Need To Know More

It was said that I have Polycystic Kidney disease. I would like to know more about it. Right now I don't really know anything except that I have cysts on my kidney's.

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

How are you? Polycystic kidney disease is a kidney disorder in which multiple cysts form on the kidneys, causing them to become enlarged. It is inherited as an autosomal dominant trait. The exact action that triggers cyst formation is unknown. In early stages of the disease, the cysts cause the kidney to swell, disrupting kidney function and leading to chronic high blood pressure and kidney infections. The cysts may cause the kidneys to increase production of erythropoietin, a hormone that stimulates production of red blood cells.

It usually presents with abdominal pain or tenderness, blood in the urine, excessive urination at night or flank pain on one or both sides. Additional symptoms that may be associated with this disease include the following: drowsiness, high blood pressure,j oint pain, nail abnormalities or painful menstruation.  The goal of treatment is to control symptoms and prevent complications. High blood pressure may be difficult to control, but control of it is the most important aspect of treatment.  Cysts that are painful, infected, bleeding, or causing an obstruction may need to be drained. Surgical removal of one or both kidneys may be required.

Discuss with your doctor any symptom you are experiencing or any worries you feel. Another option is joining support groups such as
http://*************.org/c/Polycystic-Kidney-Disease-PKD/support-group
http://www.mdjunction.com/polycystic-kidney-disease-
http://www.pkdcure.org/

Take care and regards.