Chronic kidney disease & mental health

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@Shaz51 wrote:

hello and thank you soo much for all the lovely messages and support , @Zoe7 , @Determined , @Owlunar , @NatureLover , @Former-Member , @cloudcore , @Smc , @Snowie , @Sophia1 , @frog , @Historylover , @HenryX , @Appleblossom , @Anastasia , @Adge , @Eve7 , @Meowmy , @TAB , @MDT , @Faith-and-Hope , , @Former-Member , @Peri

@oceangirlmy warrior sister , hugs to you xoxo, yes mine is uria acid going around the body as the kidney filter is broken , have proteinurea and arthritis , walking with you my sister , you are not alone xxx

@Zoe7, @Former-Member , @NatureLover , @Sophia1 , @BlueBay , @Owlunar , @frog , @Jacques , @Bow , @Angels333 , @Dimity , @utopia , @Teej , @Fizz

yes my mum @Owlunar , they just add another kidney now , soo when I do have a transplant ( mr shaz wants to give me one of his kidneys it will be joined on to mine xoxo

@Former-Member, my kidney specialist is happy that my kidney is stable but need to do something about the diabetes

thank you my @Sophia1 for your messages , yes I need to be more sticker with my diet @Former-Member , It is a bit hard with a meatlover in the house xxx

hope I have not forgotten anyone @Former-Member , @saltandpepper , @wellwellwellnez , @Lost9 , @Krishna , @Scoo , @Tinker67 , @jem80 , @FindingStrength , @Former-Member , @Bezak482 , @Libra , @Jynx , @Former-Member , @Former-Member , @Otter , @Pollyotter , @Lee82 , @Bellarose75

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@Shaz51You're too my sister- so incredibly strong and brave I hope you're good hands with your specialist. You need to slow down my sister and look after your health. Thinking of you !!

Hi @Shaz51

I’m so sorry to hear that you’re experiencing so many significant health issues and I just ever so gently wondered how you’re feeling today?

I’m incredibly relieved to hear that your doctor has referred you to a specialist for further consultation and I hope that you won’t have to wait too long before they’re able to offer you an appointment - please keep us posted

In the meantime, please know that I’m thinking of you and sending you some very gentle and caring hugs

Take care of yourself,

ShiningStar

thank you my @ShiningStar

i have eaten more vegetables this week soo hoping this will help

my next kidney appt is in november

but see the diabetes specialist and doctor before that

How are you going with your kidney @oceangirl

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@Shaz51 wrote:

thank you my @ShiningStar

i have eaten more vegetables this week soo hoping this will help

my next kidney appt is in november

but see the diabetes specialist and doctor before that

How are you going with your kidney @oceangirl

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@Shaz51 Good luck with your upcoming appointments my sister. I am doing ok with my glomerulonephritis.

Hi @Shaz51

It was my pleasure - it’s always so lovely to hear from you

Oh Shaz51 I really hope that eating some more vegetables makes a difference too - is this something that your doctor recommended?

I’m so pleased to hear that you have an appointment scheduled to see a specialist in November - please let us know how you’re travelling

Please know that I’m thinking of you and sending you some very gentle and caring hugs

Take care of yourself,

ShiningStar

Chronic kidney disease (CKD) affects how we think and feel
CKD can affect every area of life. Relationships, work, spiritual beliefs and how we socialise with other people may all be affected. This includes our mental health. Many people have times where they struggle to cope, and may become anxious or depressed.

Mental health problems may develop because:
Adapting to CKD is stressful – for the individual and family members.
We may feel our body and general situation are out of control, and there is nothing that we can do.
We feel lonely and isolated from family and friends. Sometimes it can be difficult to talk about the illness with those close to us. We don’t want to worry or upset them.

People with CKD and those who care about and for them can have a range of emotional responses: shock, sadness, grief, fear, anger, frustration, feeling down, tense, or alone, and sometimes many of these.

Some losses may seem relatively trivial – like limiting social engagements or shifting housework to a partner – yet these can be important and may signal changes in relationships, such as greater dependence.

@ShiningStar, @oceangirl . @BPDSurvivor , @Lost9 , @Jacques , @Former-Member , @Former-Member

@Peregrinefalcon

Recognise changes in yourself
CKD, depression and anxiety can all cause fatigue and a lack of motivation and interest in life. As energy levels go up and down, our ability to concentrate, manage the tasks of daily living, and desire to be social are also affected. This can stop people from doing important and pleasurable activities that would make them feel better. For example, they may stop going out, opt out of regular exercise or recreation, or stop going to see friends.

Recognising these changes means you can start doing something about them.

Encourage yourself to start exercising especially, however gently; activity can lift your mood and make you feel more in control.

Start with things you’ve always enjoyed in the past – like going to see movies with a friend, for example – and try to make them a habit.

The effect a CKD diagnosis can have on families and friends
Family members may feel overwhelmed, especially if they have not faced a major crisis before and the diagnosis was unexpected.

They may feel helpless because they cannot do anything about the illness. They may be confused and frustrated at changed behaviour. They may be angry that CKD or mental illness has happened in their family. They may feel guilty if they did not realise the serious nature of the illness. They may feel anger or resentment.

They are also likely to feel guilty about reacting in these ways. They may feel that they are responsible for the illness in some way; that they are not helping the person enough, or even that the illness is the fault of the person who has it. Family and friends can feel isolated and helpless at these times.

The important thing to remember about these emotions is that expressing them safely can support your wellbeing. Do not feel you need to suppress or hide them, and do not be ashamed for having them. Not giving these emotions an outlet will make them more powerful, and feelings of guilt may increase.

@oceangirl, @Jynx , @Peregrinefalcon

Wow @Shaz51 ,

Thank you for sharing. There's a lot there I wasn't aware of.

Hugs Mum @Shaz51

Hi @Shaz51

It’s so lovely to hear from you

Oh Shaz51 I’m so deeply sorry to hear everything that’s been happening for you and I’m just so pleased that you were able to share your experiences here with us

Absolutely In my experience, we often underestimate the ways in which living with a chronic health condition can impact people’s lives and their mental health and wellbeing.

Sadly, so many of the losses associated with living with a chronic health condition are dismissed and / or minimised. In my experience, this not only exacerbates people’s distress, but it also creates a variety of barriers that make it increasingly difficult for people to receive the care and support that they so desperately need

Given everything that’s happening for you, I just ever so gently wondered if there’s anything that we can do to support you?

Please know that I’m thinking of you and sending you some very gentle and caring hugs at such a difficult time

Take care of yourself,

ShiningStar