Kidney Disease: Living Beyond Dialysis

About this episode

This episode explores the impact of kidney disease on daily life through clinical and personal perspectives.

Kidney disease is often called a “silent illness,” but its impact on daily life is anything but quiet. In this episode of The SumMARY, we sit down with nephrologist Dr. Dan Meyer and occupational therapy assistant Natalie Frias to explore kidney disease through both a clinical and lived-experience lens. Together, they unpack what it means to live with chronic kidney disease, navigate dialysis and move forward after transplant. This episode covers: · How kidney disease develops and why symptoms often go unnoticed · The physical and mental impact of dialysis, including fatigue and cognitive changes · The role of rehabilitation in helping patients adapt, conserve energy and maintain independence · The emotional weight of chronic illness for patients and caregivers · Why early detection and prevention are critical From Patient to Clinician at Mary Free Bed: A Note From Natalie Frias, COTA “For me, kidney disease isn’t just a diagnosis. It’s the chapter that reshaped my future, strengthened my resilience and ultimately led me to my role as a certified occupational therapy assistant at Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation Hospital. Chronic illness doesn’t only affect organ systems. It reshapes…

People in this episode

Host: Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation

Guests: Dr. Dan Meyer, Natalie Frias

Topics covered

• kidney disease
• dialysis
• chronic illness
• rehabilitation
• patient experience
• mental health
• early detection

Keywords

• kidney disease
• dialysis
• chronic kidney disease
• rehabilitation
• patient care
• mental impact
• early detection

Mentioned in this episode

Organizations: Mary Free Bed Rehabilitation

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