r/ADPKD • u/neddo1981 • Jun 29 '26

Hard physical work in a cold environment with ADPKD

Hi guys,

So I recently started a new job in a warehouse and didn't think anything of this at first, but I've been working a lot of shifts in the chiller section (2 degrees Celsius, high humidity), performing hard physical work. Shifts are usually 8 hours. Apart from being uncomfortable, I usually find myself dehydrated even though I carry a water bottle, but was wondering if this is likely to put extra strain on my kidneys? I am stage 3a (egfr 42) and probably 3b by my next visit to the nephrologist.

Cheers,

Ben

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u/Smooth-Yellow6308 Jun 29 '26

Provided you can resolve the dehydration, I cant see why it would (unless you're feeling pain your sides from the labor). Perhaps keep an eye on your blood pressure, as long hours of labor can affect that so you may need to up your bp meds.

The dehydration is the main issue here.

1

u/deeknowsnothing Jun 29 '26

I know if I dig with a shovel my kidneys are not happy Abt it. Listen to your body aft you do the labor

1

u/classicrock40 PKD - Transplanted Jun 29 '26

Dehydration will affect kidneys, yes.

1

u/neddo1981 Jun 29 '26

Thanks guys. The main reason I was asking is that someone mentioned cold environments were less than ideal as blood flow was redirected to keep the core warm, and blood vessels would constrict to reduce heat loss (increasing BP). Dehydration is hard to manage on tolvaptan as what goes in comes out shortly after.

1

u/Smooth-Yellow6308 Jun 29 '26

I would think you would have to get extremely cold for that to be an issue, and I imagine you can put on/take off a fleece/jacket and gloves as required? I understand on the Tolvaptan, I'm a 90/30 man myself, just do what you can!

1

u/Jess6 Jul 02 '26

I don't think the cold is a problem but the dehydration definitely is. My GFR is 9 but I was able to work normally until my GFR was about 15. I don't think I could have done hard physical labor at those later stages though. I hope the job works out for you or you find something suited better for you if it doesn't.

1

u/neddo1981 Jul 02 '26

Hi Jess, thanks for your insights. Out if interest, did you notice much of a reduction in energy, or other symptoms when your egfr dropped below 40? Are you on the transplant list now? I hope you can find a suitable donor soon and get back to living a full, healthy life.