Living with chronic kidney disease

Renal failure should not effect on your ability to drive. However, if you are suffering from heart problems or impaired vision as a result of the disease or feel unwell after treatment, then ask your doctor for advice.

Of course you should be able to exercise. Especially for dialysis patients physical activity may have a positive effect: Accompanying illnesses can be alleviated, sport may be efficient against vascular calcification and may lower blood pressure, blood sugar and blood lipid levels. A series of health factors that you can have influence on.

Walking, for example, can help

• with digestion
• to ncrease energy levels
• to reduce cholesterol level
• to control blood pressure and blood sugar
• to lower the risk of heart disease
• you to sleep better
• to decrease stress
   

Smoking may be harmful. Smoking puts can put a strain on the heart and blood vessels. If you are undergoing dialysis, then you should stop smoking.

The physical and emotional changes caused by renal failure can also affect your sex life. Sexual appetite and sexual activity can be reduced as a result. Men may experience impotence at the beginning of dialysis treatment. Talk to your doctor about this. Such problems can usually be easily resolved by adjusting your medication. Women are generally able to have children in spite of kidney disease. However, careful risk assessment and close coordination with your doctor is essential.

Being on dialysis does not automatically mean that you must stop working. Many patients with renal failure work full- or part-time. If your doctor agrees and you feel well enough, you should continue to work. To a large extent, your treatment plan can be adapted to suit your needs.

In general, you will be able to continue studying. Please discuss your needs with the dialysis team and they will try to accommodate your dialysis sessions to fit in with your course of study.

Unfortunately feelings of depression and anxiety are common in patients on dialysis. Many patients experience mood swings when they have started dialysis, which you and your family may sometimes find difficult to deal with. One of the most helpful things you can do is understand that these feelings are real, and need to be shared. You do not have to deal with this on your own. Approach your care team about your anxiety, and they will be able to help you. Some people also find it useful to talk to other patients, and see how they have coped. So you can also contact your local Kidney Patients Association. Expressing your feelings is healthy, and is important so your family can help you, too. Remember, a chronic disease like kidney failure affects both you and your loved ones. But don’t take your anger out on your family, or make them feel guilty about your illness. Talk to your care team. There is plenty of help that they can give you. It is important for you to find a way to cope with the difficulties of dialysis so that you can lead a fulfilling life outside of dialysis.

The renal care center will always have qualified nursing and medical staff with whom you can raise your concerns. Also there will be links with social workers, psychologists and dieticians if you have more specific needs. There are self-help groups available. All of the staff have a wealth of experience and will be able to listen to you and help. There are thousands of patients who have successfully passed through the difficult early stages of renal failure. The important thing is to remember you do not have to cope with this alone.