Living Well with Kidney Disease

2026-01-21 Facebook Live - Kidney Q&A

• Dialysis Patient Citizens • Season 4 • Episode 1

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0:00 | 29:57

FB Live – Jan 21st: Happy New Year! In our first episode 2026 of Ask the Doctor, Dr. Velma Scantlebury returns to answer important patient questions about managing kidney disease, preparing for transplant, and staying healthy post-transplant. This month’s discussion focuses on understanding dialysis options, the importance of a primary care doctor, and post-transplant virus monitoring, along with many other kidney-related topics. 

Dr. Scantlebury explains the differences between in-center hemodialysis, home hemodialysis, and peritoneal dialysis, and why treatment frequency matters (especially for patients who no longer make urine). When waste and fluid accumulate between treatments, the body has to work harder, placing added stress on vital organs like the heart and brain. Home dialysis options allow for more frequent treatments, which can help remove toxins more consistently and support overall health. She also emphasizes the importance of staying compliant with dialysis, even during holidays, travel, or days when you don’t feel well. 

If you’re on dialysis and hoping for a transplant, having a primary care provider is essential. Dr. Scantlebury explains how a primary doctor can help coordinate critical testing, such as cancer screenings, colonoscopies, sleep apnea evaluations, and dental care, that are often required for transplant listing. Staying up to date on these tests can help prevent delays and keep you ready when a kidney becomes available. 

For transplant recipients, Dr. Scantlebury discusses three key viruses that are closely monitored after surgery: CMV, BK virus, and herpes viruses. These viruses often live dormant in the body and can reemerge once immunosuppressant medications are started to prevent organ rejection. To reduce this risk, patients are typically placed on antiviral medications for the first few months following transplant, along with close lab monitoring. 

Packed with practical advice and expert insight, this episode helps patients understand their treatment options, stay transplant-ready, and protect their health long after transplant. 

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