Hello, I am new to the forum. 56 year old male with latent PKD. My kidney function and all blood results are normal. I know that my kidneys are riddled with cysts through ultrasound. My mother had PKD so my doctor had my tested. I have known about this since my twenties. I began lifting at 30 and continued until i was 46. I trained using linear programming and made good gains. At 5’8" i went from a body weight of 145 to 196. At my peak i was 187 at 12% body fat and could squat 465x1 and 315 for 15 reps. Now retired, at 56 I am 165lbs at about 18% body fat and am back in the gym beginning the basic Starting Strength program. My only concern is intra-abdominal pressure possibly causing my cysts to rupture. For this reason I have been reluctant to use my belt. I am breathing into my stomach to support my spine on the big lifts. My doctor did not discourage my from training but I don’t think he will be excited about moving big weights as he never was crazy about it in the past. I guess I am looking for some one to give me an enlightened opinion. I love training and plan to continue regardless of what anyone says because it feels so satisfying.
Hi there.
Cyst rupture is quite rare, and I am not aware of any relationship between transient increases in intra-abdominal pressure and increased risk for rupture. You have also made it clear that for you, the benefits of training are quite substantial, and likely outweigh such rare, theoretical risks.
Well doctor, I thank you for your response and am glad to be part of such a great community of lifters! I’ll keep on grinding!
In terms of nutrition, what would be recommended for protein intake and sodium intake for those with PKD while strength training? My guess would be keeping sodium low as possible to keep vasopressin low, but what have you recommended for protein?