If I could go back in time and kind of talk to myself when I was diagnosed with PKD, I would say a couple different things.  I would say it’s okay, it’s something that you’re going to be alright with it and really try to emphasize staying positive. Not to get too down, to really stay hopeful, stay optimistic, that even if things are kind of vague and kind of muddy that things are going to be all right, even if the future isn’t super clear to really stay optimistic and stay involved, stay active and stay engaged.

Keep it top of mind even if things get busy and hectic in life, to keep thinking about PKD and what can I be doing as far as learning and advocating for myself with PKD with my diet and just living healthily, making smart decisions, taking care of my kidneys, and really if I’m not getting the care that I’m happy with to really advocate for myself, and if I need to get other advice and get other information and more specifics to not be shy about asking for that information, to keep asking questions, and also staying active and really being my own advocate.

I would just tell myself to stay optimistic, to stay engaged with PKD, and to really be my own advocate and really do all I can to take care of my PKD.