Having PKD, or any disease for that matter, puts a label on your identity:  “I am diseased.”

This is not a label that one grows wishing he/she has.

Nevertheless, fact is fact: You ARE diseased! Your kidneys are not built correctly.

OK. Now what?

Wait a minute. Maybe you’re not saying OK. Maybe you don’t accept the fact that there is a good chance that eventually you won’t have what most people would consider a “normal” life. Maybe you even deny the diagnosis. Maybe you think that “Mommy will kiss it and make it go away.”

So you go about your business as if nothing is out of the ordinary. This is fine. There is no crime being committed here.

The question is: In not accepting your disease, what are you NOT doing that might improve your quality of life in the possibly not too distant future?

Are you doing what is necessary to keep your blood pressure in the acceptable range?

Are you maintaining a kidney-friendly diet?

Are you educating yourself about PKD and what possible symptoms may arise and what treatment options are available to you?

Are you preparing your family for future possibilities?

Are you preparing yourself for future possibilities?

Good old-fashioned fear may be stopping you from facing what may lie ahead. This is understandable. But not helpful.

It’s one thing to have PKD and b..ch and complain. Or sulk and get depressed. Or ignore it all and go on as if nothing is wrong. These are the easy courses of action to take. But you know that these won’t get you any healthier.

YOU ARE DISEASED! Be as proactive as you can to master your situation as much as possible!

Educate yourself. Talk to other PKD patients. Go on the message boards. Read up on the literature. Learn the state-of-the-art of PKD research.

Become knowledgeable about your disease so that you can ask better queations to  your medical team. When you ask meaningful questions, you will be more respected as a patient. And this is very important. You don’t want to be treated as a number!

Whether you like it or not, you are on a lifetime “PKD Odyssey!” Make it a lifetime adventure so that your Odyssey will be as problem-free as possible!

Now, I understand that you may feel overwhelmed at the prospect of having a less-than-perfect life.  You may have inherited the disease fro a parent who did not have the best quality of life. Just remember, you are not your parent, and your are living in 2009, not 10, 20, or 30 years ago!

Many, many people are living perfectly fine lives with PKD, being treated with dialysis, or kidney transplant. And, many people never even reach the stage where such treatment is necessary!

but if you still have a sense of overwhelm and difficulty fully facing up to your disease, please consider contacting me at

info@innergameofpkd.com

and arrange for a complimentary coaching conversation which may change your attitude to one of optimism and positive expectation. In this conversation, you will welcomed, accepted, supported, and encouraged on your PKD Odyssey!

You’re on a lifetime journey. You might as well make it as pleasant as possible!

Peace and Blessings!

Coach Richie Perl