What Is It And How Did I Get It? Early Stage Chronic Kidney Disease

By: Gail Rae

Narrated by: Virtual Voice

Finding out she might have Chronic Kidney Disease sends the author reeling, asking herself “What is it and how did I get it?” In fact, those were the first questions she blurted out to her new family doctor. Keeping these two hard-working organs healthy – since they filter as many as 200 quarts of blood per day – becomes a top priority. As the author quickly learns, the problem isn’t restricted to reduced filtering capability; even a small decline in kidney function can double someone’s risk for cardiovascular problems. What Is It and How Did I Get It provides basic information for those diagnosed with kidney disease and their loved ones, covering everything from a glossary of medical terms to what to expect at a doctor’s visit, what tests look for, the need for exercise and renal nutrition. An overview of publications offers resources for further reading. In keeping with the spirit of letting newly diagnosed patients know they are not alone, the book describes other patients’ initial reactions to their diagnosis as well as the author’s own experiences. The author writes that nearly 30 million people in the United States have CKD or nephropathy –13 percent of the country’s population. With help from this step-by-step guide to the disease, patients can move forward in their diagnosis and treatment with confidence. Author Gail Rae, a nonfiction writer for more than 20 years, is the kidney educator for Facebook’s The Transplant Community Outreach. Her essay was featured November 2010 on the front pages of KidneyTimes.com and RSNHope.org. The American Society of Nephrologists and the Chronic Kidney Disease Support Forum’s Facebook pages both carry her blog – “What Is It and How Did I Get It?” – based on this book.