Autosomal Dominant Polycystic Kidney Disease (ADPKD) runs in my family, a legacy passed down through generations. My grandfather, father, and his sisters all battled with PKD. My own journey with this condition began in an unexpected manner. I was seven months pregnant when I learned I too had PKD. The possibility of my child inheriting this condition was a heavy burden, casting a shadow over what should have been a joyous time. The anticipation of welcoming a new life was marred by worry and the rigors of additional medical tests for both me and my unborn child.
The birth of my daughter brought with it a mix of emotions, as her first few months were punctuated with medical appointments and tests. At her two-month check-up, blood work confirmed that she too had inherited PKD. Now, both of us are on medication to manage our blood pressure, a common necessity in dealing with PKD. Her kidneys, remarkably, are the size of an adult's, while my own function is merely 20%. I am currently navigating the process to be placed on the transplant registry, hopeful for a kidney transplant in the near future.
I remain hopeful that medical advancements will soon find ways to slow the progression of cyst growth, perhaps even discover a cure or develop medications that can reverse the damage caused by this disease. The prospect of a bioartificial kidney from The Kidney Project as an option, should I need a new kidney, adds a layer of hope to my journey. This journey has been fraught with trials, but I remain steadfast in my optimism, drawing strength from the desire to create a brighter future for my daughter and our family.
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