James Fehlen

James was diagnosed with autosomal dominate polycystic kidney disease (ADPKD) many years ago, he was only 29 years old.

ADPKD or PKD is a genetic disorder characterized by the growth of numerous cysts in the kidneys. Symptoms vary in severity and age of onset, but usually develop between the ages of 30 and 40. ADPKD is a progressive disease and symptoms get worse over time. The most common symptoms are kidney cysts, pain in the back and the sides, and headaches. Other symptoms include liver and pancreatic cysts, urinary tract infections, abnormal heart valves, high blood pressure, kidney stones, and brain aneurysms.

For those of you who know our family well, know his mother Christine had ADPKD and received a successful kidney transplant in her early 50s. James’ children, Phylicia and Andrew also have ADPKD - which demonstrates the strong dominant genetics in James’ line of the family.

James had both of his kidneys removed 5 and 7 years ago, the kidneys were removed because they were extremely painful, they were each the size of footballs, and would cause septic infections multiple times per year. He has been dependent on dialysis 3 days a week for the past seven years and was approved and listed for transplant late October 2021.