Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD) Support Group

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a progressive, genetic disorder of the kidneys. It occurs in humans and other organisms. PKD is characterised by the presence of multiple cysts (polycystic) in both kidneys. The disease can also damage the liver, pancreas and rarely the heart and brain.

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puppy81 07/01/2015

Hello,

I am looking into buying a house and debating between single storey vs two storey. I am not sure if climbing up and down the stairs a lot can increase flank pain or other PKD symptoms. I have occasional flank pain, no other problems as of now. I also have to lift up my toddler sometimes. Have any of you felt single storey is a good idea for PKD people? Any advice is appreciated.

Kind regards

Chewitt 07/02/2015

Hi puppy81,

I thought I had a back problem when my boys were small, and was indeed diagnosed with scoloiosis. This turned out to be a red herring given my PKD diagnosis some years later. My doctor said I could expect back problems with two large babies to lift.

As regards stairs, I have no problems directly related to the PKD despite my huge abdomen. I fell down the stairs once, again before diagnosis, and now realise that the intense pain I suffered for three months was most likely from multiple ruptured cysts rather than the torn muscle diagnosis. I'm weary, but still manage stairs, albeit more carefully these days because I'm a little off balance with this belly. I have a friend who has had to move to single storey because of knee problems. In the end it's up to you but I see no specific reason to avoid standard houses.

Happy house hunting.

shirleymac 07/05/2015

I never really thought about it. I'd like to live in a single level cause my house is too big for me now, but I never thought about stairs. My house is a split entry - 7 stairs up and 6 stairs down. I do have weakness in my knees too but I don't think it's PKD related. I'm also 64 years old so that slows one down as far as stairs. But I figure having to walk up a few stairs is good exercise. We are supposed to exercise and I'm terrible about that so with the stairs I feel like I'm kind of exercising. I think a full set of stairs would be too much but I'd get used to it I suppose. I've never heard of it being a problem because of PKD. I also have railings to hang onto for safety.

Carrying laundry downstairs is a problem but I just put it all into a pillowcase and throw it down ahead of me. Coming up is no problem, I lean against the wall to balance myself.

Also consider if this is your forever home. I've lived in 4 houses in the last 40 years as circumstances with the children changed.

painalways 07/05/2015

We moved into a single level home right before I ended up off work due to severe chronic pain from PKD. All I can say is thank goodness we did! I do have a hard time climbing stairs but everyone is different. It is hard to know what the future will bring for you. But if you are struggling with pain now, I would suggest looking at a single story home. Best of luck and take care!

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