@lc1989 Welcome to Mayo clinic Connect! Polycystic kidney disease is usually a inherited trait in families. Is this the case for you?

Here is an article published by Mayo Clinic on PKD and its treatment: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/polycystic-kidney-disease/symptoms-causes/syc-20352820#:~:text=Polycystic%20kidney%20disease%20(PKD)%20is,they%20can%20grow%20very%20large.
It's a good thing you are looking into more information now.
Ginger

Hi @lc1989, I'd like to add my welcome. I moved your question about PKD and if it always leads to kidney failure to this existing discussion:
- Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) and future planning https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/pkd/

I did this so you can easily connect with fellow PKD-ers like @caseyk @jolinda @stephanierp @nimalw @seantraci9 @tomo @triff1 @jdiakiw @predictable @kitmus @kzeiss.

Hello,
I'm Stephanie and have PKD. I am so glad to hear you are stable at 3a. Many people, around 50% as I understand it, live their entire lives with PKD and do not go into kidney failure. Which is very positive. I would advise going to pkdcure.com hosted by the PKD Foundation for a lot of information on doctors, who specialize in PKD specific issues, current research being done, new medications recommended, etc. Expect the best - no kidney failure. Plan for the worst - with a knowledgable medical team and updated information.

If your journey does take you to kidney failure, as mine did, the good news is, it will come slowly. You need to go to all your doctor appointments to stay on top of its progress. This allows you time to get placed on kidney donor list and go public with your kidney request for a transplant. Another good thing, is your disease will not attack your new kidney, so a long healthy life is still very possible.

I am glad you have found your way to this board. Please feel free to reach out anytime.

Blessings!