{"version":1,"type":"rich","provider_name":"Libsyn","provider_url":"https:\/\/www.libsyn.com","height":90,"width":600,"title":"DNA Patient Journey: Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle Post Kidney Transplant (Part III)","description":"Take a behind-the-scenes look into the world of DNA with real examples of our values in daily life. In this episode, transplant-recipient Tiffany Archibald talks about her exceptional journey, life post-transplant, and how she\u2019s maintained a healthy lifestyle.   Holistic Healing After Transplant After her first transplant, Tiffany began to look at her health more holistically. Transplant recipients are usually referred to a renal dietitian to help them design a diet that\u2019s healthy and achievable post-transplant. This often includes removing any preservatives and focusing on fresh fruits and vegetables, less animal protein, and recommended amounts of water. CKD patients often have diabetes or high blood pressure, so diet is even more key.  Tiffany says the other core focus is exercise but notes that you can\u2019t out-work a bad diet; both are necessary. Before transplant, she was very active, so Tiffany\u2019s life after surgery didn\u2019t look much different. For patients who didn\u2019t have that lifestyle, however, Tiffany emphasizes the importance of staying active for your health.    Mental Health for Transplant Recipients  Tiffany says that one of the hardest parts of recovering post-transplant is maintaining a good mental state, but it\u2019s one of the most important. Her advice on diet and exercise isn\u2019t revolutionary, but the importance comes from maintaining a positive mind-body connection throughout recovery. Mental health is one of the unsung struggles of post-transplant life.  Tiffany recommends taking advantage of a therapist or counselor after transplant if a patient wants. Recovering post-transplant can be a long, draining process, and it can be difficult to appreciate the new life you\u2019ve been given. Be vocal with your support system about your needs and boundaries.    Finding Community as a Transplant Patient  Patients will always have the professional support of their transplant team, but Tiffany encourages patients to build a network of other recipients or CKD patients. While physicians may know the numbers, fellow patients offer empathy and understanding as someone who has experienced kidney transplant or dialysis. Finding community is vital, in Tiffany\u2019s opinion, so she encourages patients to network with others that have had similar experiences.   There are many hurdles to overcome before and after a transplant operation, but that there is still something to look forward to on the other side. Kidney failure can be a large obstacle in the moment, but in the grand scheme of things, is one small part of life. Disclaimer Dallas Nephrology Associates\u2019 (DNA) podcast series, Let\u2019s Talk About Kidneys, is provided for general information purposes only and does not replace the need to talk with a healthcare professional about your unique situation, care and options. Our goal is to provide you with as much information as possible so you can be as informed as possible. Reference to any specific product, service, entity or organization does not constitute an endorsement or recommendation by DNA. READ FULL DISCLAIMER ","author_name":"Let\u2019s Talk About Kidneys","author_url":"https:\/\/www.dneph.com\/","html":"