Relationships in transition: the lived experience of young couples shifting from renal failure to post-renal transplant

Abstract

Young people are not the typical image one has when imagining persons facing chronic illness, yet there are many young people who do encounter major health issues. The current literature addresses this issue somewhat, but neglects to examine the impact these serious health concerns might have on young couples, particularly early marriages. This study seeks to examine the impact of one such illness, End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) and its treatments on the relationship between the ill spouse and his or her w ell partner. In an exploratory, phenomenological fashion, six couples are asked to share the intimate details of their experiences with ESRD and its impact on their relationships. Their stories and comments are included and analyzed to present a complex picture of the disease experience itself. This research indicates that the experience of a life-threatening, sometimes debilitating illness does not always have a detrimental effect on couples. In fact, positive impacts were noted by all couples. Suggestions for improvements in the research design, as well as suggestions for clinical practice for those working with young people facing ESRD are included in this study.