The first time I got into  car to drive car solo, I was nervous. I gripped the steering wheel very tightly. I had to consciously remember all the steps of driving. With no one to remind me. My heart was racing. My stomach was tight. My mouth was dry. Well, I put the key in the ignition, checked the mirrors, put it in gear, and very gently stepped on the pedal. The car moved. Well, here we go!

Obviously, I survived!

If I was in a similar situation today, I would use my mind to help me make such a challenge easier.

How?

Perhaps you saw the Alpine skiers in the Winter Olympics just before their ski runs. They closed their eyes, and mentally skied the course, successfully!

In other words, when they did their actual runs, to their minds, it was not the first time!

In this day of multi-media, there are many videos of medical procedures. (I recently saw You-Tube videos show cataract operations, which I will probably have to undergo in the not-too-distant future.)

Here is a link to to a site that has and introductory video about kidney dialysis:

http://www.careflash.com/video/kidney-dialysis?lc=en

Getting as much information in as many formats as possible will prevent your mind from producing overly fearful thoughts which are definitely not helpful.

Here’s site which shows kidney transplant surgery. It’s over an hour.

http://video.google.com/videoplay?docid=5778624554431891564#

There are more if you search.

You don’t have to have your mind build scary thoughts based on faulty knowledge!

You can learn about your condition today as never before!

You can learn from the videos, and make a list of questions for your nephrologist that will indicate to him/her that you are willing to research your own condition. Most doctors like this. You will most likely have a better rapport with your doctor by speaking as intelligently as possible about your condition.

Make your mind an ally by giving it as much good information as you can. You will be so much more prepared and have a higher level of confidence as you journey along the “PKD Odyssey!”

See you at the Videos!

Peace and Blessings!

Coach Richie Perl

Certified Professional Coach

Certified Trainer of Neuro-Linguistic Programming