Ashlee Whearley
In January of this year, my life changed. I was at work when I suddenly felt an intense pain in my left kidney. Because of my training and access to medical equipment, I decided to do an ultrasound on myself. My kidneys didn’t look the way they should. That moment set me on a path of tests. First a CT scan, then another ultrasound, then an MRI. Each step brought me closer to an answer. I was diagnosed with polycystic kidney disease (PKD) at 28 years old. Since then, everything about the way I live has shifted. I’ve already drastically changed my diet. I push myself to drink more water than ever. But it’s not just about food and hydration, it’s about the looming reality of living with a chronic disease that feels like a ticking time-bomb. I know what’s ahead of me. There will be a lifetime of doctor’s visits, constant monitoring, and heavy financial burdens that comes with managing a condition like this, and eventually dialysis and transplants. But I am facing this. I remind myself that I am still here, still fighting, and still building a life beyond this diagnosis. PKD may shape my story, but it will never fully define me. When I started looking online for a community, I came across a few organizations that help those in need; the PKD Foundation being one of them. They provided me with knowledge, helped me feel safe, but most importantly, helped me feel like I have a chance. I don’t feel so alone in this anymore. I am excited to participate in their events and to fully embrace this diagnosis with an open mind and heart.