Health Navigator NZ

Living with symptoms

• Some of the symptoms that an individual may think are related to depression may actually be a result of the kidney failure itself. The buildup of waste products in your blood can cause behavioural changes, affecting irritability, memory loss, confusion, problems with sleep patterns, fatigue, loss of energy, anger and depression, amongst other things.
• Acceptance of living with renal failure does not always come quickly or without the help of others. Fortunately, most people do learn to live with kidney failure. With proper treatment, although life may not be able to return to exactly how it was, it can be just as good and even in different ways, better. It takes time and energy to adjust and reach acceptance but there are things that can be done to help
• Find out as much as possible about the disease process, treatment options and what to expect by reading, talking to people and asking questions.
• Talk to those who have been through it themselves.
• Don't make major changes or commitments in haste, such as leaving your job, moving from your home or restructuring your finances.
• Try to have regular, gentle exercise.
• Set projects and goals important to you to try and achieve without letting kidney failure stop you
• Try to maintain relationships with family and friends although you may not feel your best or have a lot of energy. It is to be expected that with changes in health come changes in relationships, both from your side and from theirs. Remember that there is never a time that you will need the support of your friends and family more; social and psychological support is as important to your mental health as correct medical treatment is to your physical health.