My anxiety is just out of control since my diagnosis. Does anyone here also suffer from an anxiety disorder? Mine was pretty much under control until all of this. Would love to hear how others cope with it. Thanks. ~Pam
Hi Pam -
I too have kidney disease - stage 4 - and yes, I too have anxiety. As a firefighter I am used to responding to people who are having panic attacks, not being someone who has them! My diagnosis is new news for me so I am just starting to figure this out, but here are some tips I am using.
I am learning everything I can about this disease so that I can be proactive and knowledgable about my treatment.
I am getting second and third opinions - talking to nephrologists, a hematologist, GPs, etc so that I can get different takes on my situation. I now feel I have a complete team helping me deal with this.
I often feel overwhelmed - I might lose the career I love, I don't feel well, I am using up my sick time, etc. Everything is so up in the air and unresolved. To deal with that feeling, instead of looking into the future at all the unknowns I look at what I need/want to do today. I also try to enjoy the here and now as much as I can. This keeps my overwhelmed feeling more under control.
I have one nephrologist who reminds me that the anxiety is normal for someone with a chronic illness - he suggests I try to embrace it - don't run from it. It's an opportunity to grow emotionally by accepting that this too is a part of me.
I try to remember that I'm not alone. As reading this website reminds all of us, there are a lot of people dealing with very difficult issues and a lot of pain.
I hope this helps you.
Heidi
Hi Heidi,
Thanks for the response and the tips on how to deal with it. For me, it's nice to simply know that I'm not alone. Weird how just that knowledge makes me feel so much better. The racing heart, the jitters, the panic.... I've dealt with this type of anxiety for about 8 years. But it's on a whole new level now since I was diagnosed with this rare kidney disease. I really like my nephrologist and my GP, I've never thought of getting second opinions because I trust them so much... but it might be nice just to hear, as you say, other takes on the situation. I'm a little worried about that on the other hand, I feel like I'm at the point where I don't want to focus so much on the disease every day.... just focusing on daily tasks and doing what I can... there are so many things I wish I could do. It's not the kidney disease but the anxiety and panic that is holding me back right now. I can't even drive anymore! And I was such an INVOLVED mom when it came to my kids sports - I cry every time they have games now that I just can't get to.... I'm crying now THINKING about it. I want my life back!
Thank for the response. It really did help.
-Pam
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