A view of Nephrogenic Diabetes Insipidus from the patient’s side was presented by Josh Root. Josh is a long-time patient at the University of Washington Hospital and was recommended by Cristine Trahms as an example of a well-managed patient. Josh is now an active, outgoing 24 year old and doesn’t see his NDI as an obstacle in his life. He was diagnosed at 3 months in a family with no prior incidence of the disease. Treatment was well managed and monitored throughout his life. The day to day routines of medication, water intake (and output!), and sodium restriction were established early and well maintained by Josh and his family. He is a university graduate, currently considering pursuing a graduate degree in photo journalism. He is very physically active, enjoying mountain biking, snow boarding and other activities typical of his generation. His stature is in line with his family history.

In response to questions from researchers, Josh said that perhaps the most annoying aspect of NDI is the difficulty in finding low sodium food when he eats out. Often he must rely on grocery stores rather than restaurants to find reliably salt-free food. He’s become a connoisseur of water - and it is not all equal! Generally speaking Washington state has good water, and he enjoys being in areas with good tap water because of the taste and the freedom from having to carry it with him.

Josh is a great example of the positive affects that early diagnosis, carefully managed water intake and diet, and effective medication can have on NDI patients.