For Okarol "Young People"

[billybags]

okarol, I know this is not the place to say this but after reading Teepo's post I think it would be a good idea to have a young ones section. There are lots of young people on this site and what Teepo is going through is sad. he could perhaps feel better talking to some one his own age that is going through the same thing.Just a thought,

[okarol]

Thanks billybags. We are always open to suggestions. We actually had a young people's section for over a year but it was never really used. Most patients seemed to identify with similar issues, no matter their age, and tended to post in those threads.

If we get some responses here perhaps we'll add it back.

okarol/admin

[rsudock]

I like that idea!! What's the age cut off? 26 to old?

xo,
R

[missenya]

I also like that idea!!!

[YLGuy]

I am still in my 20's! I am 20, 27. 

[Matt58044]

I would use that forum.  I am 26 and would love to be able to talk to people exclusively my age sometimes.

[okarol]

If we added this section, would older people be excluded from posting? Sometimes it's good to hear from someone who has been there.

[Poppylicious]

I would wonder which age bracket to class myself in ... I'm definitely not old, and I'm not *that* young (although I would tend towards young rather than old, but the young'uns might make me feel old). 

I would think that people go through the same emotions and pain regardless of age. We can learn from, and support, each other whether we've been living with kidney failure for years or have just been forced to live with it at an older (or indeed, younger) age.  Our culminated experiences have so much to offer everyone. But perhaps I'm just saying this because I don't want to (be forced to) view myself as 'old'!

 

[Joe Paul]

Young or old, I believe the best option would be to donate and keep running the forum we do have. There is lots of time and effort that go into I.H.D. and donation is what keeps the place alive. Sorry for taking this post off topic, just keep it in mind. Thanks, Joe Paul.

[kristina]

It doesn’t matter what age one is, the realization of the problems coming along
after one has been diagnosed with ESRF is always incredible daunting.

For very young people the daunting problems are different in nature,
as they are at the beginning of their life & are planning their future.

When my kidneys first failed I was only 17½ years old & totally devastated & confused.
I felt lost and did not know what to do or what was coming next.

I was in a coma for several weeks and my recovery was long
and it took many years for my kidneys to pick-up again.

I certainly could not take part in any of the activities
“normal“ youngsters at my age would do.

The situation I found myself in took me out of the main-stream.
It is easy to feel isolated, and one is left to think how one can put
one’s life back together to reflect some normality.
My fragile health ruled my life.

Fortunately I came across the Professor who not only advised me medically
but also about my future, my education/studies and my life-style.

He advised me to follow a career-path
which was compatible with my medical circumstances,
one that wouldn’t cause undue stress, thereby harming my health.

He advised me to continue my studies and learn at my own pace
& if possible to keep my independence & not let myself slip into the habit of depending on others,
despite my fragile health and fragile kidneys etc.

This is very difficult to manage and must be judged against the individual and their circumstances.

Keeping one’s independence helps to keep one’s dignity and resilience.

I took his advice and slowly began to get some order back into my life.

Naturally, there are times of great stress and sadness at one’s circumstances
and the Professor suggested that I listen to my favourite music (music is a great love of mine)
which always helps me to relax and continue despite everything.
There are some pieces of music, a few films, and a few books, which have always
both relaxed me and inspired me and I have found this very important as I go through my life.

I sometimes wonder if youngsters these days get such helpful practical advice?

After all, they have just starting living, are still confused about their ESRF
and if they don’t get on the right road, they might not have
such a good chance to continue and succeed despite ESRF?

[kitkatz]

I have decided I am turning into an old fart.

[rsudock]

I like the opinion of older folks...I need their wisdome Lord knows I have no clue what is going on!!

Kristina what career did your professor advise you to pursue?

[kristina]

Rsudock, I don’t think it is possible
just to tell somebody what career they should follow.

Each of us has to look into ourselves and think about what we like,
what we have an ability to do, our skills, our talents,
& how these relate to our environment & any help which might be readily available.

I always remember a wonderful man who unfortunately became wheel-chair-bound
and he, having thought deeply about himself, along the lines I mentioned above,
decided, he would take-up marquetry (inlaid woods). He could do this with simple tools
on a table in a small room, and all he would need would be a selection of different woods.

From a simple beginning he became one of the world’s best craftsmen in this art and craft.
He sold many pieces and some are in Museums. I am sure there are many other people
who have similarly achieved great results out from difficult circumstances.

It is a question of looking at oneself, looking deeply inward,
& discovering what you can do given your circumstances and environment.
 
Then, go for it with all your worth.
 
This is the basic thinking which the Professor instilled in me.

Make sure that whatever you do
is well within your means and then focus on it
& develop it in your own time to the best of your ability.

Good luck from Kristina.

[rsudock]

excellent advice Kristina...I am always intrigued to hear the opinions and wisdom of others.

thanks
xo,
R

[kristina]

You are welcome, rsudock,

I wish you good luck, Kristina.