DPC Education Center’s Healthcare Consultant, Velma Scantlebury, MD, Live on Instagram to answer your kidney related questions. September 4th was Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Awareness Day, and Dr. Scantlebury discusses what PKD is, how it affects the kidneys, and treatment options. This month also sees a change in weather as we move closer to fall, which means new vaccines for both Covid and the flu. Dr. Scantlebury talks about CDC recommendations for vaccines, as well as the importance in consulting your healthcare team to make sure you stay up to date on vaccinations. She also answers patient questions on self-cannulization, home dialysis, and many other kidney-related topics.

Polycystic kidneys disease is generally an inherited disease, with the gene coming from one parent of the patient, though there are cases where it is caused by a gene mutation. Dr. Scantlebury discusses how PKD causes cysts to grow within the kidneys overtime, which displaces the substance of the kidney, which can lead to enlarged kidneys. Sometimes the cysts can also affect the pancreas and liver. There is currently no cure, and while those who are diagnosed early in life may have their kidneys replaced early on, most people are into adulthood before replacement is needed.

Dr. Scantlebury also discusses the new strain of Covid going around that is causing more hospitalizations and how the number of infections are on the rise. She highlights the importance of renal patients getting the new booster vaccine when it becomes available in the next few weeks, as patient are immunocompromised and at a greater risk of developing complications from Covid, which typically also negatively affect kidney function. While it’s important for patients to stay up-to-date on all of their vaccines (flu, shingles, pneumonia, etc.) it is important to consult with your healthcare team to come up with a vaccine schedule that it best for you.

Dr. Scantlebury also answers questions on self-canulation, home dialysis, sepsis and more, so give us a listen to hear this important information for living well with kidney disease! If you have your own questions you’d like to have the doctor answer, tune in for our Live events on both Instagram and Facebook:

- IG Live @patientcitizens the first Wednesday of each month, 12:30pm EST
- Facebook Live www.facebook.com/patientcitizens the third Wednesday of each month, 12:30pm EST

DPC Education Center’s Healthcare Consultant, Velma Scantlebury, MD, went Live on Instagram this month to answer your kidney related questions. We are in peak summer heat and, while we all know the importance of staying hydrated, dialysis patients have to balance that with fluid restrictions. Dr. Scantlebury has some tips to beat the heat (and humidity!), how to use the slower summer months to stay on top of your healthcare, and many more kidney-related topics.

Last month, Dr. Scantlebury talked about the importance of renal patients staying hydrated and the added challenge that dialysis patients have with fluid restrictions. This month, she expanded that conversation to answer questions regarding humidity and the additional strain that can place on patients. While there is no one size fits all answer since everyone’s body is different and the weather can vary greatly based on where you live, Dr. Scantlebury provides some tips she’s seen patients use over the year as well as some websites that can be used to find additional resources in your area. She also discussed how patients can use the slower summer months to make sure they are up to date on health screenings and make sure they have necessary appointments scheduled out in order to make sure they are ready to go for transplant when they get called. It is also a great time to schedule an appointment with your primary care provider (or find one if you don’t have one!) since they are the ones able to make referrals for necessary tests. Dr. Scantlebury also answers questions on lab work throughout your kidney journey and why it’s important to adhere to the schedule you receive from your healthcare team, no matter if you are a CKD patient, dialysis patient, or transplant patient.

Give us a listen to hear all this and more important information for living well with kidney disease. If you have your own questions you’d like to have the doctor answer, tune in for our Live events on both Instagram and Facebook:

- IG Live @patientcitizens the first Wednesday of each month, 12:30pm EST
- Facebook Live www.facebook.com/patientcitizens the third Wednesday of each month, 12:30pm EST

Join us for an enlightening episode of the DPC Education Center’s podcast, featuring a special event with healthcare consultant Dr. Scantlebury, DPC Board President Andrew Conkling, and Board Member Quiana Bishop. In this episode, our guests delve into the critical topic of phosphorus and its impact on renal patients.

With their first-hand experience managing phosphorus issues while on dialysis, Andrew and Quiana share invaluable insights into the challenges and options for controlling phosphorus levels. They discuss the importance of limiting foods high in phosphorus and the role of binders and blockers in helping the body absorb and eliminate excess phosphorus.

Dr. Scantlebury provides expert commentary on current treatment options and answers patient questions, offering practical advice for maintaining phosphorus balance and overall renal health.

Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of phosphorus management and hear from those who have navigated these challenges firsthand. Whether you're a patient, caregiver, or healthcare professional, this episode is packed with valuable information to help you or your loved ones thrive.

Listen now and take control of your renal health!

If you have additional kidney questions, tune in for our regularly scheduled Live events on both Instagram and Facebook:

• IG Live @patientcitizens the first Wednesday of each month, 12:30pm EST
• Facebook Live www.facebook.com/patientcitizens the third Wednesday of each month, 12:30pm EST