Let’s Talk About Kidneys

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) affects about 600,000 people in the United States, according to the PKD Foundation. It is one of the most common genetic kidney disorders, yet many people don't even know they have it until later in life. Today, we'll break down what PKD is, how it's diagnosed, and how people can live well with it.

In this episode of Let's Talk About Kidneys, Dr. Jayasree Grandhi of Dallas Nephrology Associates breaks down kidney stones—what they are, what causes them, and how to prevent and treat them. Affecting up to 1 in 5 men and 1 in 10 women, kidney stones are common but manageable with the right care.

Chronic Kidney Disease (CKD) is a condition that affects how the kidneys work over time. For women with CKD who are planning to have a family, there are important factors to consider to ensure the best possible outcomes. Can I have a baby if I have CKD?

In this episode of Let's Talk About Kidneys, Dr. Lauren McDonald, a nephrologist with Dallas Nephrology Associates, discusses the diagnosis, staging, and common tests for patients with chronic kidney disease (CKD).  Dr. McDonald explains how kidney disease is diagnosed, common symptoms, and some of the key tests, including BUN, creatinine, GFR, hemoglobin A1C, kidney biopsies, and more.  She also...

This episode of Let's Talk About Kidneys, Dr. Saim, a nephrologist with Dallas Nephrology Associates, discusses what is new in kidney transplant.  The podcast discusses advancements in kidney transplantation, focusing on the benefits and risks of living and deceased donor transplant.  Dr. Saim highlights that over 25,000 transplants were performed last year, with nearly 7,000 from living donors. ...

Let's Talk About Kidneys Dialysis Patients and Their Diet In this episode of Let's Talk About Kidneys, Dr. Rao, a nephrologist at Dallas Nephrology Associates, discusses the importance of diet for all dialysis patients. She emphasizes the need for dietary modifications even before dialysis, focusing on reducing salt intake, managing potassium and phosphorus levels, and maintaining adequate protein...

In this episode of the Let's Talk About Kidneys podcast, Dr. Roberto Collazo addresses the development of new treatments for kidney disease that are essential for slowing disease progression, improving patient outcomes, and preventing kidney failure. Throughout his discussion, he will examine various therapeutic options currently available, as well as those expected in the future.   What types of...

In this episode of the Let's Talk About Kidneys podcast, Dallas Nephrology Associates Dietitian, Nadiya Lakhani, RDN, CSR, LD, FNKF,  explains why weight management is important to the general population and how it affects the kidneys.   How does weight affect the kidneys? When the body carries more weight than it can handle, it increases the demand on the kidneys to hyper filtrate. In other words...

In this episode of the Let's Talk About Kidneys podcast, Dr. Muhammad Qureshi talks about the benefits of a kidney transplant, why it's a good choice after kidney failure, and what the process looks like before, during and after.  Why should a CKD patient consider a kidney transplant?  Dr. Qureshi talks about the fact that there are both mortality and morbidity benefits of a kidney transplant. In...

In this episode of the Let's Talk About Kidneys podcast, Dr. Lauren McDonald talks about the types of dialysis that can be done successfully in your own home including home hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. She puts extra emphasis on the fact that choosing the right dialysis modality is a very personal choice and should be made based on a patient's lifestyle and what is most important to them....

In this episode of the Let's Talk About Kidneys podcast, Dr. Richey talks about the different types of dialysis and provides an overview to help patients and caregivers to understand what is involved and how to decide which modality is right for each patient.    When is dialysis necessary? Dialysis is recommended when a patient's kidneys can no longer safely support them. This is determined based...

No day is ever the same for a nephrologist. Dallas Nephrology Associates' Dr. Paul Skluzacek may see his kidney patients in the office, have hospital rounds, dialysis rounds and much more. In this episode of Let's Talk About Kidneys, learn about Dr. Skluzacek's busy days providing patient care and how his schedule changes from one day to another.  What is a Nephrologist?  Nephrologists are kidney...

When most people think of sodium, they think of salt. In this episode of Let's Talk About Kidneys, Dallas Nephrology Associates' Senior Clinical Dietitian Carolyn Cochran breaks down what sodium is, how to identify it in common foods and ways to make lifestyle adjustments for healthier kidneys.  What is sodium? Sodium is one of three important electrolytes found in the body.  Electrolytes control...

Your first visit to the doctor after being diagnosed with kidney disease can be a big deal. Tune into this episode where Dallas Nephrologist Dr. Michael R. Wiederkehr breaks down what to expect at your first visit with a nephrologist at Dallas Nephrology Associates.  Why do I need to see a Nephrologist?  Nephrologists – experts in kidney care – treat conditions that affect the kidneys.  Primary ca...

Tune into this episode where Dallas Nephrologist Dr. Michael R. Wiederkehr explains when you might need to see a Nephrologist. Dr. Weiderkehr breaks down what a nephrologist does and which tests might indicate it's time to see a kidney doctor.    What is a Nephrologist? Nephrologists treat systemic conditions affecting kidneys, such as diabetes and autoimmune disease, as well as hypertension (high...

Tune into this episode where Dallas Nephrologist Dr. Daniel Richey talks about how some medications can keep your kidneys from working the way they should. Dr. Richey covers the most common over-the-counter (OTC) medications that are approved and not approved for patients diagnosed with kidney disease. Learn how to choose the right medications, and which ones to avoid. What OTC Medications Should...

Listen in to hear Dr. Mehta fill us in on how DNA is involved in chronic kidney disease research, including the types of kidney disease that are under investigation within DNA medication clinical trials, the team roles in clinical trials, and what to consider if you are interested in applying to a clinical trial as a patient with kidney disease.   What is a Clinical Trial? A clinical trial is a pr...

Take a behind-the-scenes look into the world of DNA with real examples of our values in daily life. In this episode, Sandra M. Lauriat, MD, Nephrologist, and Director of CKD Education, talks about the importance of educating patients to make better choices and DNA's groundbreaking kidney patient education program.    What is Healthcare Literacy?  DNA believes in encouraging patients to understand...

Take a behind-the-scenes look into the world of DNA with real examples of our values in daily life. In this episode, Mary Beth Callahan, Supportive Care Team Program Manager and Senior Social Worker, walks through creating an Advance Directive in the case that a patient is unable to communicate their medical treatment wishes to their healthcare team.    What Is An Advance Directive?  An Advance Di...

Have you ever wondered how a primary care physician and nephrologist work together to help manage kidney disease? In today's episode, we will talk about the role of each doctor and how they partner together to coordinate a patient's care and take a look at the relationship between the Primary Care Physician (PCP) and the Nephrologist. Find out how they coordinate their care to help ensure a health...

Take a behind-the-scenes look into the world of DNA with real examples of our values in daily life. In this episode, transplant-recipient Tiffany Archibald talks about her exceptional journey, life post-transplant, and how she's maintained a healthy lifestyle.   Holistic Healing After Transplant After her first transplant, Tiffany began to look at her health more holistically. Transplant recipient...

Take a behind-the-scenes look into the world of DNA with real examples of our values in daily life. Then, Dr. Cindy Corpier and her patient and colleague, Tiffany, talk about the patient aspect of kidney disease and how to successfully manage diet, medication, and daily care when dealing with kidney disease and transplant.   What to Know About Kidney Transplant Surgery   The patient may go home on...

Take a behind-the-scenes look into the world of DNA with real examples of our values in daily life. Dr. Cindy Corpier shares the basics of kidney care, early detection and preventative actions for a kidney transplant, and how to develop a care plan with a healthcare team.    What to Know About Kidney Failure    Kidney failure can often happen without any symptoms, which is why Dr. Corpier supports...

Take a behind-the-scenes look into the world of DNA with real examples of our values in daily life. In this episode, clinical dietitians Carolyn Cochran and Nadiya Lakhani explain medical nutrition therapy: what it is, why it's essential for patients with CKD, and its role in comprehensive patient care.    What is Medical Nutrition Therapy?  Medical nutrition therapy is an evidence-based practice...

Take a behind-the-scenes look into the world of DNA with real examples of our values in daily life. In this episode, Dr. Ruben Velez reflects on DNA's growth and what it means to provide 50 years of kidney care and health.    How Has Healthcare and DNA Changed?    Dr. Velez has been with DNA for 38 years. DNA was founded in a different era of healthcare, in 1971, just before dialysis was approved...