HELP Early twenties and suspected kidney failure

[ChilliBeanSauce]

Posting here for traffic. My beautiful niece has been admitted to hospital for suspected kidney failure, she’s in the right place and being looked after. She’s only in her early twenties and handling it really well. We don’t know why, yet. Possibly due to her having COVID a few months ago but it was in diagnosed. Most importantly right now though, she’s had a temporary catheter fitted and it’s causing her a lot of psychological distress. Does anyone have any experience in having a catheter and would know what I can organise to make it a little more comfortable? Can the doctors provide relief like an epidural to completely numb that area so she at-least can’t feel it ? Can anyone recommend what I can get organised for her? Special pj recommendations? I just want to make it more comfortable for her, recommendations appreciated.

I doubt an epidural will be ok under these circumstances as they may need to keep her mobile and not at risk of clots.

My son has a permanent catheter (he’s 10) so I really do sympathise. It must be such a shock to her.

That must be awful, I’m sorry for you and your son. Your right, she’s really traumatised and I’m trying to think of what I can organise to relieve her somewhat.

Ask her to go onto Facebook and search for Young Adult Kidney Group. We’re a group of patients her age with kidney failure and many of us have been where she is. Has she just recently started peritoneal dialysis?

Nevermind, I see you mean a urinary catheter! Ignore my comment re dialysis, I apologize, I misread.

No no, please don’t think that, in our case it is excellent. The best outcome for us. He is very proud of his, it’s a special kind that isn’t in place all the time.

Honestly, catheters are uncomfortable (from my own experience) and there wasn’t a huge amount to be done to relieve it. This bit will hopefully pass soon and down the road things will be more comfortable.

You are lovely for thinking of how to help her.

It’s ok @user1471447924 she found out via her GP last night after going to the doctors thinking she needed B12 injections. It came completely out of the blue. She was admitted to hospital last night and the doctor has told her they suspect her kidneys are failing.

In terms of what you can send to the hospital, I recommend nighties rather than PJs (less to get in the way of the catheter), alongside a small handheld fan, as her hospital ward will most likely be very hot at the moment.

@AragornsManlyStubble thank you and I’m sorry you have experienced this too. If I get her pjs - would nighties be a better choice than cami / short sets ? She loves pretty clothes and id like to get her something pretty.

Thanks @user1471447924 - a fan is a brilliant idea and thank you for answering the nightie question !

I also recommend this support group for both patients and their family members. There’ll be loads of people in here who can advise you on how best to support your niece.
www.facebook.com/groups/TheBKPA/?ref=share