Welcome to our group where you will find many views of the same thing. Since we are all individuals and got here by different roads I guess that's to be expected. You would be the youngest in our center also, excluding those on PD, peritoneal dialysis. This is the least confining mode of them all.
Dialysis is not like an operation. In an operation somebody, not you, does all the work except rehabilitation, if any. Here dialysis keeps you alive but not well. To be well you have to listen to others, Dr, dietitian, nurses, and peers.
You must abide by you diet, your fluid restrictions and that encourages good labs. Labs are the record of how the body is really doing. You must get proper sleep/rest,but that's what you are supposed to do any way.
You need to get an exercise program for three times a week or so, just to keep you bodyin good shape to be able to handle the dialysis.
No matter what anybody says you may suffer from depression. If you do, try to get that under control first. Being scared is also very natural and that is the only thing that does go away naturally.
Try some of the things that get you more in control and that's do it your self dialysis, Button holes and self sticking.
Get you center to describe button holes and the consequence. Basically they are special holes that after maturity use DULL needles. Less, if any, pain. Then you should try sticking your self and then the anxiety of who is going to stick me today will be gone.
Disability i am not sure of. I had a desk job prior to this and still have a desk job. Its not the same as I am now 76, but I still work. It could be full time save for another disease, Pulmonary Hypertension.
Don't let this ruin your life, but it will change it, no matter what anyone says. You will be dializing at the very least and then over time you will recognize the value of a lot of the changes I have suggested in this note.
Best regards
Cicero
