All Things Amyloid

Amyloidosis For Patients with Dr. Kevin Alexander

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2363720/fan_mail/new] All of us have seen the amazing forward progress over the last 10 years in the battle against amyloidosis – so much has changed -- from knowledge about the disease, to diagnosis, treatment, and patient outlook. It truly is astounding! To help us understand where we are today, and looking ahead to tomorrow, we are delighted to chat with Dr. Kevin Alexander, cardiologist from Stanford University to hear his insights for these exciting times. For an overview of amyloidosis, please see episode 2 (for clinicians) or episode 3 (for patients).

Why is Amyloidosis Bad for Your Kidneys?

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2363720/fan_mail/new] In this episode of All Things Amyloid, we hear from Dr. Jeffrey Zonder from the Karmanos Cancer Institute. Adapted from his video “Why is amyloidosis bad for your kidneys?” He provides a brief summary of amyloidosis. He’ll go on to describe how AL and AA are the two most prevalent types to affect the kidneys, detail how amyloidosis affects the kidneys, how this damage is assessed, and strategies for reducing kidney damage. His video can be found in the Education Hub [https://mm713.org/why-is-amyloidosis-bad-for-your-kidneys/] on Mackenzie’s Mission website. For an overview of amyloidosis, please see episode 2 (for clinicians) or episode 3 (for patients).

An AL Patient Going Through Peritoneal Dialysis

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2363720/fan_mail/new] Advanced kidney failure can be an unfortunate reality to patients with AL amyloidosis. Physicians often discuss two paths forward - a kidney transplant and dialysis, which is often thought of as a bridge while waiting for a transplant. There are two basic types - hemodialysis and peritoneal dialysis. In today’s episode we’ll be talking about peritoneal dialysis, or PD for short, with Linda. She has been battling AL amyloidosis for ten years and is now on dialysis while waiting for a kidney transplant. Listen to hear what life is like for patients like Linda. For an overview of amyloidosis, please see episode 2 (for clinicians) or episode 3 (for patients).

Keys to Making a Strong Patient-Provider Relationship

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2363720/fan_mail/new] The relationship between a patient and their provider is so important. It serves as a foundation upon which trust is built, expertise is shared, and life-impacting decisions are made. But it’s not automatic that the relationship is good. In today’s episode we’ll explore keys to making a strong patient-provider relationship with two wonderful guests – patient Giselle and her provider Dr. Nitasha Sarswat, cardiologist at the University of Chicago.  For an overview of amyloidosis, please see episode 2 (for clinicians) or episode 3 (for patients).

Amyloidosis Destroyed My Heart; Organ Transplantation Gave Me Life

Send us Fan Mail [https://www.buzzsprout.com/2363720/fan_mail/new] Amyloidosis is a ruthless disease, attacking organs, leading them towards failure when left untreated. Fortunately there are treatments that can help slow disease progression, with more hope on the way in clinical trials. But what about the diseased organ, infiltrated with those rigid amyloid fibrils? Until there is a solution to address breaking down these fibrils, organ transplantation can be a leading choice for patients to consider. In this episode we’ll talk with Rayna, an AL survivor, who successfully underwent a heart transplant. But it wasn’t an easy path to get there. For an overview of amyloidosis, please see episode 2 (for clinicians) or episode 3 (for patients).