Coping With Polycystic Kidney Disease

I am a 49 yr old female and was first diagnosed in my 20th week of pregnancy at the age of 30. My symptoms at the time were spilling protein in my urine and my BP was up. My daughter has PKD also and currently at the age of 18, has not experienced any problems.

I am one of five children and the only one with PKD. My parents are both deceased, my mom died at age 60 of a heart attack and my Dad at age 76 of lung cancer My Dad was checked for the disease but was negative and my Mom died before I was even diagnosed so I don’t really know if she might of had it. She did have problems with HBP. Her sister and brother both died of ruptured aneurysms of the brain and stomach in their 60’s. None of their children have PKD.

I suspect that possibly it was on my Moms side of the family that I acquired PKD but not sure. It will probably always be a mystery to me on how I got it. (Lucky me!!) I have mutiple cysts in my kidneys and liver. I have had kidney stones in the past and have HBP which currently has been on the rise. I have experienced swelling of my face, arms and legs, side and back pain at times. I have had one aspiration procedure to relieve a large cyst. I am on Lisinopril, Benicar HCT and Bystolic. I have been on a low protein-low sodium diet for years and was just recently put on low phosphorus.

I try to keep positive about my health and live with a sense of humor. Laughter plays a big part in keeping me going. I have learned to accept the ups and downs of this disease and I will not let it stop me from living and enjoying my life. Having great family and doctor support has helped me greatly. For everyone who has PKD, I just want to say fight on and keep positive, don’t dwell on the bad days and celebrate the good ones! This disease might one day take me out… but I will go out smiling all the way!!