This study looked into paients’ experiences of end stage renal disease (ESRD) and renal replacement therapy (RRT). A qualitative me thodology was employed involving fifteen patients between the ages of 20 – 60 years that were interviewed on their experiences using the semi structured approach to interviewing. The knowledge gained was analysed thematically. The study was explored within two theoretical frameworks, namely the biopsychosocial and the ecological models. Results of the study revealed that ESRD and RRT posed many psychosocial challenges at a micro and macro level, as patients attempted to reconcil e these experiences with their lifestyles and lives. Challenges were expressed in the areas of functional capacity, work and sexuality. Family life was seriously affected when patients had to make themselves available for life long tr eatment that depended on machines. Recommendations included mobilisatio n of positive support networks, religion/spirituality, and pr ofessional support playing an interrelational role in enabling patients to cope through the long term process so that they may emerge from it with a modicum of quality in their life. Thus a team approach was key to optimal living for the patient. From an ecological perspective, macrosystemic change was also considered important for government to introduce policies that ensure economically productive living for persons with kidney dysfunction. / Thesis (M.A.)-University of KwaZulu-Natal, Durban, 2008.