A dose of realism

Despite what I said yesterday, today was about the future.

Off to the City hospital for what was described as a Renal Patient Information day. First big surprise I was the youngest there. Not sure why I was surprised beyond the fact that I was youngest by at least 5 years if not 10.

Overall the day was useful lots of information, not much of it new, but that wasn't a big shock. The vist included a visit round the dialysis unit, now that was a dose of realism. Even now having had 18 months or so of being more aware of my renal disease and feeling less well, seeing people undergoing dialysis was a huge reminder that this is in the future in some shape or form for me.

Spent time talking to the dieticians - diet is just going to be the bane of my life- lots of good advice but putting it into practice isn't going to be easy. I need to keep my salt (sodium) intake down and I'm alredy on a low potassium diet and right now all I want is a bag of chips with lashings of salt and vinegar.

Never mind its all in a good cause.

Even a journey of a 1000 miles begins with a single step.

This is my first step and as such I will start going backwards.

Over the next few posts I hope to look back and give people an insight into how PKD has impacted on me up to now. How I grew up in a family where Kidney disease was a part of day to day life and as my disease progresses how it affects me and my family.

As the blog progresses I hope to give a flavour of other aspects of my life, those things which make me happy and those which get under my skin.

I profess no skill or knowledge of kidney disease beyond my own lived experience, but I will offer pointer to sources of information. If anyone has concerns about their own health and kidney disease then seek advice from your own medical prationer.

That about covers the introduction for today, I'll begin the history leason soon.