Multiple comorbidities in many people with chronic kidney disease

Psychological pressure weighs heavily

For more than 3 hours of periodic dialysis at Hai Duong General Hospital, Ms. PTT in Thanh Ha district hardly talked to anyone. Her face was absent-minded, her eyes were red when we approached to ask. "My 4 friends who went through dialysis with me have all passed away. I am luckier than them when I was alive, but life is full of sorrows, so boring," Ms. T. lamented.

Mrs. T. has chronic kidney disease and has had to undergo dialysis for the past 14 years. She also suffers from a number of diseases that are common in the elderly. To have money for treatment, she sold all her fields. Every other day, she has to go to the hospital for dialysis. Her illness and her dependence on her children have made her tired and her spirit gradually fell into a state of depression.

From a muscular, optimistic, and life-loving young man, Mr. NTH (also from Thanh Ha district) suddenly became quiet and less sociable since he was diagnosed with chronic kidney disease and had to undergo dialysis 3 times a week. After 8 years of continuous dialysis, Mr. H's health has visibly deteriorated. The psychological pressure was even heavier when he was also diagnosed with many other diseases such as severe heart failure, osteoarthritis, high blood pressure, frequent pulmonary effusion...

Mrs. NTT (Mr. H's mother) was heartbroken when her son had to endure the above situation. "The family's finances have been almost exhausted since H. fell ill. He is only 30 years old this year, but my son's future is almost over. H.'s mentality is very unstable now. I have to swallow my tears and encourage him to have the strength to continue treatment," Mrs. T. said in tears.

Chronic kidney disease has left many young people with a bleak future. Psychological illness, the most obvious of which is depression, often appears in this group of patients. They feel inferior, think of themselves as useless, "parasites" of their families, and even do not dare to get married.

Ms. NTL in Binh Giang district is 35 years old this year but has been on dialysis for 18 years. "I didn't think this disease would be so dangerous and cause such consequences. The disease has taken away my favorite job and my future. I won't dare to get married. My parents have suffered enough because of worrying about my treatment," Ms. L. confided.

More and more people are suffering from chronic kidney disease and need to undergo regular dialysis. Worryingly, the rate of young people with this disease is increasing. Most patients with chronic kidney disease will have other diseases, commonly cardiovascular disease and diabetes.

Many patients, especially young people, have been psychologically shocked when they were diagnosed with end-stage chronic kidney disease and had to undergo regular dialysis. They themselves understood that from now on, their lives would be spent in a hospital bed. Current jobs and future plans were almost over for many patients. The psychological pressure weighed heavily on them, causing them to often have negative thoughts, fall into depression, and even become irritable with medical staff and family members...

According to the World Health Organization (WHO), an estimated 20%-25% of people with chronic kidney disease suffer from depression. This rate in the Department of Nephrology - Artificial Kidney, Hai Duong General Hospital may be even higher.

Need cooperation from 3 sides

Master, Doctor Nguyen Thi Huong, Head of the Department of Nephrology - Artificial Kidney at Hai Duong General Hospital, said that many patients are diagnosed with end-stage chronic kidney disease. At this time, the most important issue is to help them overcome the psychological shock. Medical staff must truly sympathize, be close, encourage, and share with patients to help them reduce anxiety and understand that this is a disease that still has a treatment method. "We also ask patients who have been on dialysis for many years, who have an optimistic spirit, to participate in encouragement and counseling. This also has an effect," Doctor Huong informed.

However, medical staff alone is not enough, but the simultaneous participation of the patient's family and the patient is needed. The patient's parents, spouse or partner must always be there to encourage them, care for them, and help them solve difficulties in daily life. Patients will fall into a state of depression and have no way out when their family members do not care. In addition, family members also need to regularly communicate with the doctor when they detect unusual signs of illness or psychological problems to receive timely advice and solutions.

For the patient, maintaining an optimistic, trusting, and persistent attitude towards treatment and the doctor's advice is very important. "People with chronic kidney disease who have to undergo regular dialysis need to think positively and strictly follow the recommended diet. If possible, they should regularly participate in appropriate social activities in the residential area to help reduce pressure and stress in life," said Dr. Huong.

Anyone is at risk of chronic kidney disease, facing health and mental consequences. Doctors recommend that people should have regular health check-ups to resolve the problem early and effectively.