Dialysis Support Group
Dialysis is a type of renal replacement therapy which is used to provide an artificial replacement for lost kidney function due to renal failure. It is a life support treatment and does not treat any kidney diseases. Dialysis may be used for very sick patients who have suddenly lost their kidney function or for quite stable patients who have permanently lost their kidney...
Hi everyone, I’m Melissa and I’m from NYC. I recently joined this support group after my dad 62 yo was diagnosed with end stage renal disease and was placed on dialysis treatment this past June. I’ve been searching for virtual support groups and this platform was recommended by my care coach so here I am now. I’m looking forward to connecting with others who are in a similar circumstance like myself who is a caretaker of a loved one on dialysis but I'm also looking forward to hearing from folks who personally going through dialysis treatment now. Have a happy Thursday!!
I did want to kinda give you a heads up. I've found this group to be largely inactive, unfortunately. Most if the posts are very old and I'm not even sure anyone other than me is active on it. I check it every now and then because dialysis is a very difficult thing to go through and I despertly want to help people who are experiencing it. Just don't want you to be disappointed if you are expecting tons of responses.
You said you are a caregiver and your dad just started dialysis? I'm approaching things from the other end. I was on pertioneal dialysis from 2015-2017. It saved my life, and I am very grateful that such technology exists.
Is your dad on hemodialysis, where he goes into a dialysis center a few times a week? Or is he doing home hemo? How is he doing in general? Starting dialysis and being on dialysis is challenging.
And how are you holding up? I know this has probably been a very big change for you, and the whole process can be very overwhelming.
You can private message me if you want to talk further. Im more than happy to share my experiences or offer what support I can. Dialysis is life saving, but also life changing for everyone involved.
I don't know what its like being a caregiver, but I am happy to offer what insight I can.
Hope you have a good day as well!
I've found that The National Kidney Foundation has been amazing as far as offering support. They have something called the Peer Mentor Program, where they connect you with someone who is experiencing similar things, whether it is as a patient or a caregiver.
If you find yourself struggling or looking for more support I'd definitely check them out. They have blogs and groups very similar to this format, and their groups are generally much more active and involved.
I wish I'd known about them at the beginning of my kidney journey, so I just wanted to make sure I mention them.
:)
Everything came back rather quickly, except for bladder and kidneys. I now only were the bed ar night.
I was on dialysis from October 2021 thru May 2022. Off dialysis now because I was diligent a about diet and f.uid intake. It is rare to get off dialysis, usually you're on it for life. THANKS TO MY DOCTORS A D FAMILY FOR GUIDANCE IN THIS TOUGH JOURNEY.