Pat's life with PKD

Pat Pokorny lives in Indianapolis, IN. She is a mother, a widow of a Lutheran pastor and a volunteer. Last year she retired from a career of work with the blind and visually impaired.

Pat Pokorny is the youngest of 10 children. Her parents were immigrants from Sweden and Denmark who settled in Iowa and worked in business and farming.

Her oldest sister was at medical school when she discovered that she had polycystic kidney disease (PKD). Medical history suggested PKD came through Pat's mother's family. Just a couple years later, when Pat was 12 her mother became extremely ill and died of kidney failure. Ultimately 6 of her brothers and sisters would be afflicted by PKD. 3 died from brain aneurysmms and 3 others were on dialysis before passing away.

When Pat married she discussed the possibility of PKD with her husband, Dan. Medical tests confirmed that cysts had begun forming in her kidneys. She had PKD. During pregnancy Pat's blood pressure increased. It was the first of many PKD symptoms which Pat would monitor the rest of her life. Through medication, healthy living and diet she managed her PKD and lived without significant restrictions.

In 1990 Pat's husband passed away. Pat, now in her mid 50s, went to college and received a Masters degree in Orientation Mobility. She moved to Indianapolis and began work at an Indiana state agency for the blind and visually impaired. The effects of PKD became more restrictive and Pat was assigned to the kidney donor list and began dialysis. She was able to continue to work during that time.

In 1998 Pat received a kidney transplant. She carefully monitors her health and has been able to accomplish much in the time since her kidney transplant surgery.

She worked 7 more years at the Indiana Bosma Center for the Blind. Following is a note from one of her clients sent on her retirement.

Pat,
You have touched so many lives, including mine. I believe my words were "I don't need a cane"! Showed me didn't you.
Thank you for giving me strength and courage to "see" in other ways. I also enjoyed our talks along the way on many subjects.
Best wishes, Elizabeth

Since receiving her kidney transplant Pat has completed the Indianapolis Half Marathon three times. She traveled to Macchu Picchu, Galapagos Islands and viewed Polar Bears in Churchill Canada. She is loved by her grandchildren and sees them as often she can. Last year she helped plan her daughters wedding.

You can read the PKD story of Pat's brother Bobby's family at the In My Generation blog post from early June.