2025-11-19 Facebook Live - Kidney Q&A

FB Live – Nov 19th: Dr. Velma Scantlebury is back for another episode of Ask the Doctor, answering important kidney-related questions submitted by patients across the country. This month, she dives into how the transplant list works, shares essential holiday travel tips for kidney patients, and explains why some dialysis patients experience numbness in their hands, along with many other kidney health topics.

Dr. Scantlebury discusses what determines who receives the next available kidney and why patients might sometimes be passed over for an organ. She explains how factors such as compatibility, medical urgency, and organ condition play a role—and why the priority is ensuring a kidney goes to the best fit and is not wasted. She also outlines reasons a kidney might be skipped for a particular patient, from lab results to medical complications, helping patients understand the process more clearly.

Traveling or celebrating during the holidays? Dr. Scantlebury shares practical tips to stay safe and balanced. She reminds patients to monitor fluid intake (including hidden fluids in foods) and to be mindful of high-potassium dishes like potatoes. She also warns about salty foods that increase thirst, emphasizes taking binders with meals, and encourages bringing a kidney-friendly dish to gatherings. For those traveling, she stresses the importance of keeping medications in carry-on bags, bringing extra doses in case of delays, and never packing them in checked luggage.

traveling during the holidays. be careful with your fluid volume - remember there’s fluid in your foods! Be careful with potassium containing foods, like potatoes, and think about smaller portions. Be mindful of salty foods since they make you thirsty, and that you take your binders. Also think about bringing a kidney friendly meal to share! If you’re going someplace else other than home, make sure to take your medications with you! If traveling, take extra doses in case you hit travel delays, and always carry them in your personal items, don’t check them if you’re flying.

Dr. Scantlebury explains why some dialysis patients experience numbness or tingling in their hands. In certain cases, a fistula or graft can alter blood flow and steal circulation from the hand, depending on its size and placement. She discusses why this happens and what patients should report to their care team.

Packed with helpful insights and real-world guidance, this episode of Ask the Doctor helps kidney patients feel more informed, prepared, and confident in managing their health not only during the holiday season, but all year long.

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