AskDocDoc
/
/
/
Can we survive with one kidney?
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 55M : 09S
background image
Click Here
background image
Kidney & Urinary Health
Question #12510
182 days ago
287

Can we survive with one kidney? - #12510

Mira

I am kinda freaking out here because my mom's been told she needs to have one of her kidneys removed due to what the doctors say is some cyst or something that could turn into cancer. She’s always been healthy, active, you know? Now I’m stuck thinking, can we survive with one kidney? Like, how does that even work? I keep looking for info, and some places say that many people live full lives with just one, but what does that even mean for her day-to-day? I mean, she’s not super old, but 65 feels like a lot these days. Will she still be able to do her weekly hiking trips, or is she gonna be stuck on the couch for the rest of her life? I read somewhere that after the surgery, the remaining kidney kinda compensates, but how does that happen? Can we survive with one kidney if something happens to the other? I can't stop worrying... I just want to know the real deal. What kind of side effects should I expect for her? And if anyone has gone through this before, how did it go?

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Yes, you can definitely survive with one kidney. In fact, many people live full and healthy lives with just one. When a person has a kidney removed, usually the remaining kidney compensates for the lost one. This process is called “compensatory hypertrophy.” The remaining kidney grows bigger and increases its function to handle the workload previously shared by two kidneys. So, while having two kidneys is ideal, plenty of people get by just fine with one kidney. This is somewhat reassuring given your mom’s situation. Regarding her day-to-day life, after recovery, she should be able to resume her regular activities, including hiking. The main point here is to allow time for healing and follow her doctor’s recovery plan to avoid complications. She’ll likely have an initial period of rest post-surgery, maybe a few weeks, during which she’ll need to avoid strenuous activities.

Long-term, having one kidney usually doesn’t require major lifestyle changes, though her health will need regular monitoring. She should have periodic check-ups to monitor the remaining kidney’s health and functionality. Staying hydrated and maintaining a healthy blood pressure play important roles in preserving kidney function. A balanced diet low in salt and processed foods is advisable. As for potential side effects, some people may experience high blood pressure or reduced kidney function, but regular check-ups help detect any issues early. Your mom might also be counseled to avoid certain pain medications that can affect kidney function, like NSAIDs. In the unlikely event that her remaining kidney becomes impaired, healthcare professionals will assess and manage her condition accordingly. It’s understandable to be worried, but with proper medical guidance and support, many individuals live well with one kidney. Encourage her to ask her healthcare provider for specifics tailored to her situation; they’ll provide the best personalized guidance for her.

19405 answered questions
90% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


can beer remove kidney stones
CKD stage 5 survival with comorbidity
is laser treatment for kidney stones painful
Why kidney gets swollen?
How can I treat akidney stone that has occured again?
laparoscopic surgery kidney stone
What should I do if my 81-year-old father has high creatinine levels and is weak?
What is causing my frequent urination and high blood pressure at 15 years old?
Cystitis found in Ultrasound test
kidney stone laser treatment side effects
stone removal
causes of retention of urine
kidney stone surgery time
how much pygeum per day
urine routine test normal values
how to clear kidney stone
kidney removal surgery scar
what is leukocyte esterase in urine
urine rm normal range
bladder full of urine
what causes a uti
Frequent Urination Concerns in a 15-Year-Old
What to do if my UTI symptoms persist after taking Biofloxx 500 antibiotics?
is soda water good for kidney stones
retention of urine causes
bile pigments in urine meaning
kidney stone ka operation
urine routine and microscopy
Experiencing Blood Clots with Urination and Abdominal Pain
how long do kidney stones last
which organ purifies our blood
urine not coming
what is serum creatinine
High blood pressure ki wajah sekidney affected hua
can we live without kidneys
improve kidney health
kidney stones symptoms treatment
how to relieve bladder inflammation
Can i live with one kidney?
uti which doctor to consult
without kidney can we live
laparoscopic surgery for kidney stones
how to remove kidneys stones by laser
Does beer help in kidney stone?
how does urine infection happen
“Frequent urination, difficulty passing urine, and blood in urine after first intimacy”
charak medicos
Concerns About Bladder Leaks and Urgency
best treatment for kidney stones in india
urine bag capacity
how to take care of kidney health
suffering from chronic kidney disease
whom to consult for uti
living with one kidney after surgery
what is the fastest way to get rid of a bladder infection naturally
how kidney stone pain feel like
Frequent Urination and Blood in Urine Concerns
how to prevent uti
What to do for itching and crawling sensation around the anal area at night — could it be intestinal worms?
how to identify kidney stone pain
Why do legs swell due to kidney problem?
Bathroom karte hue jalan ho rhi hai
renal scarring
what does a bladder infection feel like
Seeking Alternative Antibiotic for UTI Symptoms and Side Effects
Does beer prevent kidney stones?
kidney nephrology
normal prostate size in men
can one survive with one kidney
Is it possible my kidneys are infected if I have a burning sensation when I pee after taking biofloxx 500 antibiotics?
how does kidney stone pain feel like
can people live with one kidney
pathri operation cost
can person survive with one kidney
Frequent toilet any solutions for this
removal of kidney
urine not coming properly
urine not passing
clear urine is good or bad
what are the symptoms of stone
Kidney stone beer is good
how long does a uti last
types of urine infection
what is the most common cause of blood in urine female
acute retention of urine
laser treatment for kidney stones side effects
Pele do pênis não desce totalmente, é fimose?
how to remove kidneys stones
how to sleep with a kidney stent
urine r test means
What is the next course of action for my 81-year-old father with increasing creatinine levels and swelling?
Laser for kidney stones
kidney stone alcohol
Frequent Urination After Cataract Surgery
urinary tract infection uti urine color
Urine instabilities after water intake
Does beer prevent kidney stones?
How can we diagnose Kidney stones at home
Both of my testical is paining since morning
prostate home remedies