KidneyTalk - An Online Radio Show By Renal Support Network

Lori talks to Paul Conway, AAKP President and Richard Knight, AAKP VP Chair of public policy about KidneyWorks. They share insight on how they have dealt with work, sought employment and managed their kidney disease. For the 53% of people with chronic kidney disease who are working-age, keeping a job helps ensure access to preventive care they need to delay or avoid kidney failure and remain active, productive, taxpaying citizens. Paul and Richard explain the program and how it aims to arm patients early in the disease diagnosis with the tools that they need to stay involved, retain their sense of purpose and sustain their financial income. Listen in and hear about this new program's vision and goals.

Gene Okun's life as a power lifter and champion bodybuilder changed dramatically when a hereditary disease, Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) began to manifest and take hold of Gene's kidneys. That is when Gene, with the help of his sister, Tina and a very creative marketing team went into action. The result is a website and video series that takes a humorous approach to shedding light on a very serious subject and educating people about Gene and about PKD. Listen in to find out how Gene's Big Dumb Kidneys campaign has become an internet sensation.

What are antibodies? How do they contribute to transplant rejection? How do they block your access to the kidney transplant list? What can be done to manage antibodies? Stanley C. Jordan, MD, Director of Nephrology & Transplant Immunology at Cedars-Sinai Medical Center, a pioneering kidney transplant researcher, who has received the International Society of Nephrology's highest honor for groundbreaking work that improves the lives of kidney transplant patients while preserving the precious resource of donated organs has answered many of the questions. Listen in to hear about his research to reduce organ rejection, breakthroughs in antibody desensitization therapy and other advances in transplantation.

Lori Hartwell, Founder and President of the Renal Support Network and the host of KidneyTalk responds to questions that people who have kidney disease have asked RSN. Lori utilizes her lifetime of experiences to provide patient centered answers that can help listeners learn more and navigate their illness successfully. Lori touches upon questions such as the renal diet, dating, relationships, traveling, itchy skin and more.

In this interview we discuss a subject that concerns all people who have kidney failure. Eileen Rhodes, MSW is the Patient Services Director for HealthInsight (also known as ESRD Network 18). The ESRD Networks are contracted by Medicare to oversee the quality of dialysis centers and transplant facilities. Learn about what your local ESRD Network does, plus discover volunteer opportunities to become involved and help improve the care of people who have kidney failure.

Ari Sytner is a Rabbi with a long list of impressive credentials and an incredible story to tell. He is the author of The Kidney Donors Journey: 100 Questions I asked before I donated my kidney. His book is a call to action that humanizes the process and aims to set into motion the type of momentum that will inspire others. Lori talks with Ari about the moment that he began his journey, the events that followed and why he decided to donate a kidney to a complete stranger.

Sleep is so important, and when you have declining kidney function your sleep habits can change. What happens to your body while you sleep and what can happen if you don™t get enough sleep? Why are people with kidney disease at more risk for developing a sleep disorder? When should you seek help, and what kind of doctor should you see? Dr. Hakimisefat explains all of this and more.

David Rush is a producer and recording artist who is living his life to the fullest despite his long battle with kidney failure. As a young man, David was told if he didn't start dialysis soon he wouldn't see his next birthday. David shares how he traveled extensively as the opening act for Pitbull while doing home hemo-dialysis in his Hotel rooms. He shares how he maintains his high energy, active lifestyle while raising two children with his wife and pursuing his music goals. David talks with Lori his personal mantra and the secret to realizing his dreams while managing his health.

A limited supply of organs continues to hinder organ transplantation around the world. A significant percentage of potential organ donors are lost either to medical failure, or through an inability to obtain consent for donation. Millions of people in the world have benefited from organ transplantation and it remains the primary treatment for kidney failure. Listen in as Lori and Tom discuss policies and the evolution of transplantation and what the future holds for living and deceased organ donation in our own country and around the world.

Jorge Caraveo Gamboa is 29 years young and an inspiration to many of his peers at RSN's local support group for people with kidney disease. While growing up with kidney disease he learned a lot about how to manage his health and even his overall mood while on dialysis. He shares with Lori how he has learned how to communicate with care providers and co-manage his treatment alongside his doctor.

Today we commemorate National Kidney Month with a conversation with Bill Poirier, RN Kidneys " often referred to as the master chemists of the body " are amazing organs. But it is not until a large portion becomes damaged that you begin to see symptoms. Learn all about kidneys, their function and how they support each of the major organs in the body. Gain important knowledge about the signs of failing kidneys and who might be at higher risk for developing kidney disease. Bill began his lengthy career as a tech in a dialysis unit. He has served on the Medical Review Board for ESRD Network 9 & 10, he is an active member of Kidney Care Partners. He is currently the Regional Administrator of Greenfield Health Systems and is the Pres. elect for the National Renal Administrators Association.

Dr. Gupta is a practicing academic nephrologist and the inventor of iron replacement compound Triferic. In this KidneyTalk podcast, Dr. Gupta helps us understand anemia, its symptoms and its complications. At one time, anemia was treated only with transfusions. Today there are more options available. Dr. Gupta offers information about these options including how intravenous iron treatments compare with other medications. Lori and Dr. Gupta discuss how you can become your own advocate by understanding your lab values. Learn details about ferritin, hemoglobin, hematocrit levels and more about what your labs mean. Learn the importance of discussing your labs and treatment options with your doctor.

When diagnosed at age 8, Heather Powell did not have a lot of treatment options and many were still in the testing phase. Now, after growing up with kidney disease Heather has found herself re-learning the treatment options available to her. Heather is living proof that you don't have to give up quality of life and much can be accomplished with a positive attitude. People who are diagnosed today and now have to live with kidney disease can learn a lot from people like Heather, who paved the way before them. Listen in as she discusses with Lori her tips and strategies to help you cope and search for the next treatment that will help you improve your life.

Quality of life has always been important to Celeste Castillo-Lee. A series of health issues has made her life very challenging. Celeste shares with the utmost courage why she chose Hospice and how she is preparing for end of life. Her wisdom, strength and attitude is one for the textbooks. One of her goals in life is to empower and educate her peers as she describes how she came to this choice. This interview is moving, emotional, reminds us how precious life is and not to waste one moment on things that don't matter.

Lubna Akbany was diagnosed with kidney failure in the 5th month of her first pregnancy. While researching her illness she decided to become a renal dietician to better understand her diet. She now educates her peers about modality choices through Fresenius Medical Care's Treatment Options Program (TOPs) and shares her own personal experience of dialysis and transplant treatments. She tells Lori about her amazing journey of turning lemons into lemonade in this heartwarming and hope-filled interview.

A positive and fearless attitude can take you far, says Theresa Nguyen. She was first diagnosed with kidney failure at the age of 14. She has traveled around the world and she explains how her experience with kidney failure has made her very grateful and aware of how tending to her illness is just a way of life, medication and all. In this talk, she describes how she handles day-to-day aspects of living with an illness while being active and not giving into fear. She is an inspiration - a success at work, in her personal life and a model of how you can live your life to the fullest with a positive attitude!

Kellie Collins, MSW, Senior Director of Patient Services for the National Kidney Foundation, discusses current insurance options with Lori. Finding the right insurance is an overwhelming and confusing task as it is; when you have kidney disease, it is even more complicated. Collins explains how to minimize out-of-pocket fees while maximizing your options, using all the resources and programs available to you. Do your homework and become well informed, then get the coverage that is right for you!

Shawn Booker is used to difficult situations. He served in the Army during Operation Desert Storm. After he returned, he went to school to become a fire fighter and paramedic. He comes from a long line of fire fighters and knew this was what he wanted to do. He started dialysis at age 23 and after 4 years, received a successful transplant that lasted 16 years. He now manages dialysis and a demanding job and has a loving family. Shawn shares tips on remaining employed, on the Americans with Disabilities Act, and on his approach to life. "Find something that lights your fuse, and then you can become dynamite!"

Dr. Elaine Kaptein is a nephrologist at USC. She has seen it all when dealing with people who have kidney disease. A common question she gets from patients is, "When should I go to the Emergency Room, and when should I wait?" Dr. Kaptein explains what constitutes an Emergency, and what is essential to bring and to know to save your life. Lori and Dr. Kaptein also share strategies for staying out of the ER, and emphasize the importance of being your own advocate. Listen to this life-saving interview.

Nicknamed the Energizer Bunny, Margaret Boelger learned at the age of 96 that her kidneys were failing. Her only option if she wished to live - she needed dialysis. Now 100 years old and thriving, Margaret shares with Lori how she enjoys every moment, travels to see family members, and makes the most of her life on dialysis. Here are some real tips on how to live a long, joyful life!