How does a nurse deal with it when they learn that they have a serious health problem?
I recently found out that it is probable that I am in the early stages of renal failure. My BUN is 26, my GFR is only @ 55. Thankfully my creatine level is WNL. I have had HTN for about 8 years & most of this year it has been uncontrolled or barely controled (@ the beginning of this year I was taking diovan HCT 80/12.5 & toprol 25mg. I have steadily been increased from those dosages to 320/25 for the diovan & 100mg for the toprol & still my diastolic remains above 90 more often than not). I have difficulty urinating, even more difficulty sleeping, & poor appitite. I frequently have trouble concintrating, & less energy than I did just a few months ago.

There are some encouraging things. I'm still relatively young. I don't fit into any of the "high risk" groups and there is no history of kidney disease in my family-I think (my mom was adopted so I can't be entirely sure), & I'm not having any edema or dry, itchy skin.

Oh yes, I forgot to mention one little detail that might be significant; I was born with only one kidney. It is a little more than twice the size of a normal kidney & it hasn't given me any sort of problems since I was a small child of about 8. Though I've not had a functionality test since I was 31. It is a daunting prospect to face the possibility of that one kidney failing.

As a nurse it is my job to care for those who are incapable of doing it themselves or need significant assistance. It is difficult for me to accept the idea of being one of those who has to recieve help instead of giving I am also not looking forward to the toll that treatment would have on my body. I do my best not to think of it much, but it weighs more & more heavily on my mind. I won't find out anything more for a few more weeks yet.