KidneyTalk - An Online Radio Show By Renal Support Network

Surgery can be stressful and create unforeseen obstacles one may not be aware of. Being prepared for surgery can reduce nervousness, stress levels and anxiety. Lifetime patients Heather Powell and Lori Hartwell discuss what they do to prepare for surgery.

No one wants to be told they're not a candidate for a kidney transplant if that's what their hopes are. Kathryn Bornhurst, Transplant Coordinator, shares why a healthcare professional may ask you do to additional testing, or tell you you're not a candidate for a transplant. With over 100,000 people waiting for a kidney, they want to assure the best outcomes. Listen to this show and hear the ins and outs of why you might be denied.

Paul Seville is no stranger to health issues, as he was diagnosed as a child with chronic kidney disease. Paul later decided to become a medical doctor and use his knowledge and personal experience to help people. He shares his wisdom of navigating the internet and tips of where you can find credible information. Paul is a Clinical Informaticist at WebMD Health Services.

Dietitian and food technologist Dr. Nancy Berkoff talks about the different kinds of vegetarian diets and the various sources of protein. She explains what tofu and soy are, where they come from, and how you can prepare them. Since renal diets require high-quality proteins, listen to this informative interview to find out what your options are and what might work best for you as you watch your sodium, potassium, and phosphorus intake.

Alport Syndrome is an underdiagnosed and commonly misdiagnosed disease whose symptoms often go undetected. Sharon Lagas established the Alport Syndrome Foundation after losing her 38-year-old brother to this hereditary illness and then learning that she, her mother, and her two sons and two nieces also had it. Sharon explains what is involved and shares her personal story. Listen to this interview to learn more about the disease and the ongoing research into it, and find out how to stay informed.

A kidney is a priceless gift, and keeping it for over 25 years is something we all wish for. George Franklin III is the President of the Transplant Quarter Century Club and has had his kidney transplant for more than 38 years. Knowing first-hand the unique problems that can come from having a transplant for so long, he started the club so that members could support one another as they deal with both physical and emotional issues. Lori and George discuss some of the problems long-term transplant recipients encounter. Says George, "Having been there and done that, we can offer a lot of advice."

Renal diets are full of "don'ts" and it's difficult to follow the rules when all you can think about is all that good stuff you can't have. Sara Carlson, a renal dietitian and author of Kidney Diet - Cooking with David, has some great tips on how to make it easier to not only prepare renal friendly food, but also to stick with it. Listen to this conversation and take notes. Sara prepares a weekend of meals for Lori and you will be inspired with new ideas for renal friendly meals.

Harvey Wells is a seasoned traveler and has visited 150 facilities in 37 states while doing home hemodialysis. After his kidney transplant failed, he thought his traveling days were over. Harvey and Lori discuss what you need to do to ensure your safety and enjoy your trip. "When you travel, you have to plan. Travel is the one thing that has helped me cope. I enjoy traveling and helping educate people about their treatment options," Harvey says.

The Transplant Games of America is a multi-sport festival for those who have undergone life-saving transplant surgery. Debbie Morgan, who is the Chair of SoCal Transplant Games, explains what happens at the games and how her life as a liver transplant recipient has been enriched by being a part of them. There are many physical and nonphysical competitions to choose from. More than an athletic event, the Transplant Games of America highlights the critical importance of organ, eye, and tissue donation, while celebrating the lives of donors and recipients. Living donors, recipients, and those who are on dialysis can compete. This year, there will be new nonphysical competitions such as darts and Trivial Pursuit. The games will be held in Houston, TX, on July 11-15, and gold, silver, and bronze medals will be awarded. Debbie says, "You can start a conversation with anyone at the Games."

Nathan Gutierrez was raised to be independent. Born with Spina Bifida and needing to use a wheelchair his entire life, Nathan shares his inspiring story of how his parents and friends encouraged him to live a "normal" life. When his kidneys failed, he knew he would have another challenge but he didn't let that stop him. Listen to his incredible journey of how he has overcome life's obstacles and continues to pursue his goals for the future.

You probably have a special calendar or system for ordering and taking medications, and keeping track of medical appointments. But did you know about the apps and tools that are out there to help people follow a renal diet? Learn about the difference between "trackers" and "planners", and what you should look for when picking out one of these tools. Lori and Sara Carlson, RD, Manager at DaVita.com Nutrition, discuss how these tools can help you prepare meals and make healthy choices that work for you.

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) and the American Society of Nephrology, along with other patient and professional organizations, are collaborating to advance scientific understanding of the health and patient safety implications of new and existing medical products. Dr. Roy Chaudhury notes that the goal is to foster the development of therapies for kidney disease by creating a collaborative environment in which the FDA and the greater nephrology community can work together to optimize the evaluation of drugs, devices, and biologics, as well as food products. Listen and learn more about the Kidney Health Initiative goals and objectives.

Dr. Gary Curhan specializes in the treatment of kidney stones. These are small stones, usually made up of calcium crystals that form inside the kidney. Passing a stone can be very painful. Dr. Curhan and Lori discuss the causes of and treatments for kidney stones, as well as what you can do to stay stone-free.

Dr. Susan Nicholas is an Associate Professor of Medicine at the University of California, Los Angeles, and she specializes in hypertension, commonly referred to as high blood pressure. Hypertension is the second leading cause of kidney failure. People who are on dialysis or receive a transplant often have problems with high blood pressure, and Dr. Nicholas explains why it is so important to keep your blood pressure under control and what you can do to help. Here, truly, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure.

The idea of using condemned prisoners as organ donors comes up from time to time in this country and continues to be controversial. Lori had a conversation with Alexandra Glazier, Chair of the Organ Procurement and Transplantation Network's Ethics Committee, to clarify some of the issues that arise when considering this type of donor. Ethical questions, the cost of evaluations, and public perceptions of executed donors cannot be easily dismissed. Listen to this show and learn more about the issues involved.

River rafting down the Colorado River might be on your bucket list. Maybe you are waiting for the right time of year, enough money or vacation time to do it. But, what if your physical need for dialysis is holding you back? Bill Peckham is on hemodialysis and has traveled the globe and Doug Johnson, MD decided to join him this year for this 8-day, 225 mile river rafting experience of a lifetime. Can a hemodialysis machine and all the supplies float? Find out in this thrilling interview!

The holidays are supposed to be a happy time right? In the middle of all the festivities and preparations, it's a stressful and difficult time for many. Lori and Stephen talk about why this happens and what can be done to survive those holiday blues. Have a laugh listening to these two talk about how they cope, their tips for eating and drinking with restrictions, and some pretty funny gift-giving stories.

Finding a place to stay to get evaluated for a kidney transplant, to train for home dialysis, or to recover from surgery is difficult or unaffordable for people who live some distance from where they receive care. In 1973, Crawford Harrison, a patient himself, saw the need and wanted to help. Almost 30 years later, Bobby Walker, who has a kidney transplant, manages Harrison House and tells us about this great home and the services it offers to people in need in the Little Rock, Arkansas, area.

Risa Simon is a talented writer and took 1st place in the Renal Support Network's 11th Annual Essay Contest. She knew that she carried the gene for polycystic kidney disease and that one day it would cause her kidneys to fail. Risa shares her journey, explaining how she advocated for herself so she could get the best possible care and a preemptive kidney transplant. Her goal in telling her story is to help others take action and shift their fate.

We hear a lot in the news about bacteria and viruses and the problems they cause. Antibiotics are becoming resistant to bacteria, which can mean that there is no treatment. Preventing an infection in the dialysis unit is extremely important (lifesaving), and everyone must do his or her part to make this happen. Kerri Holloway, RN, is in charge of Corporate Infection Control for Fresenius Medical Care. As a former dialysis nurse and the wife of a man who was on dialysis until he received a transplant, she takes her job very seriously. Kerri discusses with Lori all the things you can do and look for to prevent an infection, especially in the dialysis unit.