12.19.2008

Here we go- First Posting

My husband Bruce has PKD. He just turned 40. He was on high blood pressure medicine since he was about 18. He got an ultrasound every year and always had a Dr. check his kidney functions. Everything was fine until about 2 years ago. Bruce's function started to decline, then other symptoms crept up. Some doctors did not attribute those things to kidney failure but now know better.

His mother's father died of the disease in his 40s. His mother and 2 of her sisters have PKD. One of them had a successful transplant from a living donor (her son). The other 2 have no signs of failure. His brother who is only few years younger than him has PKD. His kidneys are failing and is only months behind him in this process. A cousin was recently diagnosed with the disease also.

Polycystic Kidney Disease affects 1 in 500 people, including newborns, children and adults regardless of sex, age, race or ethnic origin.

There is currently no treatment or cure for PKD
www.pkdcure.org

Bruce has been on a transplant list in Tampa, FL. since June (6 months). We have no living donor options. His kidneys are HUGE and need to be taken out also. That is a separate surgery.

Bruce has a job selling Andersen Windows for Raymond Building Supply. He has been in same type of business his whole life. We have two awesome boys, age 8 and 3, a Great Dane and a Cat.

2 comments:

  1. Amy--Im sorry you and bruce are having to deal with this, it does really suck. I so wish we lived closer so I could help you in any way possible. I am always here for you and if you need me I will be there. I'm thinking of you and you all are in my prayers. Please keep me updated, call me anytime of day or night. I love you both, Amy

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  2. hi... i found your blog from your posting on the facebook pkd page. my husband will be 40 in june and we are in the process of getting on the list. i immediately came to your first post and will read them all.

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