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Diabetic Kidney Disease

2024-12-11T11:39:56-05:00December 11th, 2024|Categories: Dialysis, Early Intervention, eNews, Lifestyle, Physical Health, Staying Healthy, What Causes Kidney Disease|

The following information will focus on diabetic kidney disease and is taken from the National Institute of Health (www.niddk.nih.gov): What is diabetic kidney disease?  Diabetic kidney disease is a type of kidney disease caused by diabetes. Diabetes is the leading cause of kidney disease. About 1 out of 3 adults with diabetes has kidney disease.1 The main job of the kidneys is to filter wastes and extra water out of your blood to make urine. Your kidneys also help control blood pressure and make hormones that your body needs to stay healthy. When your kidneys are damaged, they can’t filter blood like they should, which can cause wastes [...]

The Importance of Immunizations for People with Kidney Disease

2024-11-13T09:58:16-05:00November 4th, 2024|Categories: Dialysis, eNews, Hemodialysis, Home Hemodialysis, Immunizations, In-Center Hemodialysis, Peritoneal Dialysis, Physical Health, Staying Healthy|

Living with kidney disease presents unique health challenges, including an increased susceptibility to infections. Immunizations play a crucial role in protecting people with kidney disease, including those on dialysis or with a kidney transplant, from preventable diseases. This article will discuss the importance of vaccines in general and those protecting against respiratory illness specifically, the risks associated with not being vaccinated, and concerns related to misinformation on vaccination decisions.

My New Normal

2024-09-23T13:54:24-04:00September 23rd, 2024|Categories: Dialysis, Mental Health, Peritoneal Dialysis, Physical Health, The Kidney Citizen, Treatment|

By Karim Rattani, DPC Patient Ambassador My journey with End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD) has included much suffering, but it has also shaped me into a stronger, more loving man. Throughout all of it, I’ve adjusted to a “new normal” with ESRD and found that life can still be fulfilling and full of possibilities. I worked as a chauffeur and ran a public transportation Limousine service business just before the COVID-19 pandemic began in 2020. Once the pandemic hit, most of the businesses were shutdown with an executive order and therefore I, like many others, also lost most [...]

Sometimes It’s a Blessing in Disguise

2024-09-23T13:54:22-04:00September 23rd, 2024|Categories: Dialysis, Hemodialysis, Home Hemodialysis, In-Center Hemodialysis, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Peritoneal Dialysis, Physical Health, Quality of Life, The Kidney Citizen|

By Layce Ryan, DPC Patient Ambassador I remember when I first learned about my kidney disease. I was a college student living in Kalamazoo, Michigan, when I suddenly fell very ill. After running some tests, the doctors diagnosed me with focal segmental glomerulosclerosis (FSGS), a type of chronic kidney disease (CKD), which is the early stages of full kidney failure, also known as End Stage Renal Disease (ESRD). In an instant, my life changed dramatically, and I was faced with the reality that the worst was yet to come. It would be 10 years before I began dialysis [...]

Ask the Doctor September 2024

2024-09-23T13:54:19-04:00September 23rd, 2024|Categories: Dialysis, Hemodialysis, Kidney Transplant, Medication, Physical Health, The Kidney Citizen|

Velma Scantlebury, MD, DPC Education Center Health Care Consultant 1. I have been on dialysis for three months. After treatment in the dialysis facility, I am tired and feel bloated. When will I begin to feel better? Dialysis removes excess fluid and waste products. This happens by shifting fluid from one compartment so that the dialysis process can remove the extra fluid. This «dialysis fatigue» is experienced by about 50% of patients. Anemia, electrolyte imbalance, and stress can also be contributors to the condition. Many recommend getting plenty of rest, eating more protein, eating a balanced diet, and [...]

Insomnia

2024-09-10T15:38:27-04:00September 3rd, 2024|Categories: eNews, Lifestyle, Mental Health, Nutrition, Physical Health, Quality of Life, Staying Healthy|

Insomnia is often a constant complaint for a great deal of renal patients.  It can be especially annoying when one has to get up early the next day for whatever reason. Sleep is necessary and the deprivation of sleep can affect the body in many ways. DaVita Kidney Care has outlined why insomnia may occur and tips to help avoid insomnia. The following information can be found on DaVita's website (davita.com).  Sleep Issues and Chronic Kidney Disease People with chronic kidney disease (CKD) often have trouble falling asleep and staying asleep. Your physical and mental health can contribute to your sleep problems. These are some [...]

August is National Immunization Awareness

2024-08-07T15:15:06-04:00August 3rd, 2024|Categories: eNews, Immunizations, Physical Health, Quality of Life, Treatment|

Many experts recommend that dialysis and transplant patients get timely immunizations and vaccinations. These patients are at a higher risk of developing serious complications from infections because of their immune systems.  We suggest that patients speak to their respective medical providers with any questions or concerns that may arise about recommended vaccinations and immunizations. The following information can be found on the U.S. Customs and Border Protection (www.cbp.gov) website, an official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. August is National Immunization Awareness Month (NIAM). NIAM raises the awareness about why vaccines are important for people of all ages and [...]

Don’t Sweat It! – Tips for Renal Patients During Summer Heat

2024-07-10T15:38:16-04:00July 3rd, 2024|Categories: Dialysis, eNews, Kidney Transplant, Lifestyle, Physical Health, Quality of Life, Staying Healthy|

Summer is here and this time of year can be especially challenging for dialysis patients!  No matter how thirsty you are, you must still monitor your fluid intake. At the Dialysis Patient Citizens Education Center, we are continuously researching and sharing information that can improve the quality of life of renal patients. This article focuses on fluid intake and thirst tips and is provided by Fresenius Kidney Care (freseniuskidneycare.com) and DaVita (davita.com). The following information is provided by Fresenius Kidney Care. Dialysis works to remove excess fluid from your blood, so it’s important to manage your fluid intake. Fluids are typically [...]

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