that I remember I still have CKD.

[Needkidney24 in reply to 6V53]

thank you! This helps. So, did you already get a transplant and still have ckd?

[6V53]

Yes, depending on the cause of the CKD a transplant doesn't stop the disease. Also, the care and maintenance of the new kidney requires meds and follow up similar to CKD (although hopefully not still stage 5). My current eGFR tends to hover right around 60% which is considered normal. So, can do a lot of normal things, but I still have to be protective of the gift. My cause of CKD is IgA Nephropathy, so the disease will attack this kidney too. However, this kidney doesn't have 30 years of IgA and a genetic weakness that my natural kidneys did.

[Needkidney24]

Sorry to hear that. Please take care of yourself!

[Gunnison5 in reply to Needkidney24]

Here’s wishing and hoping you receive your kidney asap. Best to you!