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Coping and support
By Mayo Clinic staffAs is the case with other chronic illnesses, having polycystic kidney disease may make you feel overwhelmed. But you don't have to deal with your illness alone. The support of friends and family is important in dealing with a chronic illness. In addition, a counselor, psychologist, psychiatrist or clergy member may be able to help.
You may also want to consider joining a support group. Although support groups aren't for everyone, they can provide helpful information about treatments and coping. And being with people who understand what you're going through may make you feel less alone. Ask your doctor about support groups in your community or contact the PKD Foundation at 800-PKD-CURE (800-753-2873) to find out if there's a chapter in your area.
- Polycystic kidney disease. National Institute of Diabetes and Digestive and Kidney Diseases. http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/pdf/PKD.pdf/. Accessed May 19, 2011.
- Polycystic kidney disease. Kidney Foundation. http://www.kidney.org/atoz/pdf/polycystic.pdf . Accessed May 19, 2011.
- Gaurel L. Renal cystic disease. Ultrasound Clinics. 2010;5:15.
- Grantham JJ. Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease. New England Journal of Medicine. 2008;359:1477.
- Salant DJ, et al. Polycystic kidney disease and other inherited tubular disorders. In: Fauci AS, et al. Harrison's Principles of Internal Medicine. 17th ed. New York, N.Y.: McGraw-Hill Medical; 2008. http://www.accessmedicine.com/content.aspx?aID=2874530. Accessed May 19, 2011.
- Chanda R, et al. Hypertension in patients with chronic kidney disease. Current Hypertension Reports. 2009;11:329.
- Your guide to lowering high blood pressure. The National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute. http://www.nhlbi.nih.gov/hbp/index.html. Accessed May 21, 2011.
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