Getting a Diagnosis With PKD

2015-06-17 10:18

How to get a diagnosis with PKD? This should be a common question for PKD patients. As we know, PKD, polycystic kidney disease, is a genetic kidney disease, and they will have numerous fluid-filled cysts formed on kidneys. And the cysts will be increased and get enlarged over time, which will oppress surrounding kidney tissues and cause kidney damage. So patients need to take early diagnosis of their disease and take effective treatment.

If your doctor thinks you have kidney problems, she/he will recommend you to see a nephrologist, who is specialized in treating kidney diseases. And the nephrologist will ask you questions like:

What symptoms do you have now? When did your symptoms start?

How often do you feel that way?

What is your blood pressure?

Have you ever had kidney stones? If yes, how often do you get them?

Is there anyone else has the PKD?

Have you ever had a genetic test?

After learning these basic information about your problem, the doctor will ask you taking some tests to get the images of your kidneys and check for your cysts. The common image tests include :

- Ultrasound

This uses sound waves to make a picture of the inside of your cysts. But it cant help find if the cysts are too small.

- MRI

It uses powerful magnets and radio waves to make pictures of organs and structures inside your body.

- CT scan

This is a powerful X-ray that makes detailed pictures inside your body.

Besides, the doctor may also test your DNA to see if you have a broken PKD 1 or PKD 2 gene.

Here are also some common questions that you can ask your doctor.

How will the PKD make me feel?

Do I need to take more tests for my disease?

Do I need to see a specialist?

What are the treatment options for my PKD?

Is there any side effects of the treatment?

What do you expect for my case?

What can I do to keep my kidneys working?

If I have children, will they get the PKD?

Do my children need to take genetic test?

Can PKD be prevented in early stage?

Above are some information for PKD patients to get diagnosis. If you still have any questions after reading, you can send e-mail to pkdtreatment169@gmail.com, or you can also leave a message below. We will contact you soon.

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