Perspectives on the Pandemic

Perspectives on the Pandemic COVID-19 has affected us all P eople who have a chronic illness such as kidney disease are at an increased risk of becoming very ill. These fears are real—and the worry and uncertainty can cause stress and anxiety. We asked a dialysis patient and the mother of a transplant patient to share their perspective on the last few months.

Photo credit: Rhonda Braun “As a parent of a teen daughter on immune suppressants, life during COVID has been extra challenging. Alexis, 18, has FSGS—a rare kidney disease resulting in kidney failure. She started dialysis at age 16 and last October, I donated a kidney to her. When everyone else started to take precautions and restrictions went into place in March, we had already been living with limited contact: no travelling except for medical reasons. It felt like she was already missing out on a normal youth. As a transplant recipient, Alexis is at extra risk because of her compromised immune system. The immune suppressants she takes help prevent rejection of her new kidney. Even as the rest of the world goes back to normal, we will continue to try to be as a safe as we can. A friend of ours made us a sign to place at our front door reminding people not to come in if they are experiencing any symptoms. Please wear a mask, limit social gatherings and continue to be mindful. Many people, like Alexis, are very vulnerable. We’ve already been through so much to keep her healthy.“ Rhonda – Mother of a Transplant Recipient, Living Donor

“In the early days of the pandemic, when the rest of the world was trying to stay home, I still had to leave my house four times a week to head to the hospital for my dialysis treatments. These treatments keep me alive until I receive a kidney transplant. It was and still is stressful every time I walk into the hospital. There’s screening as I enter the hospital with questions being asked and temperature checks. Initially no masks where given to patients. However, since the numbers increased, it is now mandatory for all patients to wear a mask for the duration of their hospital visit; so, in my case that’s four hours of wearing a mask. It’s not easy, but I can’t take a chance on either myself or my family becoming sick. The anxiety and mental toll from the pandemic have become exhausting. I know that I am doing my best to stay safe while being diligent in wearing a mask, washing my hands and social distancing from others. “ Sadia, Hemodialysis Patient

Do you have a story to share? How has COVID impacted you? Tell us about your experience with kidney disease. Email ontario@kidney.ca or visit www.kidney.ca/ shareyourstory

We are here to help and support you through your journey. Sometimes sharing your feelings and learning that you aren’t alone in your experience can help. Through our Support Groups and one-on-one peer support calls, we know that many of you are feeling stressed and concerned about your health and safety. We are here for you.

The Kidney Foundation’s Information and Referral service provides access to basic information on kidney disease, treatment options and referrals to community resources where appropriate. Call (toll free number) 1.866.390.7337 or email ontario.programs@kidney.ca.

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