[thelegges]

Originally Posted by DAVES

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.

I guess I am lucky, I use VA physicians and staff, I go to Ann Arbor, and Gainesville. My experience is very different.
My oncologist appointments are 1/2 hour scheduled, but most of the time we run over, with questions and possible issues. Both oncologist have a fellow, but my time is with the Doctor’s.
I have had the same Primary for 8 years, his appointments are 45 minutes plus since he cover most everything. Then if beyond his scope of practice a specialist appointment is made for same day. Staff has not changed and are very easy to work with. I can message with an issue and within an hour I have an answer, or a consult for speciality appointment.

After 45 plus years in Surgery, with private physicians for care, I was spoiled. Need an appointment, texted Doctors cell, he either dropped down to the OR, or I ran up to their office for a immediate appointment.
I was diagnosed with cancer at 4:30pm, and scheduled for surgery 8am next morning.

[Bridget Staunton]

We, humans, only use one kidney the other is a spare. My friend was born with one kidney and she is now 60 years old, had children, worked and is a great lady. Enjoy life & don’t worry. God is good

[Ddoozan]

I was born with only one kidney. I played football, basketball, etc. Did not discover that I only had one until college. I just need to be careful what medicines not to take. Of course, with stage 3 chronic kidney disease, I need to be careful of Covid, as well.

Overall, I can say that it has not had much impact on the quality of my life.

[Flyers999]

Not a problem. I've been living with one kidney since my late teens. My left one was polycystic and apparently never worked very well which I didn't find out until they removed it.

But it's not about how many kidneys one has, it's about one's creatin level in the blood. My one kidney works better than most people's two.

Get a blood test and if your creatin level is too high, be especially careful with drugs and alcohol.

[RICH1]

Originally Posted by Rich Iwaszko

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!

I have many friends that function and live their daily lives with one kidney! They are now in their 80s and enjoy Golfing, Tennis and bicycling.. Good Luck to you Prayers coming your way!

[PAEddie]

I lost my kidney to cancer in 2009 at age 70 and I'm still going strong. At least for an over- weight, soon to be 83 in August.
I try not to eat red meat very often and I still like vodka and bourbon drinks, which I guess I should not. Good luck with your surgery. Mine was done at Fox Chase Cancer Hospital in Philadelphia.

[Regorp]

Originally Posted by Rich Iwaszko

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!

My wife has one kidney since 2005 and has done many of the things she always did, but diet changed some and no alcohol. She also had stage 1 breast cancer and doing great after that as well. Good luck, my friend.

[bargee]

Born with only one kidney am now 85 years old.Never knew it until 5 years ago.Served in the Army spent 16 months in Korea in 1954-55.Came home went to work as a Telephone Repairman(Outside Line Repair) Served my community as Vol. Fire EMS for 28 years.Moved to the Villages in 1999,play golf twice a week.I think you wiil be just fine.

[oneclickplus]

Originally Posted by Rich Iwaszko

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!

My dad lost one kidney in his early 20's. He lived to 95. Other than telling us about it, I observed no issues or restriction in his life. He had no diet or other limitations. And his remaining kidney was not the reason he died.

Makes you wonder ... if we have two of some organs, shouldn't we have two hearts? Maybe an extra pancreas? And how about growing back missing limbs like newts and salamanders?

[Elvis 1]

Iam a Kidney Donor for my sister 15 years ago. Now the criteria is NOT as strict as anyone is a possible donor.
This transplant was a result of a hereditary condition also which 4 out of 6 siblings carried. All have had transplants. The other 4 from those who were not siblings.
Both our kidneys are fine and very healthy, although my sister and other siblings must watch other conditions of organs.
It has NOT impacted our activities in any way with the exception of being cautious.
All our health providers are aware of the one kidney and routine checks keep things
positive. Infections being the greatest concern.
Being a donor IS a great honor and giving years to anyone a privilege.
This IS a way to avoid the trauma of dialysis and shortened lifespan.
Good Luck and rest assured there are choices.

[lyndastahl]

I had my kidney removed in 2005 due to stage 4 kidney cancer. My life has not changed.
I just had to watch what meds I take.
Just eat health and keep hydrated.
Every six months I see my nephrologist and have blood work done. This will tell you how your one kidney is functioning.

[ems291]

I lost my rt. kidney to cancer 3 years ago . No problem except that use should have a low salt diet , no beer (wine OK) and no no saids and drink plenty of water.

[barral]

You can perfectly fine with one kidney. In 2002 I had my left kidney and adrenal gland removed. I saw absolutely no lifestyle change. In 2016 I had my other adrenal gland removed. I currently take 2 supplemental steroids and I’m doing fine.

[House of Dawgs]

50+ years ago my right kidney & two thirds of my left kidney were surgically removed (reaction to vax). I have bee bopped thru life with 1/3 of a kidney with no restrictions, issues or meds. It is kidney function that is important, rather than amount of actual kidney. Rather than leave my heart in San Francisco, I left my kidney(s) in Norfolk, VA! All the best

[Carla B]

What all of these replies have in common: There is no common cause why people lose a kidney. Could be genetic, could be a rupture due to high blood pressure like my spouse's, could be cancer, could be a reaction to vaccine, etc., etc. What the replies do demonstrate is that living with one healthy kidney doesn't cause the quality of life to suffer.