KidneyTalk - An Online Radio Show By Renal Support Network

Discussion about transplants and urinary tract infections.

Lori and Dr. Kam Kalantar-Zadeh, Professor of Medicine and Public Health at UC Irvine School of Medicine, discuss each stage and what you can to help delay the progression of the illness.

Listen in as Edmund Lawler, a journalism teacher and author, tells Lori the story of one extraordinary visionary in the world of medical science. More than seven decades ago, Edmunds great uncle, Dr. Richard Lawler, reached beyond the science of his time to perform the first human kidney transplant ever in this country. It was June 17, 1950, when Dr. Lawler performed the groundbreaking surgery. Learn why the doctor™s effort was criticized, the outcome of the transplant and how the medical community reacted.

Does thinking about dinner make you want to turn and run to the nearest greasy spoon? Lori and Caitlin Harris, RD, know cooking can be daunting when you have kidney disease. Let them give you the scoop on how they make cooking fun, fast and fabulous! Their joy is contagious as they share how making even small changes in how you think about food can mean big payoffs for your taste buds and your health too! Listen in, and soon you will be on your way to serving up some of their favorite renal-friendly recipes.

When you have kidney disease people who stay ahead of the game do the best. At any given time, close to 40 percent of people on the UNOS kidney transplant list are inactive. Lori and Lazaro Cherem, MD, discuss why patients become inactive and what you need to do to make sure your status is current, so you do not miss a kidney offer. A kidney transplant is not a cure and requires ongoing monitoring to ensure the kidneys health, so you never have to end up back on the transplant list. Listen to a robust conversation about the advanced testing options that are now available, and what direction doctors need to look at to avoid potential problems that may jeopardize your future health.

Germs seize every opportunity to invade your body. The infections that follow can endanger your life, especially if you have kidney disease. Bloodstream Infections are one of the leading causes of death for people on dialysis. Listen in as Lori and Crystal Grate, RN, CNN, Director of Infection Prevention at Fresenius Medical Care, discuss the warning signs and what actions to take if you suspect you have an infection.

People on dialysis sometimes require rehabilitation in a skilled nursing home as they recuperate from surgery, medical emergencies or are unable to care for themselves. When this happens, they have to travel from their nursing facility to a dialysis clinic which can interrupt their recovery. Lori and Alice Hellebrand, RN, Chief Nursing Officer at Dialyze Direct, discuss the option of dialyzing in a skilled nursing facility with trained personnel. Learn how this benefits all people involved and reduces the burden of having to be transported to receive lifesaving care.

When you are an infant, the last thing you need is a new heart. But that is exactly what Trent Sullivan, aka, Sully, needed when he was just 5 months old. He got one, but it would not be his only transplant. At age 18, he needed a new kidney, as well. Lori sits down with this Walking Miracle to find out what kept him going throughout his early years and what he does now to enjoy the life he was given.

Walk into a store this time of year and you can bet you will see the glittering holiday dcor on display. But how long will you have to search to find the gifts that your friends with kidney disease will truly appreciate? Sit back and relax as your personal shopping guides Lori Hartwell and Cher Thomas discuss what items they would like to see wrapped up this holiday season just waiting to please those special people in your life.

It is important to incentivize new therapies so companies will invest and bring products to market. Kathy Lester, JD, MPH, talks with Lori about how Medicare is working to create policies to spark innovation. About 90 percent of people on dialysis have access to Medicare. But ESRD treatment options only become available when payment is available to support them. When funding is not available, new innovations, even those approved by the FDA, will not become available to patients. Tune in to learn what you can do to ensure we have access to new therapies and medical equipment in the future.

Should you change your diet when you are first diagnosed with any early stage of kidney disease? What foods can contribute to kidney disease or help maintain your existing kidney function? How can understanding your lab values help? Registered dietitian Beth Shanaman and nutrition and fitness manager Katy Wilkens, MS, RD, share insights into these issues and their diet recommendations when you are diagnosed with kidney disease.

Elizabeth Barnett is a partner and public policy expert for Avenue Solutions. She represents Kidney Care Partners, an advocacy coalition dedicated to improving care for people who have kidney disease. Elizabeth discusses with Lori the CKD Improvement and Treatment Act of 2021 S1971/HR 4065 that was introduced last year by both the House and the Senate. Listen in to learn how the bill will improve innovations and the quality of care for those with kidney disease.

For Gail Dewald, RN, CNN, passion for her work is evident as she explains a day in her life as a nephrology nurse working with people who have kidney disease. Many things have changed throughout her career, but her dedication to those with kidney disease remains the same. Listen in to hear about innovations in kidney care and the insight she has gained during her 30-plus years in the field.

Do you know what to do when disaster strikes? Depending on the damage your community sustains, your local dialysis clinic can be closed for a day or two to a couple of months. You have a lot of support available around you, but do you know who to call for help? Listen in as Bob Loeper, Vice President of Disaster Response Fresenius Medical Care, North America, shares what patients and caregivers can do to be prepared and ensure that the needs of people who require dialysis to live are met.

Jessica Frysz is a young woman who has beat a lifetime of odds. She has learned to flourish despite having dealt with kidney disease since she was a baby. While on dialysis for 28 years and having a kidney transplant, Jessica focused on her ambitions and dreams. Listen in to be inspired by this courageous young woman.

George Franklin III is president of the Transplant Quarter Century Club and a contributing writer of Because of Organ Donation, a book by Brenda E. Cortez. George had a kidney transplant more than 45 years ago. Listen in to learn his secret for keeping his gift of life healthy and strong.

Dr. Victor Gura is an associate clinical professor of medicine at the Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He and his company, Wearable Artificial Organs, Inc., were issued a patent for "combination wearable and stationary dialysis systems." Dr. Gura has worked 21 years in Italy and London, and finally in the United States to develop the devices. Initial clinical trials have already been conducted in Seattle, Washington. Tune in to this show to learn about the results of the trials and what the next steps are to make this invention a reality.

Kidney disease is difficult enough without suffering needlessly. Many over-the-counter medications are harmful to the kidneys. What can you do to take control of pain without causing more damage? If you, or someone you know has kidney disease, it is especially important to be in the know about options to relieve pain. Lori and nephrologist Dr. Mary J. Godinich discuss the side effects of medications and the differences between over-the-counter pain relievers and some safe alternatives.

Getting listed for a kidney transplant can be a daunting process. Do you know your dialysis social worker can help with the process and prepare you for what is to come? Felicia Speed, Vice President of Social Work Services for Fresenius Kidney Care, shares tips to help you prepare for your kidney transplant. Listen in to learn how to overcome difficulties and barriers.

Tricia McCarley, a nurse practitioner with Fresenius Kidney Care, sits down with Lori to discuss dialysis lab values and why you should care. Listen in to learn what the different tests show, how your own body processes may affect the results, and which lab values you may be able to control.