Experiences after the diagnosis of chronic renal failure from the perspective of patients

Objective: to analyze the experiences of the diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease from the perspective of patients. Method: qualitative study conducted through semi-structured interviews conducted with patients treated in a hemodialysis service; the data were submitted to Bardin's Content analysis. Results: the experiences were organized into the following significant categories: Feelings experienced at the time of diagnosis; Impacts of diagnosis; Denial of the disease; The paradox of gratitude and Coping with the disease. Final considerations: the experience of the diagnosis of Chronic Kidney Disease acquires a unique perspective for each patient subsidized by subjective aspects, by the care and family support to which he has access.