Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD)

Nate, and I would like to share with you some information about polycystic kidney disease. Polycystic kidney disease is a kidney disorder in which multiple cysts form on the kidneys, causing them to become enlarged.

Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) affects 600,000 Americans and 12.5 million children and adults, worldwide. There is no treatment or cure, but there is HOPE. (PKD Foundation Web-Site)

Nate was diagnosed about 10 years ago but just recently visited with a specialist. This is the information we know so far:

1. Nate does have the disease.

2. It's a slow progressing disease that will eventually cause kidney failure.

3. We are unaware at this time what Nate's current kidney function is, however, we are working closely with the doctor to determine this. Nate will have an appointment within the next couple weeks to figure this out. But at this time we do NOT think he's at kidney failure.

4. The most important thing we can do right now is to keep Nate's high blood pressure under control, which we are doing through medication.

5. Nate will eventually need a kidney transplant.

6. You can be put onto the transplant list when your kidney function is at 20% or lower.

7. A transplant will need to occur once kidney function is at 10% or lower.

NOW: The above might sound a little scary BUT things are OK!!! Nate can live just fine dealing with PKD. He has no restrictions and we will continue to monitor things closely until it's time to move forward to dialysis and/or the transplant. We choose to take a positive approach and just handle this, as it's just something that has to be done. We felt it might be easier to update everyone using the blog but it's not necessary to panic.

If your interested in reading more about PKD you may visit the PKD Foundation website at

www.pkdcure.org

We will keep you posted!!!