Join Us for Our New Patient Support Group!

2024-03-28T20:59:27-04:00February 11th, 2021|Categories: eNews, Mental Health, News & Events, Patient Support Group, Support|

In March we will be launching our first Patient Support Group meeting by telephone. Having a support group has been one of our goals for years and we are happy to announce it is now a reality. We chose to have the group meet by phone instead of online or in a Zoom meeting because we think most everyone has a phone. And we want the support group to be available to all patients at any stage of kidney disease and to their families. On the second Tuesday of each month, at 3:00 pm Eastern, you can call and join in [...]

Having a Kidney Transplant During COVID-19

2024-03-28T20:59:40-04:00November 27th, 2020|Categories: Additional Resources, Fact Sheet, Kidney Transplant, Mental Health, Stress Management, Support, The Kidney Citizen|Tags: , |

By Jewel Edwards-Ashman I started the year 2020 anticipating that I’d enter kidney failure and have to undergo my second kidney transplant. But I didn’t expect to start doing home dialysis and eventually have transplant surgery in the middle of a pandemic. Transplant surgery in ordinary circumstances comes with a high level of stress and anxiety. Having a kidney transplant during a public health crisis only exacerbated those feelings for me. To reduce my stress and manage my emotions, here are three things I did: I prioritized self-care. Most Americans, even those who aren’t living with chronic illness, have been experiencing [...]

Supporting Your Health and Wellbeing Before, During, and After Kidney Transplant

2024-03-28T20:59:52-04:00September 3rd, 2020|Categories: Additional Resources, Fact Sheet, Kidney Transplant, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Physical Health, Stress Management, Support, The Kidney Citizen|Tags: |

By Elizabeth Steinberg Christofferson, PhD and Leah Grande, MA Preparing for and receiving a kidney transplant, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, can be an uncertain and overwhelming process. This article discusses tips to promote positive mental and physical health for yourself or your loved ones. Preparing for a Transplant There are many different emotions associated with deciding to go on the transplant list, and all of these feelings are normal and valid! You may feel excited about the potential for improved health and energy, fewer restrictions on what you can eat and drink (although you still want to eat a [...]

Guide for Submitting Emergency Grants

2024-03-28T20:59:59-04:00August 5th, 2020|Categories: Costs for Treatment, eNews, Stress Management, Support|

Emergency grants can help cover costs for transportation, medication, rent and food when someone is sick. This one-page guide will help you better understand the submission process with a summary of searching, preparing, applying and tracking grants. Included is a list of documents you may be asked to submit with your grant request. Reach out to your social worker if you need help. Check out the guide.

Are You Scared or Anxious about COVID-19?

2024-03-28T21:00:09-04:00June 2nd, 2020|Categories: eNews, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Support|Tags: |

Updated September 10, 2020 We are living in a time of uncertainty with the COVID-19 pandemic, which can lead to stress, fear, depression, and anxiety. We may feel overwhelmed at times and bored at other times. We may be at a loss for how to cope with social distancing, not seeing friends and family, and the possibility of getting sick. If you are a dialysis patient, receiving treatment either in-center or at home, your facility social worker is a great resource for you. Or, if you are a transplant patient, you can talk to your transplant social worker for support. [...]

New Resources for Teens

2024-03-28T21:00:27-04:00March 2nd, 2020|Categories: Additional Resources, Diagnosis of Kidney Disease, eNews, Fact Sheet, Home Hemodialysis, Humor and Laughter, In-Center Hemodialysis, Kidney Transplant, Lifestyle, Medication, Nutrition, Pediatric Kidney Disease, Peritoneal Dialysis, Stress Management, Support, Symptoms|Tags: |

These booklets were developed for tweens and teens who learn their kidneys are not working and they will need dialysis or a transplant. The booklets provide a brief overview of coping with kidney disease, being part of their health care team, the importance of diet, taking medication, and treatment methods. They also touch on feelings related to having a chronic illness, family and friends, and being a teen. The development of both booklets included input from kids currently on dialysis, parents, adults who had kidney disease as children, and nephrologists.  Although both booklets are similar, one focuses on teens who learn [...]

Where Kidney Patients Can Get Help with Medical Bills and Employment

2024-03-28T21:00:29-04:00February 20th, 2020|Categories: Additional Resources, Costs for Treatment, Employment, eNews, Fact Sheet, Support|

There is a resource—developed by patients with kidney disease—that provides an overview of where to get help with medical bills and employment. The types of medical bill tips highlighted include: An overview of Medicare coverage for people with End-Stage Renal Disease Where you may find help in getting supplemental coverage for the 20% Medicare doesn't pay Assistance for special populations (e.g., veterans, children, people with disabilities, etc.) Programs that help cover expenses related to health insurance premiums, living organ donation and medications. Assistance provided by some electric companies for home hemodialysis patients Employment tips [...]

Having Your Donor Find YOU!

2024-03-28T21:00:34-04:00January 31st, 2020|Categories: Kidney Transplant, Support, Webinar|

During this webinar the following points will be covered: 1) Learn about the benefits of receiving a kidney from a living donor, 2) Learn how to talk to others about kidney donation, 3) You don’t need to “ask” someone to donate, it’s all about “telling your story” and 4) Join us to develop a plan for a successful living kidney transplant experience.

Dialysis, Caregiving and Emotional Health

2024-03-28T21:00:46-04:00November 25th, 2019|Categories: Fact Sheet, Lifestyle, Sex and Intimacy, Stress Management, Support, The Kidney Citizen|

By Hannah Calkins Dialysis is life-changing in many ways. It may be what makes your life possible, for one. But it may also significantly impact your daily routine, your sense of self and your relationships—and it may impact all three if your significant other or another close relative has taken on a caregiving role. You and your caregiver may be new to this situation or coping with it long-term. Either way, psychologists and social workers who work with people with kidney disease and other chronic illnesses can help you both manage your routines, navigate conflicts and maintain—or even enrich—your relationship through [...]

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