Once diagnosed with a life threatening disease, many people are confronted with a range of emotions.

Nearly half of people with an advanced form of kidney disease don't know they have weak or failing kidneys.  Dave Hamway says, "I had no idea I had kidney disease.  I don't have any pain, I can't feel anything, and you know, nothings different." 

He can't feel it, but Dave knows it's there.  And his physician Dr. Joel VanSickler says it's a good thing he does.  "If you have kidney problems, early referral is important so that you can get on appropriate therapy."

Dave has polycystic kidney disease, which is a common genetic, life-threatening disease affecting more than 600,000 Americans.  Dave's older brother also has this condition.  "I have hope.  I have seen what my brother has gone through, his transplant.  I'll do whatever is necessary."

Dave says what's necessary is taking medications and keeping his blood pressure down.  Although says Dave, attitude is also key.  His quote: you can have a disease without letting the disease have you.  "Knowing you have it and not allowing it to dominate your life are two different things.  I've got other things that are more important to me then this disease."

Current research shows that Dave can play a major role in controlling the development of his disease with regular health care maintenance, a good diet and regular exercise, which he is doing all three.

Often times the first signs of polycystic kidney disease are high blood pressure, urinary tract infection and even kidney stones.