can a person survive on one kidney
I am in a bit of a pickle and really need some clarity not sure where else to turn. A couple months ago, my cousin had to get one of his kidneys removed due to some big health issues. He's doing okay now, but honestly, I keep thinking about this question — can a person survive on one kidney? I mean, I know he can live with only one, but like, how does that really work in terms of health, long-term effects, you know? Before the surgery, he used to complain sometimes about kidney stones and other issues, but now he seems to have a better diet and more awareness of what might harm his remaining kidney. What freaks me out is the idea that losing one kidney could mean extra stress on the other, and how does that affect his overall health? I heard some people say they know folks who totally live normal lives after losing a kidney, but is it always a guarantee?? Or could there be future problems? Just trying to wrap my head around the whole “can a person survive on one kidney” situation. Is there something specific he should be doing to support his lone kidney, or any red flags we should watch out for? I could really use a good dose of info here!
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Doctors' responses
A person can definitely survive and live a healthy life with one kidney. In fact, many people are born with just one kidney and may not even be aware until later in life. Your cousin’s remaining kidney will usually take on the workload of both, often enlarging a bit as it compensates. In terms of health and long-term effects, if the remaining kidney is healthy, he can expect to lead a normal life. It’s crucial for him to adopt a kidney-friendly lifestyle, which it seems he’s already started by maintaining a balanced diet and staying aware of what might harm his kidney. Specifically, watching salt and protein intake and staying hydrated are essential. Regular check-ups to monitor blood pressure and kidney function are wise because high blood pressure can stress the kidney over time. Keeping an eye on red flags like changes in urination habits, swelling in hands or feet, or consistent fatigue could be important. While losing a kidney does not usually guarantee problems, it doesn’t come with an absolute guarantee of having none either — kind of like with any major health factor. Ensuring a healthy lifestyle and regular medical follow-ups will generally put most worries to rest. Emphasize the importance of regular health checkups with his healthcare provider, who can tailor advice based on his specific needs and health status. Reducing the use of non-prescription pain killers like NSAIDs, unless certainly needed and advised by a doctor, can also protect kidney health. This pragmatic approach doesn’t come with a 100% guarantee that no future issues will occur, but it significantly reduces the risk.
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