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8/19/2014 - Prepare for Surgery – Do I Have What I Need? KidneyTalk Interview with Lifetime Patients

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Jessica Zamora

PR@RSNhope.org

(818) 296-0299


Prepare for Surgery – Do I Have What I Need?

KidneyTalk Interview with Lifetime Patients


Glendale, Calif. – August 19, 2014 – You have your surgery scheduled and instructions from your medical team on what the day will be like. But who better than lifetime patients and survivors of multiple surgeries to tell you the nitty-gritty of surgery and hospital stays? Lori Hartwell, founder and president of the Renal Support Network, (RSN), and host of bimonthly podcast KidneyTalk!, talks with an old friend to share their expertise in this area.


Heather Powell and Lori have both lived with kidney disease and the many complications that can come with the illness, including trying the different dialysis treatment options and surgeries that they require. Surgery can be stressful and create unforeseen obstacles one may not be aware of. Some of the tips discussed in the interview can make your hospital stay a little bit more tolerable, like bringing that hand lotion you like, something with a pleasant smell to uplift you, bringing your own toothbrush and toothpaste you like, so you don’t use the hospital one, once you feel ready to get up and brush. And when it comes to the medical tips, you might want to write a note on your body reminding the surgeons of which (fill in the body part here) needs the surgery, after all, you’ll be unconscious by the time you see your surgeon that day. Being prepared for surgery can reduce nervousness, stress levels and anxiety. “Know what to expect before, during and after surgery," says Heather.


RSN is a nonprofit, patient-focused, patient-run organization that provides nonmedical services to those affected by chronic kidney disease and strives to bring them hope. One way to motivate people and help them take control is to showcase guests who can share their coping tips and tricks, inspire others, and empower them to live well despite the limitations of chronic illness.


The leading causes of kidney failure are high blood pressure and diabetes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, one in six adults in the United States is at risk for kidney disease. Nearly 100,000 people are waiting for a kidney transplant, and over 600,000 people are on dialysis or have a kidney transplant. Catching kidney disease in its early stages can prevent or delay progression. A simple blood test will help determine the presence of the disease.


You can find the Prepare for Surgery interview, along with a library of other shows, at www.RSNhope.org/kidneytalk-podcast/ and on iTunes.



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Source: Renal Support Network (Renal Support Network News)


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