Hello. I'v been on dialysis for 12 years, recently i experience a severe panic attack post dialysis. The attack was so bad it still lingers with me today. I dont have a hugh social circle infact i only have my mom and my sister, sometimes i believe they dont understand my situtation. I also looking for a therapist. if you worked with one that understand a dialysis patient i would like to get in contact with. Please reach out to me at Caribkeith@gmail.
Sincerly
Keith S.
Where are you? Are you on Meidcare? I tried to find a therapist to help me when I first got started and no one would take Medicare. And I live near two huge medical centers.
You do have us here to talk to.
I know, i've tried google to look for a therapist and either no one answering. I seems like using a third party like betterhealth might be my only choice, hopefully i'm lucky with that. I'm a new member of a group meeting coming up on tuesday maybe someone will be able to help me
Maybe, try to connect with a psychiatrist. They're MDs and one or two may take Medicare. Also, a psychiatrist could prescribe a low dose of a medication that is designed to help with panic attacks. Sadly, a lot of doctors that we see regularly don't consider panic attacks as serious and frightening that they are. Another suggestion would be to consider going to a community mental health center if one is available near you. Good luck and keep us posted as to how things are going.
panic attacks are tough and having a chronic illness is traumatic. When searching for a therapist, it may be helpful to seek out one that specializes specifically in trauma, there are services available online if office visits are difficult. Many therapists except a sliding scale with payments, you just need to ask if needed. Also, online there are numerous FREE sites where mindfulness practices can be found. Also, there are recordings of guided meditations. Mindfulness does not require that one’s eyes be closed if the client doesn’t want too. It teaches breathing and awareness in the moment. I hope these help.
I like that you're going to a group meeting, a support group of fellow patients can be very helpful. When I was on dialysis I talked to my nurses and techs and social worker for tips to get me through stressful situations during dialysis. Sometimes you don't even realize just how stressed you are until something happens like your panic attack. It is truly scary - I've had a couple in my life. Try some deep breathing and removing yourself from the stressful place or people and eventually it will pass. It may help to remind yourself that you conquered it and you are stronger than you think. Make it into a positive affirmation of yourself. But I think another key is to express yourself and your emotions (no matter how embarrassing as it may feel) rather than holding in feelings until they explode. Hope that helps ☺️
Hi Keith - Just saw your appeal for counselling: the National Kidney Foundation USA offers phone support to kidney patients feeling particularly stressed. I think they have trained volunteer kidney patients who really understand what we may be going through. There may also be local kidney support groups in your town where you can meet with other people in a similar position and get mutual support; it will help you feel less isolated. If you don't know where to start, ask the social work department in your hospital to put you in touch with any organisations that can help. There are often schemes that offer low-cost counselling by qualified people if private fees are too high.
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