18 yrs old needs encouragement - Kidney Transplant

Kidney Transplant

3,512 members1,947 posts

18 yrs old needs encouragement

jodielmj profile image
1 Reply

I am the mom of an 18 yr old (amazing) young man. I gave him my kidney 10 yrs ago. His brother got his Dads kidney and sadly, (not due to kidney failure) passed away 7 yrs ago; which ended our marriage. My son is amazing but he is really struggling. His self-esteem and self-care are poor and I live in fear every day that I am going to lose him b/c he does not take the health precautions necessary for a healthy donor kidney. He has few friends, no goals, he just seems to have given up. We are a strong, educated, family that has been blown apart due to the challenges stated. I want my son to find success...but all I do is harp on him b/c I am afraid. He needs to meet teens who too have struggled w/ medical issues, and grief -but are looking forward to a future... We seem to be quite the anomaly...not many families like us...and feeling different keeps us separated and alone. This is not healthy...can you direct us to "like" people or groups? We are good people...who need a community. Thank you.

Written by
jodielmj profile image
jodielmj
To view profiles and participate in discussions please or .
1 Reply
KelliC_NKF profile image
KelliC_NKF

Encourage him to join this online community. I'm sure there are other young people who also face similar issues. Additionally, if he would be willing to talk with someone by phone NKF has a peer mentoring program that would connect him with someone his age. If he's interested have him call 1-855-653-7337 to get started.

You may also like...

My brother needs a kidney and advice

tips for finding a donor, and words of encouragement for me to pass on to him to give him hope, I...

It's been eight months since I found out I will need a transplant

made a post about eight months ago titled, \\"Just found out I need a kidney transplant\\" soon...

Living Isolated due to covid19 and kidney transplant recepient in home

the manner I prefer. My husband almost 4 yrs ago received his transplant and for 14 mos after we...

I need support please, finding a donor is a challenge!

goes home to dialysis nightly. I am amazed by his stamina although the reality is he coughs and...

Just found out I need a kidney transplant

Hello, I just found out I need a kidney transplant. I developed kidney disease from taking a...