Hi. I'm sorry to hear of your health issues. I was a dialysis tech I started in 1999 and the technology has changed and much in your favor. I'm excited you have started PD. Much more freedom for you. I have trigeminal neuralgia and had to stop working. I was good at my job. I'm not bragging. There is a lot I have seen. And I loved sitting with my patients turning the machines to them and explaining the whys of what it does and emotions they have. I pray you have the best of care. I get mad when people just look at me when they tell me I look fine when an invisible illness is real and I have resorted to saying Google it!!! Uuuuggghhhhh. A fantastic nurse I worked with has lupus and I connected with her at my sons wedding reception. The best tip she gave was don't say yes I'll be there such as lunch or whatever but to say. If I'm up to it I'd love to come thanks for asking and thinking of me. I've lost a friend because I wasn't "reliable ". It hurts. I'm not in my twenties but 53. I like to say 35 lol switch the numbers. My best friend since 2nd grade and I owe each other a dollar if we say the OLD word. Im Having a rough night, feeling down and anxiety is high and a high pain day. You take care

Hi Michelle, I've literally just joined this group but totally get where you are coming from. I am 30, had acute renal failure last year and have been on PD for 6 months now. My life has been completely turned upside down and I still have odd days where I struggle to cope with everything has happened/is happening. But I came very close to dying, so just continually remind myself that dialysis is a small price to pay to be alive. Positive thinking doesn't come naturally to everyone but it is a case of mind over matter. Like if I get a negative thought and start to feel down, I force myself to find a positive. Fake it until you can make it! Would love to chat more. Like you, I have found it hard to find anyone in my age group to talk about my PD with. My family and healthcare team are great, but they can really understand what it is like to be in our shoes. It's nice to know you're not alone x

Hello Michelle, my name is Ebony. I'm loosing the functioning in my kidneys. I'm not due to start dialysis yet because my Dr said he won't make me until I start to feel bad. Here lately I have been starting to develop symptoms that leads me to believe that it maybe time for me to start. I've been very nausea, short of breath, and extremely fatigued. And of course my lab work is getting worse. My GFR is 12.1 now. I'm beginning to go into a depression, although I'm trying to encourage myself. I'm 24 y/o no children and I'm afraid at this point I'll never be able to have any. I'm a nurse and Im always around dialysis patients. Now I feel I won't be able to work or continue furthering my education.

Hello Michelle. I am 12 years older than you, but I would like to think that I am still in my early30's (in my mind at least ). I have been on the same boat as you are right now in terms of feeling like not belonging at all. After almost 3 years on PD, that feeling subsides but it never goes away. I am always reminded that there are limitations on what I can do and a lot of my friends and even family tend to forget that because I seem to look healthy on the outside. If you feel like you need a friendly and empathic ear, I would be more than happy to lend mine.

Hi Michelle
I'm 49 and going through my 2nd bout of hemodialysis. I think I understand what you are going through as I lost my native kidneys when I was 24 due to Lupus. I was sick for a very long time before my drs figured out the problem and by then my kidneys failed and I started dialysis. I was on dialysis for 4yrs and then I got my transplant. It's been 20yrs and now my transplant is failing and I am back on hemodialysis.
I understand how hard it is to be young and vital and feel cut down by a double whammy with Lupus and kidney failure. I'd be happy to talk with you and listen if you need someone. Hugs!!
All my best!
Moira

Hi, I'm so sorry for what you are going through. My niece is 20 years old and has been living with kidney failure since she was 12. She has told me many times over the years that she feels the same way you do. She is currently on hemodialysis. She has recently started using fistula and hates it. She constantly threatens suicide and it is so painful to see her go through this. I want to connect her to this site so that she can talk to others close to age who are going through this. It is difficult to comfort her because she always tells us we don't understand.

Hello. I'm sorry to hear about your situation.
I'm Pin and I am a hemodialysis nurse. The only thing I can do for my patients is to hear them and be with them when they talk about how they feel, and I am really glad you are doing this. Recognizing that you're in pain is something that is very brave to do.
I know sometimes the word "I understand you" doesn't suffice, but know know that there are people out there who are willing to help and listen to you. As a matter of fact, when I had to leave my work as a dialysis nurse, I started to make a blog about dialysis per se ( www.dialysisupdate.com ) so I could reach out to patients who are in need. Just one of my small ways to help.
Take care of yourself.

hello I am so sorry for what you ARE GOING THROW IT IS HARD BEING SO YOUNG BUT I AM ALSO ON DIALYSIS AND I AM 34 I HAVE TO GO TO TREATMENT THREE DAYS A WEEK FOR 3 HOURS A DAY I WANT TO GIVE UP ALL THE TIME MY FRIEND AND FAMILY DONT KNOW WHAT WE GO THROUGH .

Hi Michelle my name is Lisa from chicago the same exact thing happened to me at 35 now I'm almost 40. I too feel like I just don't fit in society. It's tough

Im here 28 started dialysis and optimistic about it never been the type to give up or not do things so as I am doing this amd waiting on my kidney transplant I am still active and dont let people look down pn you with pity show them you are able to move mountains and at the same time show them you cant be stopped

Hi Michelle, my name is Gabriella. But everyone calls me gabby. I would love to hear you're experiences. I might not have lupus, but my do have kidney failure (fsgs) if you've ever heard of it. Plus I'm close to you're age as well 22. Don't hesitate to message me! Anytime