What Is This Series—and Why Are We Sharing It?
If you’re living with PKD, most likely your health journey didn’t start yesterday. You’ve read the blogs. Scrolled the forums. Tried the supplements, the diets, the extremes.
But with every loud opinion online comes a new “must-try” strategy. Carnivore. Vegan. Low oxalate. High protein. Keto—and which kind?
At RISE, we meet people like you every day: proactive, committed, and doing everything you can to protect your kidneys—while trying to make sense of a thousand different voices. If that’s you, you’re not alone.
That’s why we’re trying something new.
This blog series follows Wayne, a participant in our RISE Nutrition for PKD Program in the May 2025 cohort. Each week, he’ll share reflections from his experience—what’s working, what’s frustrating, and what he’s learning along the way. These are his own words, shared with permission.
We hope that by sharing Wayne’s story in real time, you’ll get a clearer, more grounded look at what a personalized approach to PKD can feel like when you finally stop chasing extremes and start building something that works.
Hi all, I’m Wayne.
I’m 55 years old, living in Oregon with my family. I teach at Oregon State University, and I’m married with two teenage daughters who keep life busy and full.
My PKD Health Journey
I was diagnosed with PKD in 2017, when my GFR was 53. I went vegan right away, and over time my GFR improved to a stable 58–60. That felt like a win.
But I’m very active—I do both weight training and cardio daily—and I found it hard to get enough protein on a vegan diet. About three years ago, I started intermittent fasting (usually around 18 hours a day) and moved toward a low-carb approach. My GFR climbed to 72 during that time, which was really encouraging.
But in the last year, my numbers started to drop again. I tried going from low-carb to keto, and eventually to carnivore. While my ketones went up, my kidney function declined sharply on carnivore, and my cholesterol shot up.
I’ve since returned to a more balanced keto diet, bringing vegetables and low-carb fruits back in. What I’ve realized is that extremes don’t serve me well—I need a more moderate, sustainable path.
Why I Chose to Join the RISE Program
I kept seeing glowing feedback about the RISE program from people in my PKD Facebook groups. They spoke so highly of the supportive dietitians, the tailored guidance, and how it helped with everything from kidney function to managing stress and pain.
That kind of personalized, whole-person approach really appealed to me. I was ready to have a team in my corner—especially one that gets how complex PKD can be.
When thinking about joining RISE, which I had followed since its beginning, this time I didn’t have many hesitations—honestly, I feel relieved to be in a program that is thoughtfully built and customized.
My only concern is really understanding how to find balance that supports both my kidneys and my active lifestyle. But from everything I’d heard, the RISE team seemed equipped to help people like me navigate these challenges.
My Goals with RISE
My biggest goal is to stabilize my kidney function and delay dialysis for as long as possible. That’s priority one.
But I’m also really grateful that Jess is helping me work through stress—something I know plays a role in my health. Finding that balance between physical care and emotional support feels like a huge step forward.
What’s Next
We’re so grateful Wayne is letting us share his reflections as they happen. His health journey—like so many others living with PKD—isn’t about finding a quick fix. It’s about learning to make informed, sustainable choices with the right support behind you.
Wayne is currently participating in the May 2025 RISE cohort, and we’ll be back with more of his story as he moves through orientation.
Ready to take your health journey to the next level—with support that actually fits your life?
Our RISE for PKD program runs in limited cohorts throughout the year, and spots fill quickly.
Enroll early and unlock exclusive access to our Jumpstart Program, which includes:
✔️ A one-on-one session with your personal dietitian
✔️ Weekly email guidance with actionable nutrition tips
✔️ Early access to foundational materials to help you build momentum from day one
👉 Secure your spot today at RISEPKD.org
“What I’ve realized is that extremes don’t serve me well—I need a more moderate, sustainable path.” -Wayne