February Support Group meeting note from Robert P.

The Portland Kidney Patients Advocacy Group participated in a joint meeting with the Portland Polycystic Kidney Group at Good Samaritan Hospital on Sunday, February 10th, to hear Dr. Bennett, a specialist in transplantation, talk about the challenges of kidney disease. Dr. Bennett informed the group that diabetes and hypertension are major causes of kidney failure; once kidney function falls below 15 percent dialysis is required. He noted that the government will not pay for dialysis unless the kidney fictional level is below 15 %, Medicare coverage that started covering kidney failure in 1972, will then provide payment. He noted that dialysis coverage usually cost about $120,000 per year. On the issue of Polycystic Kidney Disease, Dr. Bennett indicated that coffee and/or caffeine products may be a contributing factor to the disease, he also indicated that a Dash Diet with lots of fruits and vegetables may slow the progression of the disease. Dr. Bennett shared information on trails and research studies that will impact Polycystic Kidney Disease in the future and the DNA factors associated with this disease.

Thank you for Dr. Bennett and all participants who were there!