Rosann Argenti, first-time author of Surgery - How to Rehearse Before You See the Nurse, was 25 when she became the only one in the family to inherit PKD from her mother.

As a licensed massage therapist, jazz ballet instructor and Tai Chi Master, diet, physical fitness and overall health care had always been priorities in Rosann’s life. Although she didn’t suffer from any complications of PKD at first, when Rosann turned 44, she began to experience unusual heath symptoms, such as abdominal swelling, migraines and a loss of appetite. Rosann remembered her diagnosis of PKD but was told by numerous medical professionals that her kidneys were fine, and they couldn’t help her.

Rosann became discouraged, but her boyfriend, Ian, refused to give up hope. He began to research PKD and happened to stumble upon the PKD Foundation. Finally, Rosann’s two and-a half-year search for answers came to an end. Through the PKD Foundation, Rosann learned that she was part of a very small percentage of PKD patients who suffer from polycystic liver conditions and not the normal polycystic kidney conditions that accompany PKD.

Rosann’s liver was covered with cysts. She was told that she would need to have liver resection surgery, where fifty percent of her liver would be removed as well as her gallbladder. Rosann felt completely overwhelmed and anxious about the generalizations that surround any and all surgical procedures. Her fears were heightened when she was told about the 50 percent chance of “post-operative morbidity” and other serious difficulties she might incur from the procedure.

Surgery was new and challenging for Rosann. After her unsettling experience searching for a diagnosis and her emotional journey through surgery and recovery, Rosann decided that she had to do something to try and help others prepare for their own procedures. Rosann felt the only way to really help others was to write a book about her experience. Surgery - How to Rehearse Before You See the Nurse was written to guide and support readers through the processes of educating themselves about their condition, finding the right surgeon, preparing for their surgery both mentally and physically, organizing their hospital stay and planning their post-operative care. Twenty percent of the book proceeds will benefit the PKD Foundation.

"Once you come to realize that you are not a victim of life, but an active participant in your life, you will discover that taking responsibility for your health and wellness can give you the inner strength and courage you will need to face and adapt to your condition,” Rosann said.

Rosann’s commitment to the PKD Foundation doesn’t end with her donating a portion of her book sales. She is also hosting bonus breakfast at the National Convention on PKD in June. During breakfast, Rosann will demonstrate core Tai Chi/Chi-Kung exercises and explain the health benefits PKD patients can gain from doing Tai Chi/Chi-Kung.

Rosann’s book is available for $16.99 on the Practical Surgery Guide website.