[SHIBUMI]

hi,
just reaching out for experiences of those with 1 kidney. How has it affected:

1. activities you can do
2. diet
3. anything else you would like to mention

I will be losing one soon and am reaching out for your life experience

thanks, so much!

[rjn5656]

My cousin lost one at age 14. Other than full contact sports (football), he is able to do anything. No limitations on diet. Had a succesful career as a firefighter.

[thelegges]

My spouse lost a kidney 25 years ago, due to renal stenosis, later we found out was hereditary. Still the same active person, but does have to watch protein intake.
Sadly since this was passed down to our grandson . One kidney stenosis In utero and atrophied in the womb. His only kidney is about half the size it should be.

He is now 24 years old his diet has been watched his entire life. His protein does not include red meat. He have occasional chicken, but watches the amount that he eats. He is active but knows when his tiny kidney is not functioning properly.

He has been on donor list since the day he was born.

[SHIBUMI]

thank you very much

[SHIBUMI]

thank you very much!

[Heritage]

Originally Posted by Rich Iwaszko

thank you very much!

Seek advice from a nephrologist
and follow up.

[asianthree]

Originally Posted by Heritage

Seek advice from a nephrologist
and follow up.

Yes a nephrologist is who is your go to, and usually will guide you to a group that is adjusting to life without a kidney, with some in dialysis experience, and a dietitian.
But life experience for something that is an unknown is comforting, from people with experience. So asking for personal loss of a kidney is like a group discussion, with good, bad, and sometimes ugly.

[manaboutown]

My barber who is in his mid 80s is down to 1/2 a kidney. One kidney had to be removed, then half of the other. Believe it or not he still is in his shop cutting hair. His kidney loss likely arose from COVID-19 Virus complications as the other two men in his shop had it. I did not ask him the cause.

[Carla B]

Thirty-seven years ago my husband lost a kidney from a sudden renal aneurysm. He was a self-employed electrician with a mostly industrial clientele base, subject to being called out at any hour to trouble shoot large equipment. He was young, strong and very active. Two weeks after the diseased kidney was removed he was back working. The lack of one kidney has never affected him except for having to control blood pressure and stress level. No change in diet.

[DAVES]

Originally Posted by asianthree

Yes a nephrologist is who is your go to, and usually will guide you to a group that is adjusting to life without a kidney, with some in dialysis experience, and a dietitian.
But life experience for something that is an unknown is comforting, from people with experience. So asking for personal loss of a kidney is like a group discussion, with good, bad, and sometimes ugly.

Re: A doctor and LIFE medical advice.
Truly sad state of affairs. Doctors are sort of on a treadmill. Scheduled, 15 minutes per patient. How do I deal with this? They do not have the time and often do not have the ability. What you will get is you numbers are and it is in range, too high, too low.

Medical care in the Villages continues to be a shock to me. Oh, you need to see a kidney expert. Everyone is a specialist. It is all connected. If, one thing is bad it effects other things. IT IS ALL CONNECTED. I miss my previous doctor. He knew my parents, my sister and I later discovered my sister's daughter. He was a friend when I needed a friend as well as a doctor. When , he kept you waiting he apologized. Even that seems to be strange in Florida medical practice. We schedule people an hour before we see, you, we then send you in to take your weight and blood pressure.
By the time you see the doctor an hour and a half later. Teasing but it is to check how much it will raise your blood pressure. Asside, my previous doctor to my surprise is still practicing. He must be close to 90.

[fishon]

Other than avoiding some over the counter medications, go on and enjoy life.

[Retiring]

Humans seem to adapt well to one kidney. My only observation is my uncle that had an infected kidney removed when he was 17, he is now 85, looks 60 and very active. He has no diet restrictions except one that he self-imposed when he lost the kidney. He drinks only water. It’s been only water for the last 68 years. I think he’ll easily hit 100.

[SHIBUMI]

thank you all for comments, much appreciated

[Madelaine Amee]

Originally Posted by Rich Iwaszko

thank you all for comments, much appreciated

.... and you got through this thread without one nasty sarcastic comment from a would be joker. IMHO you are the very person TOTV is designed to help. Your life is being turned upside down, you probably lay awake all night worrying about what may happen and when and by coming here to this chat site you can talk to others who have traveled your path and can give you comfort and good advice.

Another way of learning more is to get into the medical sites of the really big hospitals and clinics. I was treated at Mayo in Jacksonville for kidney and I have a problem I go their website and read what they have to say. Harvard Medical does this too, and probably a lot more of the major medical establishments. But there is nothing quite like being able to chat with people who have had your problems. I wish you well.

[Woodbear]

Wife lost her right kidney to cancer 22 years ago. The only change in her life is she does not take ibuprofen since it metabolizes in the kidney. So be aware of medications.