It was 1972 and Carolyn Randolph had just given birth to her son, Jeffery. She experienced no problems with the delivery and was just beginning to enjoy the blessing of her first-born child. And then doctors told her and her husband, Lynn, that they were carefully monitoring her because she had both a high temperature and high blood pressure.

After a few tests, doctors determined that Carolyn had an infection in her bladder and kidneys and were very concerned about her condition and ability to recover. For almost two weeks, she remained in the hospital. Finally, doctors allowed her to return home with her husband and newborn child as well as a hefty supply of blood pressure medications.

Carolyn was a bit surprised because she had never experienced any kidney or bladder infections or any problems with high blood pressure (hypertension). During this time, she received enormous support from her family members, friends and church leaders. Carolyn especially recalls a New Year's Eve service at her church in which her pastor called her to the front of the church and had her anointed with oil.

Six weeks after returning home, she traveled to Nashville , Tenn. to see another doctor. The doctor performed an arteriogram, (a procedure in which a radioactive dye is inserted into the arteries to monitor arterial flow) and told Carolyn that both of her kidneys were enlarged and filled with cysts.

They put me on a lot of medications and told me it was polycystic kidney disease (PKD) an inherited disease, Carolyn said. It upset me at first because I didn't know anything about it.

In fact, Carolyn may have had the condition for some time. Doctors believe her pregnancy caused it to show up sooner than it would have otherwise. Carolyn knows of only one other relative (a first cousin) with PKD but believes it may have been present in her father's family.

Despite her condition, Carolyn continued working as an inspector of the bulbs used in automobile headlights until a few years ago. Leaving her job was a difficult adjustment for her because she had worked for the company for many years and developed friendships with many of her co-workers. I really had to adjust to staying at home, Carolyn said. It hasn't been easy for me but I have the support of my family and my faith.

Carolyn emphasizes the importance of having a good relationship with a doctor. She was seen by the same doctor for over 20 years. Carolyn had established a very open and friendly relationship with him.

I think it's through the help of a good doctor that I did as well as I did, Carolyn explains. I had a real good relationship with my doctor he was like family to me. He always told me that if anything happens, we'll get it checked out right away. I think he helped me get through the bad times.

It is important for patients to establish an open line of communication with the members of their healthcare team, including their primary care physician. They should feel comfortable asking all the questions they have about their condition, its treatments, medications and any side effects they may be experiencing. This is the best way for patients to let professionals know how they are feeling, what they need and how kidney disease is affecting their lives. The more information patients have about their healthcare, the more power they have over the disease and its treatment.

Carolyn's doctors consistently monitor her condition by reviewing the results of her blood tests and checking her blood pressure every few weeks. Carolyn understands that her kidneys may one day reach the point where she will have to begin dialysis treatment. She has discussed it with her doctor and believes she will be able to do anything asked of her. She also listens to the advice of a friend who has been on dialysis for some time. He said it seems difficult at first but it can be done, Carolyn explains.

Carolyn is not a passive patient; she wants to know as much about her condition as possible and stay informed on the latest developments. I found out that the kidneys are very important - you can't live without them. I try to find out all that I can about my illness. I know the importance of keeping your blood pressure down and exercise, Carolyn said.

Carolyn enjoys reading, socializing with friends and participating in church activities. Her favorite hobby, however, is collecting pictures and organizing them into scrapbooks. She tells others concerned about kidney disease that they can cope with the illness if they have the support of others.

I would tell other people to seek the support of their family. You just have to push and have a positive outlook. I have fought it for all these years, Carolyn said. My family has always been there to support me and that has helped a lot.

Carolyn Randolph and her family live in Sparta, Tennessee.

This article originally appeared in the December 2002 issue of Kidney Beginnings: The Magazine, Vol. 1, No. 2.

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