Letter From a Social Worker

Hearing the news that you have a medical condition that will require attention can result in unsettling feelings. A first response may be
to try to push the news out of your thoughts and pretend that everything is fine. Since you are visiting this web site, you either passed this first phase already or are someone whose style is to tackle situations head on. Either way, you are to be congratulated on taking the necessary steps to learn as much as you can about kidney disease and the possible impact it will have on your life.

The information you learn will enable you to be an active member of your healthcare team. Providing the team with information about any changes you might experience or questions you have following recommendations will help the team to better plan your care. Having knowledge about your condition and the role of diet, medications, and lifestyle changes can result in positive benefits such as lessening the severity of some symptoms or ability to use information you gather to help make decisions about finances, health coverage and work or educational plans.

Having kidney disease is never welcome, rest assured that you are not alone in this process. Your doctor will introduce you to other professionals (nurse, dietitian, social worker) that will be available to you and your family every step of the way. In addition to keeping you as healthy as possible, their goal is to provide you with the very best medical care and support available.