25

insurance and employment. Who should I contact for more information? Kidney Health Australia operates a free call kidney helpline for people seeking more information about kidney disease and related conditions. You can contact the helpline on 1800 454 363. The PKD Foundation of Australia connects, supports and provides education for Australians and their families affected by PKD. The PKD Foundation also raises funds specifically to find a cure for PKD. Further information can be found on their website pkdaustralia.org Kidney Health Australia – Caring for Australasians with Renal Impairment (KHA-CARI) provides clinical guidelines based on best evidence based practice for patients with kidney disease in Australia and New Zealand. Further information can be found on the website cari.org.au THINGS TO REMEMBER • Polycystic kidney disease (PKD) is an inherited condition which leads to the growth of cysts on the kidneys. • You may have no symptoms or health problems for many years. • At the moment there is no cure for PKD, but early detection and treatment can reduce or prevent some complications of PKD. Connect with us www.kidney.org.au Freecall 1800 454 363 Last Reviewed March 2019 Page 5 Kidney Health Australia Prevent, Detect, Support. Polycystic Kidney Disease What does that word mean? Anaemia - When there are only a small number of red blood cells in the blood or the blood cells are not working properly. Red blood cells carry oxygen, so if you have anaemia you can feel weak, tired and short of breath. Blood pressure - The pressure of the blood in the arteries as it is pumped around the body by the heart. Chromosomes - The structures that carry your DNA. We usually have 23 pairs. Computed tomography - An imaging procedure that uses special x-ray equipment to create a series of detailed pictures or scans of areas inside your body. Cyst - A sack full of fluid. eGFR - An estimation of glomerular filtration rate (GFR). GFR is the best measure of kidney function and helps to determine the stage of kidney disease. Gene - Each cell in the human body contains about 25,000 to 35,000 genes. Genes carry the information that determines your traits, which are features or characteristics that are passed on to you or inherited from your parents. Haematuria - The medical term for blood in your urine. Hernias - When parts of tissue or organ exit the weak parts of the abdomen. Genetic counsellor - Someone trained to help people understand and make decisions around the medical, psychological and reproductive effects of genetic conditions. See The Australian Society of Genetic Counsellors hgsa.org.au/asgc for more information. Inherited - Passed to you by your parents.