Not what I thought

I hadn't realized how big of a deal this disease was until today.

It's not normal to take the cystic kidneys out anymore, they just put the new one in your groin. So, the pain, infections, aneurysm risk, and heart problems will still be there, you'll just have a functioning kidney. Though, on top of that, the medications you take after the transplant significantly raise your risk of many cancers. So, are you really winning here?

I've read about pregnancies and some scary things that happen during and after them. The risks are really scary. I saw one woman who was told she'd need a transplant in 20 years, and after she had her kid, it was cut way down to needing one within the next year. Some women had to deliver early, some had vastly enlarged kidneys or livers...

I read about women who had family histories. The men in these families die of PKD-related heart attacks and renal failure below or near their 40's! That means you spent more than 1/3 of your life in school, about 1/3 enjoying it, and 1/3 of it dying and trying to pay bills for it. Women have many forums just discussing why they should or should not have kids. It boils down to: "I want to have kids because I don't want this to define my life." or "I don't want kids because I can't pass this on and watch them suffer."

The worst part, for me, is making the decisions. Should I just refuse "treatment" and live until I die? Should I or should I not hope/try for kids? How and when should I do these things? How will I pay for any of it? Who is going to insure me?

A good thing that has come from this is my outlook on life. I figure I'll be dead faster than I thought I would, so why not get on with life and get a career? Why worry so much about global warming? Why sweat the small things? Why not get out and see the world? Why not eat fast food all the time? Why not start volunteering and making something of myself? Why not get a puppy for Christmas (hint hint)?