WEAA 88.9 is a public radio station in the Baltimore-Washington metropolitan area. WEAA stands for “We Educate African Americans,” and they strive to be “The Voice of the Community.” 

One of their broadcasts recently featured Tisha Guthrie, a kidney transplant recipient and board member of the National Kidney Foundation (NKF). Guthrie joined hosts Anthony McCarthy and Cara Williams to discuss causes, risk factors, healthcare inequities, and life surrounding dialysis treatment.* 

Who is Tisha Guthrie?

Guthrie is a CKD advocate and patient with first-hand experience of late-stage treatments, including dialysis and transplant. She explains how she discovered her illness when she started experiencing severe symptoms in her late 20s. Guthrie immediately went to her doctor and learned she had end-stage kidney disease (ESKD) and required dialysis. With the help of her medical team and NKF of Maryland, she educated herself on kidney disease and developed a passion for helping others in the process.

How Is Health Inequity Affecting African Americans with CKD?

Nine out of 10 people with CKD do not know they have it. Moreover, African Americans are 3.4 times more likely to be diagnosed with CKD and account for 60% of dialysis patients. 

Guthrie says many communities of color do not have access to healthcare and do not see a primary care physician (PCP). Even some people who do know of their CKD may not go as often as recommended. For many, the cost of co-pays and fees to see a doctor and have tests completed is too much. Guthrie believes the current healthcare system structure hurts many of these communities and makes it hard for them to receive the resources needed to treat and prevent CKD. 

Is There A Way to Prevent or Delay CKD?

CKD is a disease caused by both lifestyle and genetic factors. There are two key ways to prevent or delay CKD:

• Educate yourself on genetic risk factors and what lifestyle choices you can make to stay healthy.
• Visit a primary care doctor at least once a year to have labs drawn, so you and your doctor can learn your baseline and keep track of trends throughout the year. 
• Make sure to ask questions and be an advocate for yourself when visiting with your doctor. This will help you to learn and build a trusting relationship with your medical team. 

How Do You Continue A “Normal” Life When on Dialysis?

Radio host McCarthy also has CKD and requires dialysis three times a week. He admits there are days where he is exhausted but on days when he feels well, he strives to stay driven and motivated. He believes two important parts of maintaining a “normal” life on dialysis are:

• Having a great support system, like family and friends, on your “low” days 
• Maintaining a sense of purpose in life through activities such as work or volunteering

What Is Having A Transplant Like for the Recipient and Donor?

In 2006, Guthrie’s father donated one of his kidneys to her. After having the transplant, Guthrie was quarantined for three months due to a post-surgery weakened immune system, which could cause her to get infections and illnesses easier. Her father recovered well, according to Guthrie, and was back to normal function within a couple of weeks. 

Throughout the years, Guthrie has experienced a couple of bouts of rejection (which Guthrie says is normal) but took medication to treat it. Since having her transplant, Guthrie graduated from college, became a social worker, and now continues to work multiple jobs while helping to advocate for CKD patients. 

*Official: 9 out of 10 people living with chronic kidney disease aren’t aware they have it. (2021, October 19). WEAA. https://www.weaa.org/post/official-9-out-10-people-living-chronic-kidney-disease-aren-t-aware-they-have-it#stream/0