Polycystic Kidney Disease

Summary

This article discusses polycystic kidney disease and how doctors are able to misdiagnose, give the wrong treatment or even conduct a surgical error on an individual with PKD. It lists how PKD is diagnosed, the symptoms and the possible long-term health consequences.

Polycystic kidney disease

Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is a genetic disorder where non-cancerous cysts develop within your kidneys. People who are diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease risk having high blood pressure or even suffering complete kidney failure. Polycystic kidney disease is the most common genetic, life threatening disease affecting more than 600,000 Americans. In the Tempe, Mesa, Scottsdale and Phoenix area there are many individuals who suffer PKD and who were victims of medical negligence by their physicians. Although having PKD is not a rare occurrence, there is still great possibility for even the best doctors to make a mistake in their diagnosis, treatment or even make a surgical error. If you suspect that your doctor has made a mistake in your treatment of PKD, you should discuss your case with an Arizona personal injury attorney. Depending on the situation, you may be entitled to receive compensation for your injuries.

There are a variety of ways PKD can be diagnosed by your doctor. Some examples of the types of methods they may use include:

Diagnosis for PKD

  • Genetic testing – gene linkage analysis that involves special blood tests.
  • Computerized tomography (CT Scan)
  • Ultrasound Examination
  • Acquiring accurate family history

Along with the different ways to diagnose PKD, there are a variety of symptoms. These symptoms vary with each case and can range in severity. Some examples of the types of symptoms that can occur include:

Symptoms

  • High blood pressure
  • Urinary and kidney infections
  • Blood in urine
  • Increase in the size of abdomen
  • Headache
  • Kidney stones
  • Back or side pain related to enlarged kidneys
  • Back or side pain

If caught early enough, your doctor may be able to surgically remove the infected kidney without difficulty, but PKD can still cause a variety of health problems and pain that can be difficult for you and your family to go through. Some examples of the types of health consequence that PKD can cause include:

Complications

  • High blood pressure
  • Loss of kidney function
  • Pregnancy complications
  • Growth of cysts in your liver
  • Development of an aneurysm in brain
  • Chronic pain
  • Colon problems
  • Heart valve abnormalities

Contact an Arizona Personal Injury Attorney

Polycystic kidney disease is a serious and traumatic disease for anyone to bear. Constant checkups and hospital visits may be needed in order to preserve you or your loved one’s health. This can cause extreme financial distress especially if a surgery is needed. If you or a loved one has PKD and suspect medical malpractice, contacting a Phoenix person injury lawyer is your best option for compensation for your pain and suffering.