KidneyTalk - An Online Radio Show By Renal Support Network

Do you know the difference between a bacterial infection and a virus? Are you aware of the different symptoms of each one? And do you know when an illness is contagious? These are important distinctions that determine the precautions anyone should take to avoid contracting an illness or passing it along to others. Listen in as Michael Kraus, MD, Associate Chief Medical Officer at Fresenius Kidney...

Assessing your kidney transplant health and making sure you keep that organ as long as possible is essential. Transplant Nephrologist Dr. Philippe Gauthier and Lori Hartwell discuss the evaluation of how doctors determine kidney rejection. Innovations in monitoring are now available that can help doctors prevent rejection so you can maintain the gift of life.

John Butler, President and CEO of Akebia, has been involved in the field of kidney health since 1991, and has seen many innovations. He is also the elected Chair of Kidney Care Partners, the largest kidney care coalition in the nation comprised of patient advocates, dialysis professionals, care providers, researchers, and manufacturers. John feels a personal connection to the kidney community. His...

At age 10, Valen Keefer was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease. By age 18, after spending a year in the hospital, she needed a kidney transplant. As if that was not enough, in 2016, Valens chronic sepsis led to her need for a liver transplant. Now in her 30s, Valen shares her inspiring story of survival navigating many health hurdles.

How do you go about finding a living kidney donor? Karol Franks began her journey with advocating for a kidney for her daughter in the late 1990s. She provides insight in to what is involved in searching for a kidney and ways to get started. She shares with Lori what is involved and the steps needed to start the process of kidney donation.

How has Covid-19 affected organ procurement organizations (OPOs)? Are kidney transplantations and donations still taking place? Today, Lori talks with Kristine Neal, Director of Communications for South Carolinas OPO, We Are Sharing Hope SC. Listen in to this show to learn how the pandemic has altered the experiences of transplant recipients and prospective donors, and learn what OPOs are doing to...

It is a given that anyone with a weakened immune system is more vulnerable to the Covid-19 virus than the general public. If you are waiting for a kidney transplant, or have had one, you will want to listen to this informative podcast. Lori, and transplant nephrologist Dr. Rafael Villicana, Medical Director of the Loma Linda Transplant Center, have a candid conversation on what you can expect and...

RSN and Lori Hartwells good friend Stacy Hoblitzell takes over the helm of the KidneyTalk Podcast show today for an intriguing look into the life and inspirational kidney disease journey of RSN founder and President Lori Hartwell.

Now more than ever it is important to avoid a hospital stay. Some hospitals are already at or near capacity and many are concerned about shortages ahead of expected coronavirus cases. You can help yourself and your local healthcare system by making sure that you remain as healthy as possible. Learn about the most common causes of hospitalization in people requiring dialysis and what to do to stay...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 turke...

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. Lik...

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 begin...

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...

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...

Dialysis technicians serve on the front lines every day. Dwelyn Williams is president of the National Association of Nephrology Technicians/Technologists. He had his first experience with kidney disease at 16 years old when his mother needed dialysis. It inspired him to help care for not only his mother but for others who suffer from kidney failure. For 20 years, Dwelyn has remained dedicated to h...

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, R...

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 su...

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 ke...

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...