Polycystic kidney disease

I also want to share a little of my family troubles. My family is directly affected with polycystic kidney disease (PKD). PKD affects 1 in 500 people, regardless of sex, age, race, or ethnic origin, including newborns all the way to the elderly. A normal kidney is about the size of a human fist and weighs about 1/3 of a pound. With PKD, cysts develop in both kidneys and increase size and or weight of each kidney. Each cyst can range from the size of a pinhead to the size of a grapefruit. This is a disease that is not well known, but is more common than anyone realizes.For more facts, visit pkdcure.org.

Now, how it affects my family. We don't know where it started, a relative down the line had what they diagnosed as kidney disease which may have been PKD, but it was not well known for a long time. My great uncle had a successful kidney transplant from his wife a few years ago and is doing well. My grandmother is currently on peritoneal dialysis and is doing well, though gets pretty weak from the dialysis. Fortunately, my dad has been tested and does not have PKD, so I will not. I feel that in families with PKD, you either have it, or have the potential to be a donor. The form in our family is hereditary, and this does not skip a generation. Each child of a parent who has PKD has a 50/50 chance of inheriting the disease.

I am really trying my best to get the word around and generate knowledge of PKD. I feel the more known and understood it is, the better chance we have of finding a cure, or at least a better treatment then dialysis and kidny transplant. I have been part of the walk committee in my city for a few years, and now my cousin is heading the walk, which is very exciting. This becomes an entire family support system. If you or anyone you know is affected by this, you know what I am saying. Lets do our best to spread the word and get people knowing about this disease!!