Hi!

My name is Shana. I've been on dialysis since May 2014 - three days a week for 3 hours. I'm blessed to still be able to work FT, but I'm not feeling very supported at my new job. I'm hoping to get to know some of you all and add to my support network and be there to support you! 😊

[cs65 NKF Ambassador]

Hi, Shana! Wow, you still work full-time, I'm impressed! I also go to dialysis three days a week for 3 hours and work on two of my off days for just a 2 hour shift. I do home health care. I am lucky to be supported by my employers, who understand that I can't work on my dialysis days and I do fill-ins when I feel able to. I do an afternoon session at dialysis because I can't get up that early for the morning session (it starts at 7:30 am.) I am mostly retired and on social security, plus my husband is retired and works part-time, too. Hope to get to know you and be a support! Take care!

[Hidden in reply to cs65]

Sorry, I've been kind of busy lately and haven't been able to check in. I do admin work so it's mostly sitting at a desk,typing on a computer. My dialysis starts at 6am so I usually head to work after. If I'm feeling tired, I'll call my manager and let her know I'm going to go home for a nap. She's about the only one who knows about my CKD. I just don't feel comfortable sharing about my health issues. Mainly because some of the people besides my boss who do know about it seem uncomfortable talking about it. So I feel like they think I'm just lazy.

[cs65 NKF Ambassador in reply to Hidden]

You don't really know which of your coworkers might be supportive of you unless you open up and tell them about your kidney disease. Just like my husband says, " I can't read your mind." If they knew you just came from getting your blood cleaned by being recycled through a dialysis machine which does the work your kidneys do 24 hours a day in 3 hours they might get a little perspective on why you're tired. Also, I usually feel better on my days off dialysis. Do you? As you get to know your coworkers you can get a better sense of when and how much to tell them. I also find it helps to work to take my mind off my disease for a while. Take care!

[Xalamander]

Hi Shana!

My health was not great for years before my recent kidney failure, I was employed then and sometimes it was misery just getting through the day at work. How do you feel unsupported? You said it's a new job so maybe with a little time things will get better. For me, the problem was less my employers attitude than the fact that sometimes I was just too tired to function. Here's hoping things get better for you!

[Hidden in reply to Xalamander]

Hi! My manager is great about it, it's mostly my coworkers. At my last job, everyone knew about my CKD. It was a family owned business so we all felt like family to each other. This new job doesn't have that feel. I'm naturally a little different, and this new place still seems unsure about me. I'm fine with that, but it makes it hard to feel comfortable sharing my story. If that makes sense?

[Xalamander in reply to Hidden]

Hi Shana!

You go to work right after dialysis? Oh my gosh, you are a trouper! Have you considered moving to an evening shift? For me that works much better in terms of energy levels and making the best use of my time. Regarding your co-workers, if I were you I'd make the effort to get to know them a little more then see who I feel comfortable confiding in. Your manager being understanding is the main thing, sounds like you've been lucky there. But, if things don't get better quickly remember to put your well being first, don't let job stresses drag you down if you can possibly avoid it. Good Luck!