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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Dixie101 01/20/2013

Hi guys,
for two or three months I have suffered headaches, often waking me in the early hours of the morning. Paracetemol or an 'extra power' paracetemol with caffeine usually does the trick. So my question is, are headaches a feature of PKD? Looking on the web it seems they are, but generally linked to high blood pressure - and mine is only 110/70! All my other tests are also normal.
I know I am stressed out waiting to see the urologist on the 28th. Until then I won't be 100% certain that PKD is actually what I have, and I have always suffered headaches when under stress.
The headaches aren't every day, but I'm getting about 3 a week, which is unusual for me.
Any advice appreciated and I hope everyone is doing okay.

deleted_user 01/20/2013

while headaches may be common in PKD, they are common in many people, stress being a major contributor.
are you stressing over your diagnosis and, if so, could that be the cause.
still, mention the headaches to your doctor, they may want to rule out aneurysms which, while not common in PKD, are more prevalent than in other populations.

deleted_user 01/20/2013

My headaches have been something I have struggled with for years. I suffer migraines regularly. I write them done on the calendar and have found a strong correlation to hormones. Previously in my early 30s, I found that BC pills would cause them and got off altogether. A neurologist can prescribe daily headaches preventative medicine. It has improved the quality of my life.

Dixie101 01/20/2013

Thanks for the info. The headaches are not severe enough to warrant any emergency action, but I will definitely mention them when I see the urologist. Only 8 days to go now! Mind you, I will probably then need another appointment with a nephrologist.
The daily meds for headaches sound like a good idea!

Dixie101 01/21/2013

Thanks for the info Maria. Are you a doctor? I know that headaches are common with high blood pressure, but my BP now and throughout my life has been on the low end of normal.

deleted_user 01/21/2013

Dixie, and everyone else who may be reading this thread, please be careful of anyone promoting Chinese medicines. we have had several banned from our site in the past and Mariadoctor may be another one, or even one of the same people using another name.

Dixie101 01/21/2013

Yes, kidney cares.org is a chinese site. To me, mariadoctor's posts are simply an attempt to drive traffic to that website.

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