Living Well with Kidney Disease

2025-09-17 Facebook Live - Kidney Q&A

Season 3 Episode 13

FB Live – September 17th: In this episode of Ask the Doctor, DPC Education Center’s Healthcare Consultant, Dr. Velma Scantlebury, goes Live on Facebook to answer patient questions about living well with kidney disease. This month, she answers patient questions regarding important guidance on vaccines, recognizing the signs of kidney failure, the importance of routine cancer screenings, and many other kidney-related topics.

Because dialysis patients and transplant recipients are immunocompromised, vaccinations are critical for protection against serious illness. Dr. Scantlebury explains why kidney patients, regardless of age, qualify for the COVID vaccine, why annual boosters are needed, and the best timing for the flu shot to ensure protection through the winter months.

Kidney disease often develops silently, with no symptoms until it reaches advanced stages. Dr. Scantlebury highlights the importance of regular lab monitoring for those with diabetes or high blood pressure, the leading causes of kidney disease. Tracking creatinine and eGFR levels over time can help patients and their care teams detect changes early and take steps to protect kidney health.

For kidney patients, especially those on the transplant list, staying up to date with annual cancer screenings is essential. Early detection improves outcomes and ensures patients remain healthy and eligible for transplant when the opportunity arises.

As always, Dr. Scantlebury provides practical advice and insight to help equip patients and caregivers with the knowledge they need to stay proactive, healthy, and prepared in their kidney care journey.

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