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.
I've seen this on several occasions and just wanted to comment. While some of us don't show cysts until later in life or symptoms...it still means that if you have PKD now or 20 years from now, you were born with it and have always had this illness from birth. It is genetic and therefore you either have it at birth or you don't have it. Just FYI.
I had many cysts as a teenager and my older sister had zero cysts at age 30. At age 35, I have high blood pressure and disabiling pain from PKD with 50% function where she has 100% function. It is completely true that is is very very different with every single person. I wish there was a pattern to predict, but there just isn't. :(
I had many cysts as a teenager and my older sister had zero cysts at age 30. At age 35, I have high blood pressure and disabiling pain from PKD with 50% function where she has 100% function. It is completely true that is is very very different with every single person. I wish there was a pattern to predict, but there just isn't. :(
do you know that your sister has PKD? not everyone in the family will have it.
But it does affect everyone differently. Some people will have no noticeable or problematic symptoms ever while others will have a ton of complications and need a transplant relatively early in life. Part of this is affected by how you take care of yourself and some of it is just the nature of the disease.
Your best bet is to take great care of yourself, PKD or not. Generally I have noticed adequate water intake helps curb a lot of problems for everyone. Along with a health diet (avoid processed foods and saturated fats. Processed foods includes refined sugars, artificial sweeteners, preservatives, trans fats, anything in a box or can, etc.)
I had read that you should only get organic potatoes because since they're a root they absorb all the fertilizers and pesticides. Other things that are best when organic are strawberries, apples, and tomatoes. These are heavily sprayed with pesticides. Some recommend organic meat now too. Especially with all this "pink slime" stuff in ground meats.
I know some of us have to avoid potatoes entirely because of the high potassium. But if your kidneys are functioning at a normal level then occasional potatoes are fine in moderation.
Also, steaming veggies is the way to go. They taste best this way (don't even need salt, just a little pepper) and it holds the most nutrients other than eating them raw. And tomatoes are healthiest when cooked, unlike most fruits and veggies.
Oh, btw, sea salt is NOT better than table salt and often leads to more sodium intake.
I am Dr.li. If you want to know more informaiton about it, you can email to kidney120@hotmail.com. I will give you a reply.