What is PKD?
Polycystic Kidney Disease affects kidneys through changing basic kidney structure filling it with cysts. Cystic cells replace normal functioning kidney tissue. These kidney cells die and do not regenerate. Eventually for some, cystic kidneys can lead to decreased kidney functioning. Cystic cells can sometimes replace liver cells. Both conditions are inherited.

40% of PKD'rs will never require dialysis or transplant  Many of us are striving to be included with these healthy individuals. Among our personal choices, are which foods do we eat? Do we smoke? Do we exercise? Do we drink sufficient water?

We can modify our exposure to chemicals and kidney toxins. We can adjust how much exercise we do. We can self monitor and record blood pressure readings. We can maintain a running record of past blood pressure readings. We can decide how much water to drink. We can choose to eat foods low in salt. We can find means to lower our stress and enhance relaxation, increasing the blood flow to our kidneys.

With much guided attention from our personal physicians to these many details, we can exert some influence in maintaining health especially the health of polycystic kidneys. This can all begin to incline us toward the lucky 40% of PKD'rs who have healthy PKD polycystic kidneys throughout their lifetime.

We are unable to influence certain things in our lives. We cannot decide if we inherited PKD2, or the more common PKD1 gene, a more aggressive form with an earlier onset of symptoms.

We have no control if we are born male or female. Males with PKD have a higher incidence of cardiac problems and proceed earlier to left ventricular heart failure. If we are born female, and have liver cysts, there is a increased chance of developing severe PLD Polycystic Liver Disease. In both instances these symptoms are hormone related. We can continue to take special care with our overall health. For it is our hearts not our kidneys that can lead to our eventual demise.