How has dialysis impacted my life?

After medical examinations I was told that my kidney failure was more than likely progressive from some time back and due to uncontrolled high blood pressure (hypertension). Apparently, I had been suffering from hypertension for probably a few years now but it had gone by unnoticed. It had now irreversibly damaged my kidneys. I am now working hand in hand with a wonderful medical team and my blood pressure is under control.

Apart from being a complete shock to me and my family, dialysis has definitely impacted my life and my quality of life. I now have to be more cautious of what I eat. For example, you would think a banana, or an avocado are healthy food choices for anyone, but for dialysis patients the high levels of potassium in these foods can be of risk to our health. I also had to adjust my work schedule. I held a 12-hour job before I was diagnosed and had to find a job where I could work less hours due to the fact that out of 24 hours a day, I have to be 10 to 12 hours hooked up to a machine. This in turn has had a negative impact on my family's financial situation. The length of my dialysis treatment has also made me miss important life events. I have had to miss school activities with my daughter and soccer games of my son because sometimes they are taking place during my treatment hours. Not to mention traveling has become a bit more challenging given the fact that wherever I may travel to I must take my heavy machine and all accompanying supplies along with me.