Yes, tk!

A disease like ours is certainly a life challenge that forces you to look at life in a very different way.

And, in all honesty, this "different way" of looking at life is not the worst thing.

Your developing philosophy is a correct one to follow.

As you travel on your "PKD Odyssey," you will likely meet people (like in this community) that have developed a similar philosophy.

We must always keep in mind a historical perspective. This is 2010. My Dad died of PKD in 1968 at age 50. I'm 62 and received a kidney transplant 12 uears agom donated by my wife. Check the math. I "should have" died at age 50 myself! My sister also got a transplant from her husband when she was 49.

There is obviously reason to hope (and even expect) a favorable outcome as the years move forward.

In the meantime, follow thhe "Serenity Prayer" and stay connected with people who have a similar philosophy as you!

Peace and Blessings!
CoachRichie
http://www.InnerGameOfPKD.com

Awe thanks CoachRichie.....Im thinking this support group is really gonna help alot.....

learning I had PKD didn't bother me, when I learned my kidneys were failing it was another story. I always took good care of my health while others abused their bodies, yet I was facing dialysis and/or transplant.
I am not prone to depression but found it tough to make lemonade when life handed me this lemon.
I can't even tell you the difference a support group made in my life. I found others who were on dialysis already and had a great outlook. I found some who had transplants and were living normal lives. I was encouraged beyond belief and determined to make lemonade somehow.
I am now 5 years post transplant and paying forward all the support I got when I needed it. ask any questions you have, there are people here who are in your stage and dealing with the same issues.

When I first found out that I had PKD I had mixed emotions. I was scared and relieved at the same time. I was scared because of all the things that come with PKD, high blood pressure, possible aneurysms, transplants. But also relieved to find out the reason why I was having kidney stones at least once a year. It's been about 10 years and several doctors ago since I found out I had it. I have a good nephrologist now, he sits and talks to me for as long as I'd like, answers any questions I have. that I think, is very important. Ialso have been to different so called support groups, but when I found this one, I knew this was the place for me. People here seem to truly care and understand. I wish you well and hope you keep coming back, God bless you, Bob

Until I found this support group, the only people I could express my fears and doubts to were my two sisters, who also have PKD. We could talk to each other about our possibly limited life span truthfully, without any of the , "now, now, you never know" stuff that other people tend to say, probably because they just don't know what to say. Here, you can be honest and accepted.
lhanley (there are two Lisa's in this group, so, I'll sign lhanley from now on).

Hello all,
I have found this support group a great help especially as I don't know anyone else who has the same condition. I was diagnosed in 1980 and have never come across anyone else who has told me they have it. For years I just got on with life and my real health problems were severe fibromyalgia, ME and arthritis. These caused me lots of problems added to which I was in several accidents and had hed injuries. Because of all of this I battled against depression. My marriage had broken up and I had lost my job because of illness. Things were tough financially and I was left to bring my son up from one year old on my own. After being the victim of a serious assault I had a breakdown and was also diagnosed with bi=polar disorder. Then my PKD started to become more of a problem and I was restricted as regards medication because of this for my other illnesses.
So all in all I have found things tough mentally. I look to God to help me through and am really thankful for kind people on this site who have helped me struggle through these last few months.
I am to go into hospital on Thursday to have the fistula op done on Friday. The surgeon who is in charge recently asked me if I was made on a Friday because of my various illnesses! He was trying to be funny. Should this worry me that my op is on a Friday?!!! Help!!!
Keep smiling the best way you can and thank you everyone for all your support past and present.
Love to all,
Patricia.

I found out that I had PKD the same day I was diagnosed with Breast Cancer. What a shock - I wasn't sure if I was upset about the cancer or the PKD. She did reassure me that I am in the earliest stages of it and that we could tackle the cancer first. Now I am finished with breast cancer treatment and now a breast cancer survivor.
So happy to have found this support group website. I have this website on my "favorites" home and work computer.