Suggest treatment for PKD with shortness of breath
Patient: Dear Dr.  I'm from Sri Lanka. My mother is 68+ & having PKD. It was found in 79' and was under medication for High Blood Pressure since 85'. She started hemo-dialysing April/09 once a month and at present doing dialysis once a week. But she is continously having disnia. What can be the reason behind it ? What can we do about it ? Is this her final stages ? Doctor: Hi,   68 year old polycystic patient will have by now developed renal failure. As she is on dialysis one can assume her kidney are not functioning to the extent to remove waste products from blood. In addition she will also have high blood pressure and bone pains due to low calcium levels. One option would be to do renal transplant, but the age would not permit. Secondly, you can opt for peritoneal dialysis, provided if doctor deems it right. and Lastly, you have to do Hemodialysis which you currently are doing thrice weekly. You will always be given medications for high blood pressure and calcium supplements.  Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.