For the next several blogs, I will delve into the four-letter word GRIT, exploring what it is, how it is developed, if at all, and how and why military-trained personnel are better equipped with it. The initial blog will relate how it affects those of us on dialysis and how it contributes to our successful treatment.
Grit: The Essential Trait for Success in Peritoneal Dialysis
Living with kidney failure and choosing peritoneal dialysis (PD) is no small decision. Unlike in-center hemodialysis, PD gives patients freedom, independence, and flexibility, but it also demands personal responsibility, discipline, and resilience. While medical knowledge, proper training, and support systems are vital, one quality often determines whether a patient thrives on PD—grit.
At its core, grit is the combination of perseverance and passion in pursuit of long-term goals. It’s about sticking with something even when challenges pile up, setbacks occur, and progress feels slow. For someone on peritoneal dialysis, this character trait is not optional—it’s essential.
Daily Commitment in Peritoneal Dialysis
Peritoneal dialysis is not a once-in-a-while treatment; it becomes a part of daily life. Patients must set up sterile environments, follow very specific procedures, and maintain rigorous schedules, often every single day. This consistency requires commitment when motivation runs low or when physical fatigue sets in. Grit helps patients push beyond the initial overwhelm of learning the process and turn it into a disciplined routine that safeguards their health.
Overcoming Difficulties and Setbacks
Even the most dedicated patients encounter obstacles: occasional infections, equipment problems, or travel restrictions. These moments test mental strength and patience. A person fueled by grit approaches setbacks with problem-solving determination instead of resignation. Instead of thinking, “This is too hard,” a gritty mindset reframes the challenge as, “This is difficult, but I will find a way to make it work.” That resilience can be the difference between success on PD and feeling forced to switch to another treatment option.
The Role of Passion and Purpose
Grit isn’t only about endurance—it’s also about passion. Patients who connect PD with a personal purpose, such as wanting to be there for family, pursuing meaningful work, or enjoying more independence in daily life, are more likely to stay motivated. PD offers freedoms that in-center dialysis often doesn’t: the ability to travel, to maintain employment, and to take control of one’s own care. Anchoring daily treatment in these larger goals creates the fuel for perseverance.
Support and Self-Belief
Having grit doesn’t mean doing everything alone. Family members, caregivers, and healthcare providers play critical roles in encouraging consistency and problem-solving. But ultimately, the patient must believe in their own ability to adapt and stay committed. Each successfully completed exchange reinforces confidence, and over time, the cycle of effort and small victories strengthens resilience.
The Bigger Picture of Thriving with PD
Patients with grit don’t just “get through” dialysis—they find ways to flourish. They learn to balance treatment with hobbies, relationships, and personal goals. They celebrate progress, like declining infection rates or improved lab results, and use those milestones as stepping stones toward a sustainable future.
In the world of peritoneal dialysis, medical expertise provides the tools, but grit supplies the drive. It is the trait that transforms a demanding regimen into a manageable lifestyle—and ultimately into a source of empowerment. For anyone beginning their PD journey, developing grit may be one of the most powerful treatments of all. It works for me.
In tomorrow’s blog, we will delve into my background and how it helped develop my GRIT-facing approach to life.
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