Nearly four years ago I was diagnosed with Polycystic Kidney Disease (PKD). The nephrologist attending to my case used an ultrasound and a CT scan to make the decision. Since then I have had several urine and blood tests performed just to make sure my kidneys are functioning properly. Thankfully the tests always come back within normal parameters.
Another sure sign of kidney disease is high blood pressure. Mine is typically really low. The highest it has ever gotten is 130 over something which occurred when I was in labor with Cory.
Since it had been a few years since I last visited with a nephrologist, my primary care physician and I decided it would be in my best interest to set up an appointment to see a kidney specialist. While setting up my visit, they also scheduled a renal ultrasound to be performed before my appointment with the doctor.
The ultrasound technician was the first person who alerted me to the fact that my PKD diagnosis might be incorrect. Although I do have a large 13 centimeter simple cyst on my right kidney, the kidney tissue itself looked fine. The tissue in my left kidney also looked good.
While in the kidney clinic, they took my blood pressure twice (98/60 and 94/62), had me give a urine sample and talked with me extensively about my medical history. I then had two different renal doctors tell me that I don’t have PKD. In fact to use their words, I have “no kidney disease, just cysts.” What a marvelous piece of news to receive!
When I left their office I felt like I was walking on air. I didn’t even mind paying my $7 parking garage ticket.
So what works-for-me? ALWAYS get a second and third opinion when it comes to your health, even if you feel like you completely trust and respect the diagnosing doctor.
