My name is Kathie, and I am 57-years-old. I am a mother, a grandmother, a daughter, a sister, and an aunt. I am also living with an incurable disease called autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD).
When I was 49 I was blindsided by the diagnosis. This is what I have learned by living with it. Normal kidneys are the size of a fist, mine are the size of a football. Having 2 footballs in your body where 2 fists belong means a lot of moving around of other organs, especially the colon.
Fun times there, let me tell you! Yes, I know I look pregnant; you don’t have to tell me, and pain is my constant companion. I don’t want it around, but it is stubborn and will not go away. My urine can be anywhere from yellow to red and every variation in between, but I know when the urine is red it means I’m in trouble…and it hurts!
I have also learned that even though I have no control over this, I do have control over my life. I can sit and worry about having to go on dialysis and an eventual kidney transplant, or I can take it one day at a time and LIVE NOW!
I am in the fight of my life, and I am fighting like a girl!!!
Kathie D
Rhode Island
Submitted 6-3-2012
The informational content of this article is intended to convey a personal experience and, because every person’s experience is unique, should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
This article is intended to convey general educational information and should not be relied upon as a substitute for professional healthcare advice.
I have a friend who found out he had PKD when he had a motorcycle wreck. When they finally removed his kidneys they (together) weighed 11lbs. He has been on Dialysis for more than 5 years, but at the end of the month, he gets his transplant! This hasn’t been easy for him, or his family and friends.. but he has been an inspiration to us all!! As, I’m sure you have been!! Good on you for not giving up!! and Good luck in the future!!