I have polycystic kidney disease, and I am currently on dialysis.

I have studied this disease, and it is definitely genetic. If your family
has not history of this disease, then it is very probable that what you may
have is one of the many disorders that mimic it. As they are to numerous to
mention, I suggest you consult a nephrologist for the answers to your
problem.

Just because a disease is genetic does not mean that it is inherited. Genes
can and often do mutate. In fact, the percentage of PKD patients who have the
disease because of a spontaneous mutation is quite high–10-20%, as a previous
poster noted.

Also, PKD occurs in many degrees of severity. Only about half the people with
the disease go on to develop kidney failure. It is possible to have such a
mild case that one may live a long, apparently healthy life never experiencing
any symptoms of kidney disease.

I have PKD and two living parents in their late seventies who do not have the
disease. We hope to participate in a study of the mutant PKD gene.