Any students out there?

[pinkyD]

Hey, any other students out there? I've been out of school for a bit over 2 years due to ESRD and start of PD. I have put off taking my licensing exams for a while, but seriously need to get them done and have started hard core studying. The problem is the mental fog, inability to concentrate, and poor memory. It seems no matter how long or hard I study, the info just doesn't "stick". And this is info that I used to know well, and built on and used during my education. Now I look at a page and it all looks kinda familiar, but I don't "know it". Very frustrating stuff! From reading between the lines, my doc and nurses are telling me I'm not trying hard enough, it's psychological, or I just need to get started again...pppffftttt. Apparently, other people on PD seem to be doing well and are able to work, etc. I guess I'm wondering if I'm all alone in feeling like this.

[Charlie B53]

I suspect you are suffering from the effects of stress.  PD has added a large amount of stress.  Added to the normal stresses of daily life it is a very big one.   Add onto those that you want to return to your studies and having difficulty focusing attention, leaving you frustrated and easily distracted by these problems you are facing.   You are digging a deeper hole that can be very difficult to fill in.

Forget your studies for a short time, instead turn your efforts into relaxation and/or meditation techniques.  Learn to control the stresses in your life and begin to relax.  Once you are able to compose yourself you will be much more capable of hitting the books and do well again.

Have you studied Dialysis?  Many patients do not spend the time to learn, they understand they have the need for treatment, and know how to go about their treatments, but often do not understand the whats and whys and there are options that are sometimes an advantage simply knowing about it.
http://kidneyschool.org/
Is a great place to learn about your kidney, and dialysis. A series of modules you can go through at your own pace.  Self tests at the end of each so you can check your understand of each module.

Hopefully this will help.

[Simon Dog]

What licensing exam are you planning on taking?  Bar, NCLEX, PE or other?

[kitkatz]

Write things down.  Make flip flash cards to keep with you and study from.  Read things in short spurts and take notes on it.  Use a highlighter to highlight main ideas.
Use the study skills you were taught in school.  Small pieces of studying will help.

[Fabkiwi06]

Graduated a year ago, so I wasn't in school with dialysis. I have been looking for a job though, and I have many of the same issues. It's like my head is empty where my brain used to be - nothing sticks. Combine that with the fatigue I constantly feel... I don't know how anyone could work like this! My team is saying it's pretty typical. They keep saying "more protein ", although my levels are fantastic. 

[kitkatz]

I worked as a special education teacher for 15 years on hemodialysis. 

[Charlie B53]

Today I have my 3 or 6 month check in with my PCP.  One of the questions I plan on asking is very much the same thing.  WHY am I so tired all the time?  What am I lacking other than energy?  Am I missing some essential vitamin, mineral, amino acid, probiotic?  Are there any other blood tests that can indicate anything I am low on?