What precautions should I take to reduce the risk of renal failure?
Chairman,
Department of Nephrology and Kidney transplant Medicine,
Fortis Kidney and Urology Institute,
Fortis Escorts Hospital, New Delhi
Q: I am a 34 years old male, recently been diagnosed with multiple cysts in both my kidneys. There are 2-3 small (3-5 mm) calculi in both my kidneys. My creatinine level is normal but high values of RBCs have been found in my uric test. My blood pressure is 140/90 mm Hg. My medical report hints that I may be an autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) patient and that I need medical check up after every 90 days. I want to know whether I am eligible for medical health insurance at this stage? What treatment and precautions I require to reduce the risk of renal failure in future?
A:ADPKD is a genetic disease and one of your parents would have had a disease if you have it. Cysts in kidney may not always mean ADPKD. As for your eligibility for insurance, you will have to talk to a health insurance company and discuss best schemes for you.You should control your blood pressure to less than 130/80 mm Hg avoid pain killers like Brufen, Voveran, Combiflam (NSAIDs) and follow healthy life style with modest weight, exercise and healthy food and avoid smoking.