Ask a doctor - What is it like to have renal failure as an adult?

Q. What is it like to have renal failure as an adult?

Doctor Answer is medically reviewed by SecondMedic medical review team.

Answered by Secondmedic Expert

Having renal failure as an adult can be very difficult and challenging. In general, it is associated with a range of physical and emotional challenges that may arise from the complex nature of kidney disease. Physical symptoms include fatigue, muscle cramps or spasms, loss of appetite, changes in taste buds, difficulty sleeping, problems concentrating and reduced alertness. Emotionally it can lead to feelings of increased stress or anxiety because dialysis treatments are often more difficult than regular visits to the doctor’s office. Often additional medical costs can add financial pressure on individuals with renal failure as well as time constraints due to scheduled treatments which can affect quality of life drastically by reducing available time for leisure activities such as travel or hobbies with loved ones.

Renal failure also affects social activities in different ways; people who suffer from this condition may have difficulty participating in family events due to physical limitations caused by their condition (for example- wheelchairs). Additionally managing diets prescribed by doctors may have a limiting effect on food selection at restaurants which could make dining out more complicated. Seeking out emotional support either through therapy or peer support groups may help individuals manage the extra stress associated with having renal failure so overall seeking professional guidance when feeling low is key!