#SlowItDownCKD 2022

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Come Fly with Me

Last week, we sang. This week, we’ll fly. This week’s blog title is from the Kaye Ballard song released in 1954, composed by Jimmy Van Heusen, with lyrics by Sammy Cahn. You may recognize the Frank Sinatra version released four years later. You may prefer poetry’s references to flying, such as this one: “Hold fast to dreams, for if dreams die, life is a broken-winged bird that cannot fly.” —…

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Sing, Sing a Song

Yes, this is the first line of the song Joe Raposo wrote as the signature song for Sesame Street in 1971. You may be more familiar with the 1973 Carpenters’ version. Recognize the first two stanzas? “Sing, sing a songSing out loudSing out strongSing of good things not badSing of happy not sad. Sing, sing a songMake it simple to lastYour whole life longDon’t worry that it’s notGood enough for…

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You’re Part of the Kidney Community

Last Friday was Friday, the 13th. Bear’s first reaction? “I’m going to hide all day so nothing bad happens.” Mine? “It’s a good luck day, not a bad luck day.” But which is it really? After spending a delightful hour or so falling down rabbit holes on the internet, I’ve discovered it can be either. I do have to admit though that it is overwhelmingly considered a bad luck day. So why am I writing…

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Another New Word: Azotemia

You can tell I’m a former English teacher by the way I become so excited when I meet a word that’s new to me. Imagine my excitement when the word is not only new to me but has to do with the kidneys. Let’s check the lay dictionaries first for the meaning of this exciting new word. Maybe we won’t even have to turn to the medical dictionaries. I grabbed the Merriam- Webster Dictionary [Are you…

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Two of the Ologies

A reader of long standing who has become a friend along the way asked me a question whose answer was important to her: Have you ever written about the heart and the kidneys?  The answer is yes, I have. Back in October of 2023, I wrote a blog that explained the connection. However, it never hurts to see if any of that information has been updated or if there is new information. I turned to the…

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This Pesky Cold

Here in the woebegone United States, it’s Memorial Day. For years, I didn’t quite understand what that meant even though others thought it very clear. That is, until Retired Lieutenant Colonel Paul Garwood, my Bear, explained it to me. Now that the difference is cleared up, let’s move on to my cold. I know it sounds silly, but I never explored what a cold does – or doesn’t – do to your kidneys.…

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Hear Ye! Hear Ye!

Friday I had the unique experience of watching my grandson graduate pre-kindergarten via Zoom. It was, as expected, adorable… but I couldn’t really hear what anyone was saying. So, yes, it’s time to explore chronic kidney disease and hearing again. Let’s plow right in with the key points from an article published last year in Nature Reviews Nephrology: “Chronic kidney disease (CKD) and hearing…

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Opioids – Yes or No

This came up when my sweet Bear fell breaking three ribs. Talk about pain! Opioids were required to quell the pain as much as possible, but Bear now has chronic kidney disease. What to do? Research, of course. I started at the beginning. What were opioids, anyway? Join me as I turn to my favorite dictionary of all, time… The Merriam-Webster: “a natural, semisynthetic, or synthetic substance…

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The Dreaded Brown River

You’ve probably guessed what that is already. I know when I was undergoing chemotherapy and radiation I was either vomiting or going through diarrhea. It never once occurred to me that this might have an effect on my kidneys. I was too busy using my energy to stay alive. Obviously, I did. It’s been almost six years since that time. It’s past time I explored what diarrhea does to your kidneys.…

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Getting High Doesn’t Bode Well

National High Potassium Day is May 1st. Yes, I do know I’m a bit early with this information, but I’ve noticed I’ve been late for special days more than I’d like to have been. Better early than late, I reasoned. Now, let’s find out exactly what National High Potassium Day is. The American Association of Kidney Patients [AAKP] explains: “Join together on May 1 (5.1) each year to learn and share…

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A, B, C

Last week, I sat with Austin Mill, APRN [Advanced Practice Registered Nurse], the Director of Patient Experience at the Innovative Diabetic Center in Scottsdale, Arizona. We discussed Cystatin C. Sure, I’ve heard of it before and, yes, I’ve even written about it a little bit. But after this discussion, it seems far more important. As to what it is, it’s a way of measuring the health of your…

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The Change

Yesterday was our 12th anniversary. I should have gotten Bear a gift of the 12th anniversary traditional silk or linen. I didn’t. He’s in a rehabilitation hospital recovering from a fall that cracked three ribs which affects his breathing. Me? I’m in bed at home with a bad cold. But I did start reminiscing about all we shared since the wedding. You know, people like my brothers, their wives, our…

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In the Beginning…

Today is the last day of National Kidney Month here in the U.S. It’s also the last day of Women’s History Month here, in the UK, and Australia. I wondered if I could honor both by writing about the woman who initiated helping others in the chronic kidney disease world. Let’s see how I do. Have you ever heard the name Ada DeBold? That’s who I’m referring to. The National Kidney Foundation has the…

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A New Skill

I’ll tell you about it after I remind you that March is National Kidney Month. How about getting your urine and blood checked to see if you have chronic kidney disease or, if you know you do, what your status is. It’s worth that little pinch in your arm to save a life, especially if it’s yours. On to my new skill. I have finally learned, at the age of 78, to waste time. Now, you need to remember…

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Tell Us About It

Happy Saint Patrick’s Day!  It’s also National Kidney Month here in the United States. With all due respect to Saint Patrick, it’s National Kidney Month that we’ll be dealing with today. Specially, it’s Kidney Stories Toastmasters. But first, an explanation of Toastmasters from their website: “Since 1924, Toastmasters has been inspiring people to confidently communicate through regular practice…

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World Kidney Day

We know this is an annual event. This year it takes place on the 13th of this month since it’s always the second Thursday in March. The following information for this year’s World Kidney Day is directly from their website. But do read on passed this information to see what’s happening on that day. “Are Your Kidneys OK? Detect early, protect kidney health [Gail here: that’s this year’s…