Ouch, something I just realized.

[JustDontDie]

I haven't been diagnosed yet, mainly because I'm in no hurry to find out at this point. But, PKD (Polycystic Kidney Disease) runs in my dad's side of the family. My dad has it, his mother (my grandma) had it and died in her late 60s early 70s (due to other complications that came about from PKD). Both his sisters have it as well. Right now my dad is in his mid 40s and his sisters are both older than him they are in their late 40s. My dad and his sisters have pretty much NO complications right now. I dunno anyone is familiar with the disease but basically you have cysts that grow on your kidneys and they spread over time and eventually (usually much later in life) you have to either A. go on dialysis or B. get a transplant. I'm 18 years old and I became aware that it was possible I had PKD when I noticed my blood pressure being high from taking a test at the pharmacy. Which is very odd for someone my age and size. But I've probably covered more then is necessary. Would something like this prevent me from being able to take any sort of position as an LE officer? :(

[valycop]

Double post deleted.

[valycop]

JDD, when you say your blood pressure is high what are the readings? I'm no doctor, but having a family history doesn't mean you're automatically going to get the disease or be disqualified for a career in Law Enforcement. My best advice would be to talk to your family doctor who is familure with your family medical history, but don't let that stop you from applying. Go for your dream because if you don't you'll regret it for the rest of your life.

[valycop]

Damn, that's what I get for trying to correct the error. Sorry for the double post.

[JustDontDie]

JDD, when you say your blood pressure is high what are the readings? I'm no doctor, but having a family history doesn't mean you're automatically going to get the disease or be disqualified for a career in Law Enforcement career. My best advice would be to talk to your family doctor who is familure with your family medical history, but don't let that stop you from applying. Go for your dream because if you don't you'll regret it for the rest of your life.

Well I'm taking medication for my blood pressure. I just started taking it, I can't remember what my readings were before I took the medicine, it was pretty high but not like "OMG YOU'RE GONNA DIE!!" Right now my blood pressure is at right about average or on the boarder of average and high.

[JustDontDie]

I forgot to mention I took a urine test too, to see if there was protein spill in the urine. That came out positive which isn't a great sign. The doctor said it could be coincidence that you can have protein spill into your urine from running recently or whatever. I don't really exercize much though, so I dunno. I guess I'll just hope for the best. If I decide not to ever diagnose myself until I am starting to have complications would that basically mean I "have no" disease to the police department? Or would they force you to take a physical or have it diagnosed if they know about my history with high blood pressure?

[valycop]

You have got to come clean with the medical history on any pre-employment physical. If you know you have a problem then try to cover it up it will automatically disqualify you for further consideration. Don't give up just yet, go talk with your doctor and be up front with him and listen to what he has to say. Your outlook may not be as bad as you think, but again I'm not an M.D..

Good luck JDD!

[retdetsgt]

The potential for PKD won't disqualify you, but the high blood pressure probably will. Even with medication, most depts aren't crazy about taking people with high BP for obvious reasons.

[JustDontDie]

The potential for PKD won't disqualify you, but the high blood pressure probably will. Even with medication, most depts aren't crazy about taking people with high BP for obvious reasons.

What's wrong if it's treated? That doesn't make sense.

p.s.
Thanks valycop. ;)

[retdetsgt]

What's wrong if it's treated? That doesn't make sense.

p.s.
Thanks valycop. ;)

If you're having problems with it at 18, they can imagine what it may be like at 35 or 40. Heart problems related to high BP take out cops all the time. I'm not trying to be antagonistic, just telling you what is.

There are plenty of police candidates who don't have any BP problems and don't need medication. Maybe other depts are more lax, but mine is very careful on the entrance medical because we lose enough people early as it is because of stuff like that.

[JustDontDie]

If you're having problems with it at 18, they can imagine what it may be like at 35 or 40. Heart problems related to high BP take out cops all the time. I'm not trying to be antagonistic, just telling you what is.

There are plenty of police candidates who don't have any BP problems and don't need medication. Maybe other depts are more lax, but mine is very careful on the entrance medical because we lose enough people early as it is because of stuff like that.

Ok, well the dog said my heart is in good shape. So if I'm under medication to keep blood pressure down it shouldn't be a problem one would think.

[JustDontDie]

doc*

(I hate not being able to edit posts :mad: )

[retdetsgt]

doc*

(I hate not being able to edit posts :mad: )

Heh, bring the dog as a reference! I hate not being able to edit either.... ;)

[retdetsgt]

Ok, well the dog said my heart is in good shape. So if I'm under medication to keep blood pressure down it shouldn't be a problem one would think.

The problem is with my dept, at least is that anything to do with BP, heart, cardiovascular system is assumed to be job related if it goes on the blink after you're hired. That's why they are so leery of people with those problems. You could conceivably go off your meds, have a heart or other problem because of the BP and the city would have to foot the bill for the rest of your life. It's not like having corrective lens for your eyes. TB, heart, cardiovascular problems, hernia, pneumonia and AIDS are assumed to be job related problems.

[JustDontDie]

The problem is with my dept, at least is that anything to do with BP, heart, cardiovascular system is assumed to be job related if it goes on the blink after you're hired. That's why they are so leery of people with those problems. You could conceivably go off your meds, have a heart or other problem because of the BP and the city would have to foot the bill for the rest of your life. It's not like having corrective lens for your eyes. TB, heart, cardiovascular problems, hernia, pneumonia and AIDS are assumed to be job related problems.

Hmm. Well this all could be a big bummer.