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
Popular Podcasts
Bookmarked by Reese's Book Club
Welcome to Bookmarked by Reese’s Book Club — the podcast where great stories, bold women, and irresistible conversations collide! Hosted by award-winning journalist Danielle Robay, each week new episodes balance thoughtful literary insight with the fervor of buzzy book trends, pop culture and more. Bookmarked brings together celebrities, tastemakers, influencers and authors from Reese's Book Club and beyond to share stories that transcend the page. Pull up a chair. You’re not just listening — you’re part of the conversation.
On Purpose with Jay Shetty
I’m Jay Shetty host of On Purpose the worlds #1 Mental Health podcast and I’m so grateful you found us. I started this podcast 5 years ago to invite you into conversations and workshops that are designed to help make you happier, healthier and more healed. I believe that when you (yes you) feel seen, heard and understood you’re able to deal with relationship struggles, work challenges and life’s ups and downs with more ease and grace. I interview experts, celebrities, thought leaders and athletes so that we can grow our mindset, build better habits and uncover a side of them we’ve never seen before. New episodes every Monday and Friday. Your support means the world to me and I don’t take it for granted — click the follow button and leave a review to help us spread the love with On Purpose. I can’t wait for you to listen to your first or 500th episode!
Dateline NBC
Current and classic episodes, featuring compelling true-crime mysteries, powerful documentaries and in-depth investigations. Follow now to get the latest episodes of Dateline NBC completely free, or subscribe to Dateline Premium for ad-free listening and exclusive bonus content: DatelinePremium.com