Kidney School™—a program of Medical Education Institute, Inc.

Module 5—Coping with Kidney Disease

The shock you feel at having your life turned upside-down can cause you to be upset for days—or even weeks or months—following the news. But, as you find answers to your questions, you can start acting on what you know. This calms the turmoil and helps you feel more in control, so you can start to adjust to life with kidney disease.

That's not to say you never feel other intense emotions related to your health. We'll talk more about these as we explore other rooms.

Some people, though, are stuck in crisis mode. They can't move past the fear, or don't want to admit that their kidneys aren't working or that their lives will change.

Right now, do you think you have worked through the crisis? Or, are you still in crisis mode?

I have worked through the crisis.
I am still in crisis mode.

It's common to be in crisis mode, possibly for a while. Your best and fastest way to move out of this stage is to get answers.

Great! You have responded to the crisis, and been able to move on.

Realistic information about what to expect can help you see that life will be different, but it can still be good. Talking to other people who have been through what you are going through can help. Your care team can answer your questions and ease your fears. A mental health counselor or a social worker (if you are on dialysis) has training to help you learn to cope with kidney disease.

Do you think you can make one of these contacts this week?

Yes
No

How Can I Meet Other People with Kidney Problems?

"What's the best part about a support group? Meeting other people in the same boat, because you don't feel so alone and isolated."

There may be support groups for people with kidney disease in your area. The National Kidney Foundation (NKF) has a Peers Lending Support program. You can talk to a volunteer whohas kidney disease. To learn more, visit www.kidney.org call toll-free 855-653-7337, or email NKFPeers@kidney.org. Or, join the NKFs Patient & Family Council at www.kidney.org.

You can join the American Association of Kidney Patients (AAKP) free. You will receive a membership packet, magazines, AAKP Renal Flash monthly e-mail newsletter, and can attend local meetings (if there is a chapter in your area) and an annual meeting. Call 800-749-2257 or visit the AAKP website at www.aakp.org.

The Renal Support Network (RSN) has a toll-free HOPEline in English and Spanish, an annual Patient Lifestyle Meeting, a podcast, a newsletter, and more. Visit www.rsnhope.org or call 866-903-1728 to learn more.

If there is no group you can go to in your area, you can still get support from other people who have kidney problems. There are many online support groups you can find by searching Google or social networks like Facebook or Google+.

Page 5 of 23 | Further reading