What Is It And How Did I Get It? Early Stage Chronic Kidney Disease (SlowItDownCKD)
Product ID: 133574324
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. Review: very helpful for calming down and getting to work on control - This is not a medical book, but it is the ONLY book I could find discussing the issue of early stage CKD. My twenty month old son was diagnosed on thursday, almost in passing by his nephrologist. I did not ask any questions on CKD, I was not handed any pamplets - I went into schock and reacted like I always do to bad news I can not process. I asked questions about my infant son's high blood pressure (the reason for the appointment). Tried to pay attention, remained calm so as not to upset my children who were with us in the room, and then began to research like crazy. I also went back to the doctor and confirmed that she had in fact diagnosed my son with CKD (stage 1). So for me this book has been very helpful, but again I am still in a schock like state and just want to know how to slow the progression of the disease so that my son can have a mostly normal childhood. Best I can tell there is no treatment for the early stages and at least my son's nephrologist (who is an expert in the area) does not appear to be at all concerned or worried. So I appreciate this book because it remined me to take the reigns (no one else will or can) and I plan to speak to my son's pharmacist today about his other daily perscriptions, just to make sure that its okay to take... I plan to get more knowledgeable about nutrition (just like the author did) but most of all I plan to let my son play the sports he loves because activity is so important (the author loves to dance, my son loves to try and ice skate like his big sister). This book is a very quick read, its almost like you are having a conversation with a friend over coffee. It calmed me down, it gave me direction and it was available on my kindle in seconds. THANK YOU!!!! Review: Not as helpful as I thought it would be. - Have found other books more helpful.
| Best Sellers Rank | #1,614,087 in Kindle Store ( See Top 100 in Kindle Store ) #159 in Nephrology (Kindle Store) #312 in Nephrology (Books) #9,475 in Professional & Technical |
S**M
very helpful for calming down and getting to work on control
This is not a medical book, but it is the ONLY book I could find discussing the issue of early stage CKD. My twenty month old son was diagnosed on thursday, almost in passing by his nephrologist. I did not ask any questions on CKD, I was not handed any pamplets - I went into schock and reacted like I always do to bad news I can not process. I asked questions about my infant son's high blood pressure (the reason for the appointment). Tried to pay attention, remained calm so as not to upset my children who were with us in the room, and then began to research like crazy. I also went back to the doctor and confirmed that she had in fact diagnosed my son with CKD (stage 1). So for me this book has been very helpful, but again I am still in a schock like state and just want to know how to slow the progression of the disease so that my son can have a mostly normal childhood. Best I can tell there is no treatment for the early stages and at least my son's nephrologist (who is an expert in the area) does not appear to be at all concerned or worried. So I appreciate this book because it remined me to take the reigns (no one else will or can) and I plan to speak to my son's pharmacist today about his other daily perscriptions, just to make sure that its okay to take... I plan to get more knowledgeable about nutrition (just like the author did) but most of all I plan to let my son play the sports he loves because activity is so important (the author loves to dance, my son loves to try and ice skate like his big sister). This book is a very quick read, its almost like you are having a conversation with a friend over coffee. It calmed me down, it gave me direction and it was available on my kindle in seconds. THANK YOU!!!!
P**B
Not as helpful as I thought it would be.
Have found other books more helpful.
M**Y
Very informative, down-to-earth view of kidney disease
This book includes TONS of definitions and images and is a good read for anyone looking to learn more about kidney disease -- whether your a doctor or a recently diagnosed patient. Her perspective is real and her stories will relate with many. The book touches on many topics from related health complications to dealing with nephrologists and maintaining a kidney-friendly diet. If you or someone you know is facing CKD, I highly recommend reading this book. Take experiences from those who have already gone through it and are looking to help.
H**A
great down to earth read.
This book and the author was very informative and so close to my situation that I felt at timess, I wrote it myself. There is so much information included, along with so many web sites to continue my own research. I want to thank this author for her down to earth style of writing!
J**S
CKd bible.
It is written for a patient like us, mean that the language it is simple and easy to understand, good sense of humor and a positive aptitude with this silent killer, another book that deserve a place on your personal library. Very informative ,excellent book.
J**A
Didn't find it useful
I appreciate the information in this book, but felt it was too personal of a story to be useful to me. It was very specific to the author's particular health issues, so it felt more like a biography than a useful tool. She was informative and I give her props for sharing, just wasn't what I was looking for.
A**R
CKD Hope and Management
Thank you Gail for the wonderful CKD book, giving all of us hope and providing disease management. I like you was in shock and wanted to know the same questions and did the same research just like you. Fortunately for me, you were already there and providing a lot of the helpful answers. Thank you again.
D**Y
Good guide but too much personal experience.
Helpful to guide to online sources. Faster just to Google ckd
J**E
Useful primer - very personal
A useful primer for those with early CKD. Lots of good info on the confusing array of stats you come across when first diagnosed.
D**S
Five Stars
Very informative
D**A
Five Stars
Informative, even for those who have had kidney disease for a long while.
S**S
Three Stars
Probably not useful for UK readers
Q**R
Five Stars
A sensitive explanation of the origins and expereince of kidney disease
Trustpilot
1 month ago
2 days ago