Living Well with Kidney Disease

2026-05-21 Facebook Live - Kidney Q&A

FB Live – May 21st: In this episode of Ask the Doctor, Dr. Velma Scantlebury answers patient questions about exciting advances in organ transplantation, adjusting to life on dialysis, the emotional support that can make a difference throughout the kidney disease journey, along with many other kidney-related topics! Dr. Scantlebury discusses how transplant centers are safely expanding the donor pool by using organs from certain hepatitis C (Hep C) positive donors. In many cases, donors may only have antibodies to Hep C without an active virus in their system. Recipients are closely monitored after transplant and, if Hep C is detected, they can now be treated effectively with modern antiviral therapies. She explains how these advances are helping more patients receive life-saving transplants sooner, while also clarifying the difference between Hep C and Hep B, which can remain dormant in the body and potentially become chronic. Feeling exhausted after dialysis is a common experience, especially for new patients. Dr. Scantlebury explains how rapid fluid shifts during treatment can leave the body feeling drained while it adjusts. She shares practical tips for minimizing fatigue, including eating a light meal before treatment, getting adequate rest afterward, and working closely with your care team to optimize fluid removal and potassium management so treatments are tailored to your body’s needs. Living with kidney disease can sometimes feel isolating, but Dr. Scantlebury reminds listeners that they are not alone. Support groups can provide comfort, understanding, and connection with others who truly understand the challenges of dialysis, transplantation, and chronic illness. Sharing experiences with fellow patients can help normalize emotions, reduce stress, and provide encouragement through difficult moments. With expert insight and compassionate guidance, this episode offers reassurance, education, and practical strategies to help patients navigate every aspect of kidney care with confidence and support. We invite you to join us for our live events and ask your kidney-related questions! Find us on both Instagram and Facebook: - IG Live @patientcitizens - Facebook Live www.facebook.com/patientcitizens

2026-04-15 Facebook Live - Kidney Q&A

FB Live – April 15th: In this episode of Ask the Doctor, Dr. Velma Scantlebury answers important patient questions about navigating life with kidney disease. From planning travel to understanding serious health risks, transplant eligibility, and many more kidney-related topics, tune in for her expert knowledge and advice.  Traveling with dialysis is absolutely possible—it just takes thoughtful planning. Dr. Scantlebury explains how your dialysis modality shapes your travel needs. Patients receiving in-center hemodialysis will need to arrange treatments in advance at a facility near their destination, while those on peritoneal dialysis (PD) may need to bring their machine and supplies or have them shipped ahead of time. From weekend trips to cruises, she emphasizes working closely with your healthcare provider and dialysis center travel coordinator to ensure a safe and smooth experience.  Sepsis is a serious and potentially life-threatening condition that occurs when bacteria enter the body and begin to damage organs. For kidney patients (especially those with catheters, fistulas, or other access points) prevention is critical. Dr. Scantlebury highlights the importance of keeping all sites clean, protected, and properly cared for to reduce the risk of infection and serious complications.  If you’ve had cancer and are now in remission, you may still be eligible for a kidney transplant, but there are important factors to consider. Dr. Scantlebury explains that patients must be cleared by their oncologist, and eligibility often depends on the type and stage of cancer, as well as how long the patient has been in remission. Most transplant centers require a waiting period (typically between 2 to 5 years) before a patient able to be listed. She also discusses how immunosuppressive medications, which are necessary after transplant, can impact the body’s ability to fight off potential cancer recurrence.  With expert insight and practical advice, this episode helps patients stay informed, prepared, and empowered whether planning a trip, protecting against infection, or navigating the path to transplant.  We invite you to join us for our live events and ask your kidney-related questions! Find us on both Instagram and Facebook:  * IG Live @patientcitizens   * Facebook Live www.facebook.com/patientcitizens

2026-03-25 Facebook Live - Kidney Q&A

FB Live – March 25th: In this episode of Ask the Doctor, Dr. Velma Scantlebury answers important patient questions about some challenging, and often surprising, aspects of living with kidney disease. From maintaining strength on dialysis to understanding how kidney failure can develop suddenly, she provides practical guidance to help patients stay informed and proactive.  Many dialysis patients struggle with maintaining muscle due to dietary restrictions, difficulty getting enough protein, and the challenges many patients face feeling well enough to be able to strength train. Dr. Scantlebury explains why adequate protein intake is essential, even when options feel limited, address questions around using protein powders, including ingredient concerns and fluid restrictions, and emphasizes the importance of working closely with a nutritionist to find safe, personalized solutions.  For many, kidney disease progresses silently. Dr. Scantlebury explains how chronic kidney disease (CKD) often has little to no symptoms until it reaches end-stage renal disease (ESRD), leading some patients to “crash” into dialysis unexpectedly. Symptoms like extreme fatigue, shakiness, and feeling generally unwell can appear suddenly. She stresses the importance of routine lab work and knowing your numbers to catch kidney disease early and avoid emergency dialysis starts.  Dr. Scantlebury also addresses whether certain illnesses or medications can lead to sudden kidney failure. She explains that some drugs, such as certain antibiotics, can impact kidney function and, in some cases, contribute to acute kidney injury. Understanding medication risks and staying in close communication with your healthcare team is key to protecting your kidneys.  With expert insight and compassionate advice, this episode empowers patients to better understand their bodies, protect their kidney health, and take steps toward a stronger, more informed future.  We invite you to join us for our live events and ask your kidney-related questions! Find us on both Instagram and Facebook:  * IG Live @patientcitizens * Facebook Live www.facebook.com/patientcitizens

2026-02-18 Facebook Live - Kidney Q&A

FB Live – Feb 18th: In this episode of Ask the Doctor, Dr. Velma Scantlebury focuses on a critical topic for kidney patients—heart health. February is Heart Disease Awareness Month, and heart disease remains the number one cause of death for kidney patients. Dr. Scantlebury explains why kidney disease and heart disease often go hand in hand, particularly for patients with high blood pressure and diabetes (the two leading causes of kidney failure and major contributors to cardiovascular disease), and also addresses many other kidney-related questions.  For dialysis patients, she emphasizes the importance of managing fluid gains between treatments. Excess fluid forces the heart to work harder, can accumulate in tissues or the lungs, and may lead to shortness of breath and long-term cardiac damage. Even after a successful transplant, ongoing cardiology follow-up is essential to monitor for progressive heart disease and protect long-term health.  The episode also addresses a common and frustrating symptom for dialysis patients: dry, itchy skin. Dr. Scantlebury explains that elevated phosphorus levels are often the underlying cause, though environmental factors like low humidity can contribute. She discusses practical solutions such as hydrating lotions and when it may be appropriate to consider options like calamine lotion or antihistamines (always making sure you consult your healthcare provider). In some cases, a dermatologist may be needed to rule out medication side effects.  Dr. Scantlebury tackles why many patients feel weak or unwell after dialysis. Often, it’s related to large fluid shifts, when significant volume is removed in just a few hours, and can leave the body feeling depleted and dehydrated, almost like it’s been “wrung out.” She explains how minimizing fluid gains between treatments helps reduce these drastic shifts and may improve how patients feel afterward. For some, home dialysis options may offer gentler, more frequent treatments that keep the body closer to balance.  This episode is packed with practical guidance to help kidney patients protect their hearts, feel better after dialysis, and manage common symptoms—empowering listeners to take proactive steps toward better overall health.  We invite you to join us for our live events and ask your kidney-related questions! Find us on both Instagram and Facebook:  * IG Live @patientcitizens   * Facebook Live www.facebook.com/patientcitizens

2026-01-21 Facebook Live - Kidney Q&A

FB Live – Jan 21st: Happy New Year! In our first episode 2026 of Ask the Doctor, Dr. Velma Scantlebury returns to answer important patient questions about managing kidney disease, preparing for transplant, and staying healthy post-transplant. This month’s discussion focuses on understanding dialysis options, the importance of a primary care doctor, and post-transplant virus monitoring, along with many other kidney-related topics.  Dr. Scantlebury explains the differences between in-center hemodialysis, home hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis, and why treatment frequency matters (especially for patients who no longer make urine). When waste and fluid accumulate between treatments, the body has to work harder, placing added stress on vital organs like the heart and brain. Home dialysis options allow for more frequent treatments, which can help remove toxins more consistently and support overall health. She also emphasizes the importance of staying compliant with dialysis, even during holidays, travel, or days when you don’t feel well.  If you’re on dialysis and hoping for a transplant, having a primary care provider is essential. Dr. Scantlebury explains how a primary doctor can help coordinate critical testing, such as cancer screenings, colonoscopies, sleep apnea evaluations, and dental care, that are often required for transplant listing. Staying up to date on these tests can help prevent delays and keep you ready when a kidney becomes available.  For transplant recipients, Dr. Scantlebury discusses three key viruses that are closely monitored after surgery: CMV, BK virus, and herpes viruses. These viruses often live dormant in the body and can reemerge once immunosuppressant medications are started to prevent organ rejection. To reduce this risk, patients are typically placed on antiviral medications for the first few months following transplant, along with close lab monitoring.  Packed with practical advice and expert insight, this episode helps patients understand their treatment options, stay transplant-ready, and protect their health long after transplant.  We invite you to join us for our live events and ask your kidney-related questions! Find us on both Instagram and Facebook:  * IG Live @patientcitizens   * Facebook Live www.facebook.com/patientcitizens