Transitions in the lives of patients with End Stage Renal Disease: a cause of suffering and an opportunity for healing.

The treatment of End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) successfully prolongs the survival of patients with kidney disease but requires that ESRD patients cope with frequent deleterious changes in their health and life situation, and shortened survival. Although the nephrology team is well-equipped to deal with the medical and technical aspects of care, it is less well-equipped to help patients with the impact of the difficult human transitions that come with dialysis and transplant treatment. Times of great challenge can also be opportunities for personal growth and healing but this often requires outside support. We need to develop new resources specifically aimed at helping ESRD patients complete important life transitions and more research on the frequency and impact of these events.