Hello,
It’s normal to feel scared and that your life is over, when you get shocking news and you see things changing.
Something I found that helped me was to write down any question you have for the doctor. I also made a point of getting to know my nephrologist well. So I felt comfortable talking to him about my kidney health. Also journaling can be very helpful as well.
I lived 10 years without having to do much with my kidneys other than blood and urine tests. I started reading on how to eat. What to avoid and what to have more of. My doctor is a graphs doctor. So unless it was a continuous change we just kept doing what we were.
A year ago I was told it was time to go on dialysis. I was so scared. He told me there were no chairs available in our are and I’d have to travel for a chair, but he wanted me to do peritoneal home dialysis. Talk about being scared. It was such a emotional time..
I now have an amazing care team. I’ve been trained how to do the home dialysis. I do it every night while I sleep. I feel so much better. It’s not hard to do and it isn’t that much of a disruption. I’m able to travel and do all the things I did before. I still have to watch what I eat. Which is better for me anyway. I’m trying to lose weight to eventually get on a transplant list.
For me rather than letting it scare me, I’ve just taken control and have become an advocate for myself. My husband, daughter and mom will go with me to the doctor to help get all questions answered. Stuff I don’t think of. I have many others who are part of my support system..
Take one day at a time and talk about things and ask a million questions. Answers are scary but knowledge is power!!
Hope that helps!! Blessings to you.. I’ll keep you in my prayers!!
Lisa