PKD Life - Summer 2022 - 4

FRESH START
Self-Care
HOW TO ADD
MORE CREATIVITY
TO YOUR LIFE
The Importance
of Imaging Tests
For monitoring kidney function,
eGFR testing remains the gold
standard for patients with ADPKD.
However, it is possible to have a
normal or slightly elevated estimated
glomerular filtration rate
and still have enlarged or cystic
kidneys, says Franz Winklhofer, M.D.,
a nephrologist at the University of
Kansas Medical Center.
Conducting imaging tests such
as ultrasounds, MRIs, and CT scans
can provide information
about how the kidneys
look, even if a person's
eGFR rate is normal.
Here's how these tests
are used throughout the
progression of PKD.
DIAGNOSIS:
In people with a family
history of PKD but
no symptoms, imaging tests can
show the kidneys' volume and the
cyst burden, potentially leading to
a diagnosis.
PROGNOSIS:
In patients with normal kidney
function, imaging is used to
determine prognosis. " Patients
can have normal-sized kidneys with
not many cysts, or they can have
really big kidneys with lots of cysts,
in which case the creatinine will
likely begin to rise fairly soon, "
Dr. Winklhofer says.
In the
future, these
tests may help
assess the
effectiveness
of drugs.
ASSESSING SOURCES
OF PAIN:
In patients who are feeling pain in
specific areas, an ultrasound probe
can be placed over the
area to try to identify a
particular cyst. In some
cases, cysts can be aspirated,
or surgery may be
done to remove them.
Going forward,
imaging may also be
useful for assessing the
effectiveness of therapy
with tolvaptan or other
potential future treatments, Dr.
Winklhofer says. " This is really conjecture
at this point, but imaging
might be helpful for demonstrating
that kidney volume is not increasing
as much in patients being treated
with tolvaptan compared with what
we'd expect in untreated patients. "
Making time for hobbies or creative
pursuits is good for the mind, body,
and soul. Artist Cindy GuentertBaldo,
who has PKD, shares helpful
advice about how to liberate the
artist within you:
1
Use your phone's camera to take
interesting pictures as you walk.
2
Have fun! Pick up a kit from your
local craft store. Whether it's paintby-numbers
or a science experiment,
these kits aren't just for kids.
3
Remember that creativity isn't limited
to the arts. You can be creative
in the kitchen, for example, by trying
new recipes or presenting your food
in a fun way.
4
If you like to paint or play an instrument,
keep your art supplies where
you can see them or your instrument
visible and ready.
5
If you're in bed because of your PKD,
try cross-stitch or coloring books.
These activities are low-key and easy
to do in bed with a lap desk.
LEARN MORE
Visit Cindy's website at
cindyguentertbaldo.com.
4 PKD LIFE * SUMMER 2022
http://www.cindyguentertbaldo.com

PKD Life - Summer 2022

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PKD Life - Summer 2022 - Cover1
PKD Life - Summer 2022 - Cover2
PKD Life - Summer 2022 - Contents
PKD Life - Summer 2022 - 2
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PKD Life - Summer 2022 - Cover4
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