Managing your Life with Kidney Failure

Table of Contents

  1. Introduction
  2. The Emotional Effects of Kidney Failure
    1. Denial/shock
    2. Depression
    3. Anger
    4. Anxiety
    5. Fear
    6. Grief
    7. Loss of control
    8. Feeling overwhelmed
  3. Role Changes
    1. Changes for You
    2. Changes for Your Partner
    3. Change Affects Your Children
      1. Dealing With Changing Mood
  4. Sexuality
    1. Impotence: A Sexual Problem in Men
    2. Vaginal Dryness in Women
    3. Decreased Sexual Desire
    4. Some Coping Tips
  5. Birth Control and Having Children
    1. Women Who Are on Dialysis
    2. Women Who Have Had a Kidney Transplant
    3. Men Who Are on Dialysis or Have Had a Kidney Transplant
    4. Sexually-Transmitted Diseases
  6. Coping Techniques
    1. A Positive Attitude
    2. Learning About Kidney Failure
    3. Talking With Others
    4. Staying Active
      1. Exercise Success Stories
      2. Exercise Do’s and Do Nots
    5. A Sense of Humor
    6. Spiritual Beliefs
    7. Setting Goals
    8. Volunteer Work
    9. Eating Healthy
    10. A Strong Support System
    11. Getting Professional Help
      1. When to Seek Help
      2. Who Can Help?
  7. Getting Back to Your Daily Activities
    1. Hobbies and Recreational Activities
    2. Social Activities
      1. Rehab for Care Givers
  8. When Children Have Kidney Failure
  9. Getting the Most From Your Treatment
    1. Treating Anemia
    2. Treating Bone Disease
    3. Getting the Right Amount of Dialysis
      1. What Hemodialysis Patients Should Do
      2. What Peritoneal Dialysis Patients Should Do
    4. Preventing Heart Problems
    5. Your Special Diet
  10. Paying for Kidney Treatment
    1. Medicare
      1. What Medicare Doesn’t Cover
    2. Private Insurance
    3. COBRA
    4. Medicaid
    5. Tie-In Plans
    6. Veterans Benefits
    7. State Kidney Programs
      1. The Patients Financial Responsibility
    8. Income Maintenance Programs
    9. Medications Assistance

APPENDIX A: Other Resources

APPENDIX B: Your Health Care Team

APPENDIX C: Words You Need to Know

Continue on to Section 1