Good News Where Art Thou?

H

Hellion

Guest
Original poster
So I've always had problems with my kidney, ever since I was a little kid. I've suffered from extreme pain in those areas, and my right kidney has always been only a fraction of the size of my left one. But today when I went to the doc to get a regular exam done, it appears that something strange appeared in my bloodwork, and there's a high possibly that my right kidney had stopped functioning altogether, and is just a big ball of scar tissue. I'm being referred to a specialist during the summer months, but there's a good chance that I'll need surgery to remove the kidney. Now I know lots of people only have one kidney and live fine with it, but I'm nervous. What if something goes wrong? What if my other kidney starts to give out?

Chronic kidney disease,
I wish I could flip you off. /:
 
I know its hard not to worry, but the best you can do is trust what your doctor says and attempt to look at things in a positive light. Just be strong, and you can get past it.
 
Like Curiose said, try to find the silver lining in that gray cloud. Don't give in to irrational fears. Has your other kidney ever given you or your doctors any doubt as to its health? Do you believe doctors would risk any type of surgery or treatment that would harm your health any further?

Living in one of the top medically advanced countries, you probably stand a very good chance of surviving your surgery, should it come to that. And hey, if you do get your kidney removed, you can always keep it as a memento of the struggles you overcame (or just stick to the scar left behind). What a powerful testimony you would have, to share with others who might be going through similar problems!

Either way, I pray for health for you, and no more pain! Sounds like you've dealt with this pain long enough! You're human. We hurt easily, but we can be gutsy enough (and sometimes stubborn enough) to overcome whatever sickness or disease is thrown our way. Don't let fear defeat you. :)
 
Hellion, if I were you I would be pissed off at people telling me to "just be strong" and "you'll get through this". You know what? It is scary. Your fears are absolutely valid. And I bet you are way too young to be dealing with chronic kidney disease.

My grandmother was on dialysis for the last ten years of her life. It was gross and disorienting, but she was alive to do things that she wanted to do still. Of course she was way older than you are and didn't have as many things to do as young people do this day and age, but it's livable. If your kidneys stop functioning, we still have ways to live around it. I'd much rather for you that it's nothing some medications can't fix (although, ugh, more meds), but you'll still be able to live your life.

Diana's been harping on all of us to focus on positive things right now, and it sounds like you could use it. When I'm freaking out and anxious about things, one thing I like to do is just ignore it all and focus on something I really like. What's something you enjoy doing that will take your mind off of things? Worrying isn't going to get you anywhere, so you might as well turn that nervous energy into something productive. Roleplaying. Writing. Making something. Spending time making something is much more preferable to spending time agonizing.

In the meantime, if you need someone to vent to who isn't going to shoot down your feelings, feel free to send me a PM!
 
I bet there is someone there that would be willing to give you a kidney if it ever came to that, otherwise if there is no one I expect you can get onto a waiting list for a donor that has died somehow but still has good viable organs. I'm a donor and if anything ever happened to me I would want my body to help out anyone who needed it. Anyone who isn't willing to do that just seems selfish to me and not really worth the time.

The last time I had a surgery was when I was 11 and back then it didn't really frighten me and it still doesn't today. I'm not sure if it was because I was young or I have faith in people. Either way I expect you will get along just fine in life!