KidneyTalk - An Online Radio Show By Renal Support Network

Kidney transplant recipients deal with taking anti-rejection meds for life. Talaris is developing an alternative to immunosuppression. Nancy Krieger, MD, Talaris Therapeutics Chief Medical Officer, explains how this new treatment will work and how it differs from what is currently prescribed. She also talks about how you can learn more about the clinical trials that are available.

Beth Witten, LCSW is an expert in insurance issues. She shares with Lori the basics of Medicare, what is covered and how to save money on drug prescriptions. Listen in to hear answers the most common questions people who have kidney disease have about navigating the complicated process. You don™t want to miss this show.

VidaFuel CEO Bette Parolini and her team envisioned how the gratifying experience of snacking equals the importance of nutrition. The result is delicious! VidaFuel™s innovative snacks for the renal diet include both sweet and savory options. Products also include tasty protein drinks. Things are just getting started, so expect more treats and flavors soon. If you are on dialysis and love chocolate or potato chips, or need a tasty protein supplement, don™t miss this show.

Wendy Rodgers, M.Ed, MPH, and RSN Chairman of the Board, is a kidney transplant recipient and lupus survivor. Lupus is a systemic autoimmune disease that assaults healthy tissues and organs. Males are less likely to develop the disease, but they often experience more severe symptoms. And symptoms may vary because lupus can affect different parts of the body. Listen in to learn about the symptoms and the causes of lupus, and the treatment innovations that are on the horizon.

Michelle Pace, RN, a kidney care advocate manager at Fresenius Kidney Care, will talk about the benefits of transitioning from in-center to home dialysis. Listen in as she explains the options that exist, and how they can add more freedom and flexibility to your diet and lifestyle.

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 Care and Lori Hartwell discuss the good bacteria, the bad bacteria, and the ugly virus.

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 purpose-driven mission is to better the lives of all people impacted by kidney disease. Listen in to learn about the current innovations in kidney disease treatments and what is on the horizon.

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.