KidneyTalk - An Online Radio Show By Renal Support Network

In this time of Covid-19, healthcare professionals are very stressed, and both staff and people who require dialysis care need to be supportive of one another. To increase the supply of comfort and empathy, the executive committee of the Coalition for Supportive Care of Kidney Patients is working to get the right words to dialysis clinic personnel. Listen in to this show to learn coping mechanisms at this critical juncture to help alleviate anxiety.

Jennifer Parker, RDN, CSR, LDN, is the Lead Dietitian at Fresenius Kidney Care. Today we learn from her about the new renal diet guidelines that are soon to be released. Jennifer and Lori discuss how you can stick to your recommended diet and still enjoy meals. Listen in to this show to find out what is back on the "good" list, and more.

Tim Atkins grew up with kidney disease. His 41 years on dialysis has not stopped Tim from visualizing his dreams and passionately pursuing them. His adventurous lifestyle, while on home dialysis, has taken him to many places. While enjoying a career in broadcast radio, Tim lived in the Virgin Islands and traveled across the U.S. in an RV with his dialysis machine in tow. Listen in to hear why home hemodialysis works so well for Tim, as he shares his tips to success for living the dream.

People who need dialysis often spend so much time at a clinic that they, and the staff, view each other as friends instead of maintaining a professional relationship. Eileen Rhodes, Patient Services Director at the ESRD Network 18, shares why this can lead to crossing important boundaries. Maintaining a high level of care requires everyone to stay on the same page and understand the boundaries of a patient/staff relationship. Lori and Eileen discuss this topic in detail and offer tips for everyone in a clinical setting to remember. Tune in to learn how to advocate for yourself, as a patient in these situations and, if necessary, start resolving these issues.

Lisa Summers met Dan, on an online dating site and soon discovered she was in fact a perfect match for him. Dan learned that he had kidney disease and would need to start dialysis treatments. Lisa educated herself about kidney disease, and would go on to become health advocate for Dan, and so much more. Listen in to hear about her journey through the process, including giving the gift of life.

Robin Russell, MS, RD, LD, is the Fresenius Regional Lead Dietitian at North Texas Region, Great Plains Group. Today she talks with Lori about all-things sodium. People who are on dialysis know the struggles of controlling thirst and managing fluid. Sodium intake has a lot to do with successfully keeping thirst at bay. Robin shares with Lori the difference between table salt, monosodium glutamate (MSG) and all the many other ingredients you will find in food. Listen in to learn all of this, plus some sodium free alternatives.

Holidays can be challenging for those with kidney disease. Watching portion sizes and indulging in tempting treats in moderation is key. But so is keeping a focus on the enjoyable foods that are within the renal diet instead of thinking about the foods to be avoided. Lori and Lubna will discuss some delicious main course choices and sides that satisfy special dietary needs such as stuffing a turkey with apples and serving brie as a lower phosphorus cheese option. Listen in to learn all this and more and enjoy those holiday parties and meals!

Americas Got Talent superstar Angelica Hale says, "Never give up and keep on dreaming. Keep on believing in yourself. No matter what you are going through, you can still achieve your dreams and reach your goals." Angelica faced several challenges as a toddler and had a kidney transplant at the age of four. She went on to win runner up in the 12th season of Americas Got Talent five years later. Like Lori Hartwell, Angelica overcame so much at a young age and yet came out on top. Listen in to hear her incredible story, and learn how she remembers to take her transplant meds and copes with life after a transplant. And dont miss her exciting plans for the future!

Anyone who receives a kidney transplant has an important role to play to prevent their body from rejecting the new organ. What can you do to increase the life expectancy of your new kidney? Dr. Stanley C. Jordan is the Director of Nephrology and Transplant Immunology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center and a pioneering kidney transplant researcher. Lori has known him since her childhood. From the beginning of his career, he was fascinated by immunology research and wanted to understand how it could be applied to problems with transplant rejection. In this episode of KidneyTalk, Dr. Jordan delves deeply into the role of antibodies"how they affect who is able to receive a transplant and how long that kidney can remain healthy. Dr. Jordan shares with Lori what transplant recipients must do to keep their new kidney healthy. Listen in to hear about new immunology therapy and the treatment advances that can prevent transplant rejection and help people keep their gift of life.

As someone who has had kidney disease since age 2 back in 1968, Lori Hartwell has witnessed many exciting medical breakthroughs throughout her life. Today she speaks with Geoffrey Block, MD, vice president, nephrology, at Reata Pharmaceuticals, about some of those breakthroughs. Dr. Block is part of a team researching a new, regenerative medicine to improve kidney function in those with rare forms of kidney disease such as Alport Syndrome, autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD), and focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS). Listen in to this show to hear the encouraging results of the team™s published clinical research.

Dr. Rafael Villicana, medical director of kidney transplants at Loma Linda Medical Center, and Lori Hartwell, are both well-acquainted with the kidney transplant process. Listen in to this show to learn about how to become listed to receive a kidney transplant. During the interview, Lori and Dr. Villicana will talk about the requirements and timelines for both living and deceased donor transplants and walk you through the process of getting the tests they require. You™ll also hear about scenarios that may prevent you from becoming listed.

Nephrology nursing is a unique specialty. Because kidney failure requires a great deal of maintenance, nephrology nurses really get to know their patients and often have long-term relationships with them. They learn each patients specific needs and unique indicators for when they do not feel well or are out of sorts, or when they are doing well and should keep up the good work. Tamara Kear, PhD, RN, CNS, CNN has over 30 years of experience as a nephrology nurse and has held a variety of roles within this specialty. In 2020, she will become the Executive Director of the American Association of Nephrology Nurses to help lead the future. Today Lori and Tamara discuss the role of the nephrology nurse and why Lori Hartwell admires and appreciates all they do. Nephrology Nurses week is Sept. 8 " 15, 2019. We would like to say thank you for choosing this career and for making a difference in so many lives.

Everyone has a book in them, so how do you get it out? Adversity introduces you to yourself and everybody has a unique perspective. Especially when you have experienced a life contending with a chronic illness. Your distinctive point of wisdom can help someone else struggling to live a fulfilling life with the same illness. But where do you start? Henriette Ivanans and Lori Hartwell each have a successful book under their belts. Listen to these two accomplished authors for tips on how to tell your story and reach those who need to hear it.

A beloved animal is your best friend. To hear a doctor say you have to give up your pet in order to get a kidney transplant is a nightmare. There are mixed messages in the healthcare community about having a pet and receiving a kidney transplant. Dr. Rafael Villicana, the Kidney Transplant Medical Director of Loma Linda Medical Center and Lori Hartwell discuss the general precautions to take to keep your furry and feathered friends and prevent the risk of infection. Learn what you need to do and which animals need an extra level of care so transplant recipients can stay healthy.

What is the difference between an opt-in and an opt-out organ donation policy? Is one more successful than the other? Tom Mone, Chief Executive Officer of OneLegacy discusses with Lori what they learned in preparation of writing this article, "Success of Opt-In Organ Donation Policy in the United States" published in the Journal of the American Medical Association. Listen to this thought provoking conversation about the Gift of Life.

Each dialysis clinic has a social worker onsite to help patients adjust and build their coping skills. Vernon Silva, LCSW, a Nephrology social worker for more than 20 years, shares how the role has evolved. The nephrology mental health professional now uses evidence-based results to help people through vocational rehabilitation, or even transition to different dialysis treatment options. Listen in to this show as Lori and Vernon discuss how the social worker in your life can assist you and help you reach your goals.

Women with chronic kidney disease, a transplant, and particularly those on dialysis, have many factors to consider to ensure the successful birth of a child. Dr. Madeleine Pahl, a nephrologist at the University of California, Irvine, discusses what she has learned over the years while caring for her patients who choose to have children. Listen in as she explains the maternal and fetal problems that can occur, and the advances that have been made. She tells you what to expect, and explains what you can do to increase your chances of having a healthy, happy bundle of joy.

Not all dietary needs of those with kidney disease are the same. Therefore, it can be difficult to learn everything about cooking to satisfy your own specific dietary requirements. John Vito, a chef, restaurateur, and a kidney transplant recipient, was on dialysis for several years. He talks with Lori about his new cookbook Cooking for your Kidneys, and offers tips on how you can prepare your own tasty low-sodium meals. Listen in to this show and learn about techniques that apply to patients in any stage of kidney disease.

Target weight, often referred to as dry weight, has always been challenging for healthcare professionals to measure. This is due to the fluctuation in a hemodialysis patients weight as it changes from treatment to treatment. Fluid overload will increase the risk of complications. During dialysis, too much fluid removal can cause cramps, low blood pressure, and create other problems. Dr. Daniel W. Coyne, a nephrologist, explains why. Listen and learn about fluid management, and the diagnostic tools and strategies healthcare professionals use to hit the right target.

Understanding your target dry weight, and knowing how to manage fluid, is critical to having a good dialysis treatment. Anne Diroll, RN, CNN, is a manager at Fresenius Kidney Care Clinic, and an expert on this topic. Lori and Anne discuss the basics of dry weight and some of the intravascular challenges that can occur with fluid removal, and what you can do to meet your goal safely.