How has transplant transformed your life?

If you're a transplant recipient, we've got a special episode for you! Listen to our episode "10. Chronic kidney disease and the transformative power of transplant" wherever you get your podcasts.

Episode summary

A diagnosis of chronic kidney disease can lead to unanswerable "what ifs," urgent lifestyle changes, anxiety and depression. Author Abby Jimenez explains the portrayal of kidney disease in her book "Yours Truly" as well as her own diagnosis. Mayo Clinic expert Dr. Mira Keddis lends her expertise to explain what kidney disease is and how it can profoundly affect your life.

In this episode, Dr. Millstine and her guests discuss:

• The silent nature of kidney disease. Unfortunately, kidney disease often does not have obvious symptoms. Instead, symptoms may be gradual and attributed to stress or exhaustion. Most standard lab tests can quickly identify if something is wrong with your kidneys, but if you're not receiving regular medical checkups, problems may fly under the radar.
• The mental burden of chronic disease. Chronic diseases such as kidney disease can exacerbate mental health challenges and lead to depression and anxiety. Even in the early stages of disease, the "what ifs" can get to you, Abby says: What if I can't eat my favorite foods? What if I need to go on dialysis?
• The transformative power of kidney transplant. Facing a lifetime of dialysis is a traumatic proposition, Dr. Keddis says. Abby's book portrays the transformative power and hope that a kidney transplant can bring. We break down the types of kidney transplants and what transplant entails.

Question for discussion:

• If you've received a transplant, what was it like to be told you needed it? What was it like to receive the transplant?

Share your thoughts, questions and opinions below!