Polycystic Kidney Disease patients are often placed in situations that may be challenging to them:

Dealing with the fact of being diseased…therefore feeling “different” in a negative way.

Dealing with the fact that their bodies are not in their own control…therefore feeling like a “victim.”

Dealing with the fact that some family members and “friends” are “easing them out,”…therefore feeling isolated.

Dealing with the fact that they MAY have a “limited future,”…therefore developing a pessimistic, fatalistic attitude.

OK. The facts are real. But the “therefore’s” “ain’t necessarily so!”

You all know that it’s not so much what happens to you, it’s how you respond to what happens to you that makes the difference.

Yes. You are diseased. And you may be different than many who are blessed with excellent health. But there are many, many areas of life that you can get involved with and be part of the mainstream of life. True, like most people, your activities may change as the years flow along, but the world is a big place, with room for many people to engage in many activities. OK, you may not become a linebacker in the NFL, but how many people are?

Yes, you are not totally in control of your own body. But who is? There are obviously many other diseases besides PKD that humans are subject to. Being “aware of your own mortality” early in the game might be a very good lesson to learn. You learn to appreciate that which life offers you. Including the latest medical advances!

Some family members and friends will never be totally empathetic with your disease. So what? Are they so admirable? We all have our faults! Seek friendships with those who can understand and empathize with the fact that ALL humans have limitations. Those who don’t have this sensitivity will learn their lessons eventually!

Yes, you MAY have a limited future. And you and anyone else can get run over by a bus! You don’t know what the future holds. BUT…you can make healthy choices NOW! Medically, socially, and emotionally! Choose to do things that you enjoy with whatever time you have to do so! True, your activity at any given time may not be what you dream about, but being active is better than brooding and “kvetching!”

Life on this earth is exactly that…life on this earth. It is not paradise. The history of human progress has been the pursuit of making life “better.” You may be not feeling well as you read this, but I would be very surprised if you would rather live 100 years ago.

Take advantage of 2009! Be thankful for the TV remote!!! Be thankful for Social Media! Be thankful for kidney transplants with different blood types!

Maybe you might even be thankful for my blog!

Remember, it could always be worse!

Peace and Blessings!

Coach Richie Perl