KidneyTalk - An Online Radio Show By Renal Support Network

George Franklin III is president of the Transplant Quarter Century Club and a contributing writer of Because of Organ Donation, a book by Brenda E. Cortez. George had a kidney transplant more than 45 years ago. Listen in to learn his secret for keeping his gift of life healthy and strong.

Dr. Victor Gura is an associate clinical professor of medicine at the Geffen School of Medicine at UCLA. He and his company, Wearable Artificial Organs, Inc., were issued a patent for "combination wearable and stationary dialysis systems." Dr. Gura has worked 21 years in Italy and London, and finally in the United States to develop the devices. Initial clinical trials have already been conducted in Seattle, Washington. Tune in to this show to learn about the results of the trials and what the next steps are to make this invention a reality.

Kidney disease is difficult enough without suffering needlessly. Many over-the-counter medications are harmful to the kidneys. What can you do to take control of pain without causing more damage? If you, or someone you know has kidney disease, it is especially important to be in the know about options to relieve pain. Lori and nephrologist Dr. Mary J. Godinich discuss the side effects of medications and the differences between over-the-counter pain relievers and some safe alternatives.

Getting listed for a kidney transplant can be a daunting process. Do you know your dialysis social worker can help with the process and prepare you for what is to come? Felicia Speed, Vice President of Social Work Services for Fresenius Kidney Care, shares tips to help you prepare for your kidney transplant. Listen in to learn how to overcome difficulties and barriers.

Tricia McCarley, a nurse practitioner with Fresenius Kidney Care, sits down with Lori to discuss dialysis lab values and why you should care. Listen in to learn what the different tests show, how your own body processes may affect the results, and which lab values you may be able to control.

Innovations in treating kidney disease were just beginning when Dr. Steven Rosansky, aka Dr. Ro, a nephrology specialist in Columbia, SC, first started his practice. He was drawn to this medical specialty because it gave him the opportunity to really do something to help his patients. In this interview, Lori and Dr. Ro put a kidney disease diagnosis into perspective. Listen in to learn the differences between each of the five stages of kidney disease, plus what you might be able to do to slow the progression of the disease and preserve more of your own kidney function.

Calciphylaxis is a bone and mineral condition that can occur in people who have kidney disease or are on dialysis. Kidneys regulate many things including minerals which can cause the buildup of calcium causing painful wounds that are very susceptible to infections. Dr. Smeeta Sinha and Dr. Sagar Nigwekar explain the warning signs of calciphylaxis, ways to manage phosphorus and what treatments are currently available. Listen in to this show to learn more and about a new clinical trial to find an alternative therapy for calciphylaxis.

Art therapy has been shown to be an effective way to help children and their families cope with having a chronic illness such as kidney disease. It helps to ease the mental and emotional stress that often accompanies their battle with illness. Plus, it allows them to forget about the pain, even for a while, and just relax. Board Certified Art Therapists Raja Aossey and Kathy Peal explain the process, its benefits and how parents can connect with an art therapist or child life specialist for their child.

The Comprehensive Immunosuppressive Drug Coverage for Kidney Transplant Patients Act that passed in congress in 2020 extends Medicare coverage for anti-rejection drugs from 36 months to the life of the transplant. Troy Zimmerman, Special Projects Director, National Kidney Foundation worked closely with congress to bring this bill to fruition. He explains the details of the bill, when it goes into effect and who will benefit by the new law.

There is an APP for everything. And luckily, there is one to help monitor what is needed to keep your transplanted kidney healthy. Transplant surgeon Dr. David Axelrod is the Kidney, Pancreas, Living Donor Transplant Surgical Director at the University of Iowa. He explains how to get the most from using the APP for post-transplant care. Listen in to learn how to do your part to keep your kidney healthy.