A urinary tract infection can be one of the first symptoms that might bring us in to the doctor. Pain, flank pain or abdominal pain is another common symptom that brings out the diagnosis of PKD, polycystic kidney disease. Blood, protein, and uric acid is often present in the urine. Elevated blood pressure is another early symptom that PKD is present. Kidney stones have a 30% higher incidence among PKD'rs. Brain aneurysms run in families, especially those with PKD. One geneticist said he thought this gene is awaiting discovery on the horizon. Aneurysms are 10% - 30% more prevalent in PKD'rs, especially if a previous family member has had an aneurysm. Diverticuli, outpouchings of the intestines is often seen in PKD'rs. Itching is a late manifestation and seems to occur with a lessening of kidney functioning, with acidosis, or in the presence of severe PLD, polycystic liver disease. Heart valve screening is usually done prior to any upcoming surgery. Liver, pancreatic, and other organs sometimes develop cysts. According to the CRISP study, liver cyst presence approaches 96% when one has PKD. Only about 8% of PLD polycystic liver disease patients go on to develop the severe manifestation of polycystic liver disease. The other 92% liver cysts are an incidental finding. Pericardial effusion is present in greater than 45% of PKD'rs and is also inconsequential.
Acidity occurs early in the disease with elevations of uric acids, oxalic acid, lactic acid, tannic acid, benzoic acid. Hyperuricemia and/or uric acid levels in the urine are sometimes elevated. These elevations in acids might be part of PKD. Acid production is influenced by eating animal proteins high uric acid foods, high purine foods, high oxalic acid foods. By soaking nuts, grains, and legumes we can lower the phytic acid content making these foods more alkaline. Our mutual experiences have shown us that many of these symptoms can be lessened through alkalinity–a diet of plant based foods. Discuss with your doctor if this is right for you. Sometimes in the later stages of PKD we can develop metabolic acidosis. During this stage, a few doctors have prescribed very very low protein diets with some limited success. For a brief explanation on proteinuria or MacKenzie Walser's diet for advanced kidney disease, Coping with Kidney Disease.
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