Cardiac Catheterization recommended

[Terkins]

Hello, I'm oscillating between stages 4 and 3 ESRD with ADPKD. I'm trying to forestall further decline by conservative medical care. I just "barely-passed" a cardiac stress test which results were judged "equivocal". I have had severe S.O.B. > decade but no known chest pain. My ejection fraction (echocardiogram) was satisfactory (soon to be repeated.) I have had left axis-bifascicular block and right bundle branch block diagnosed from my ECG. ECG's during stress testing remained stable.

Now I'm having a cardiac catheterization recommended. I'm afraid the nuclear agent(s) may damage my kidneys and/or some stress to my kidneys could result from the procedure(s), rendering them less functional.

I know that being in ESRD means walking through the cardiac minefield for the rest of my days. I'm inclined to "keep walking" and avoid any risks to my ADPKD melons?

[Hidden]

Autosomal dominant polycystic kidney disease, ADPKD, is one of the most common, life-threatening genetic diseases. It is the fourth leading cause of kidney failure and more than 50 percent of people with ADPKD will develop kidney failure by age 50. Once a person has kidney failure, dialysis or a transplant are the only options. Having read this and knowing that is the decision you are facing I have to ask...What is your option(s) if you decide to walk away from the "cardiac minefield?"

[Terkins in reply to Hidden]

? Just to continue juggling cardiac risks with kidney complications as I enter into dialysis. My hope is to perform home hemodialysis. Peritoneal dialysis would be preferable but my abdomen is grossly-distended by my affected kidneys and liver. My path is further complicated by thrombophilia and blood thinners. Fortunately, I don't have angina so I'm likely to skip the catheterization procedure.

[Hidden in reply to Terkins]

Have you already discussed the modality for dialysis with your nephrologist? You may be correct about the PD being an issue with the abdomen but the blood thinners may be an issue for you with HD. Have you done any research yourself on the type of access and when this will all begin to take place? If you need further information on this area I've done lots of research and can share some information if you need it.