The KidneyTalk® Blog is authored by Lori Hartwell and special guest writers. Posts here feature personal stories and first-hand experiences of people living with chronic kidney disease and their families.
KidneyTalk® Blog
Latest Blog Posts
A Candid Look Behind the Scenes During Home Hemodialysis and Peritoneal Treatments featuring Rachel Cluthe and Kristin Rice.
Watch as Rachel Cluthe of Houston, TX, along with her husband and two daughters demonstrate a home-hemodialysis treatment from start to finish. “I’ve been doing home hemodialysis for four years now. It offers a sense of freedom and independence. Instead of visiting...
I would like to share my younger sister Lori's story, which highlights the importance of preemptive kidney transplantation, in the hope that this will help others on the same path. A preemptive transplant is performed on a person living with chronic kidney disease (CKD) before kidney function deteriorates to the point of requiring dialysis. Thanks to her donor, Paul,...
Bonnie Garmus's novel, Lessons in Chemistry, is an enchanting feminist story set in 1960s America. The novel centers around the remarkable chemist, Elizabeth Zott, as she navigates the male-dominated world of the time. Unexpectedly, she also becomes a cooking-show host, where she skillfully demonstrates cooking techniques using chemistry. Personally, I found this captivating and insightful tale to be enlightening....
Every individual with chronic kidney disease (CKD) possesses unique physical capabilities. Additionally, kidney disease can affect individuals of all age groups and may present various medical challenges. As an example, I will share some aspects of my own story. While I experienced kidney damage at the age of 3, it didn't significantly impact my life until I turned 30....
Based on recently published articles, transplant recipients who have been diagnosed with COVID-19 must consult their transplant team or nephrologist before taking Paxlovid. This precautionary measure is due to the possibility of severe harm resulting from the interaction between Paxlovid and commonly used immunosuppressive medications for transplant patients. These interactions can lead to dangerous elevations in drug levels, potentially...
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Comment on The CMS-3742-P: ESRD Dialysis Patient Life Goals Survey (PaLS)
CMS often works with contractors for different aspects of its programs, including those related to quality measures. Of these contractors, the Partnership for Quality...
Chronically Happy: Joyful Living in Spite of Chronic Illness
A book that teaches one how to cope and life a fulfilling, joyful life despite having chronic illness By Lori Hartwell, who was was diagnosed with kidney disease at age of 2.
Available in Paperback at Amazon.com and, digital or eReader via Renal Support Network
If you you have a story you would like to share, please visit our Write For Us page to find out to to submit a blog post for consideration.