“It is not the strongest of the species that survives, nor the most intelligent that survives. It is the one that is the most adaptable to change.” – Charles Darwin (1809 – 1882)
Any chronic disease, and in particular going for dialysis, requires changing – swiftly and often permanently. Whereas getting used to CKD in 2012 took several weeks (from health to sick), learning and accepting the news that hemodialysis is my future only took two to three days. I only can guess at this point, but I am quite certain that my brain has already been wired in the past years (unconsciously?) that the step from sick to sicker was only a matter of time.
While in hospital, I wondered what makes people bounce back after times of personal distress. For me, at least, the list in sequence of importance reads like this:
1. Sanguine personality / Positive view of life
2. Family and friends
3. a) Excellent medical team of doctors, nurses and infrastructure
b) Very good understanding of own medical condition
4. Discipline
5. Asking questions
Although I can be rather critical in everyday life, my daily activities and plans are underpinned by an optimistic and pragmatic view of life (someone ones described me as a person seeing ‘every day a new possibility’). Life and living (if you are interested in the distinction between the two, read more in Nick Lane’s excellent book ‘The Vital Question – Why is Life the Way it is?’) are awesome – despite the troubles we all experience. Funny enough, although I am not the greatest seeker of change, once it happens (positive or negative) I usually have no problems accepting them and to move forward.
Having this said, we are – of course – not alone in this world and withstanding the unpleasantries of life without family and friends is probably impossible. Hence, they follow closely in my list of personal survival list. Next comes the medical team and your own understanding of what’s going on with your body. In order to recover, I am convinced one needs to be able to trust his or her doctor(s) and feel (!) in good hand. This is especially important in cases like long-term treatments such as hemodialysis. At the same time, I can only advice everyone to read as much as possible about one’s own medical condition, the treatments, medication, dietary restrictions and other recommendations. It is vital to talk on eye level with all those concerned about your health. Finally, discipline and asking questions. Although it seems, the word discipline has not the best connotation in the 21st century, once a chronic disease has passed your doorstep, discipline can make a huge difference in disease outcome. Simple things such as being on time for check-ups and treatments, taking your medications as prescribed, following dietary advice are often at the core of those reaching eudaimonia ('good life') despite a chronic ailment. And don’t forget to ask….. ask…..ask questions. Good luck!
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