how long a person can live with one kidney
I am really worried about my cousin who just found out that he’s gonna have to remove one of his kidneys due to a cyst that's been causing some problems. He’s only 30, super active and healthy otherwise. Like, we used to run together and he’s always hiking or biking! I keep thinking, how long a person can live with one kidney? And if he has to deal with this, what should he expect going forward? I mean, is it gonna be a huge shift in his lifestyle or what? He says he feels fine now, but the doc said he has to do the surgery soon since the cyst could cause complications. I keep hearing mixed things from people, some are like “oh, you'll be fine” and others say “it could be tough.” It’s driving me crazy not knowing how long a person can live with one kidney and how it affects life later. Should he be worried about his diet now or after the surgery? Do people with one kidney have to deal with issues like high blood pressure more often? Like, will he have to go to the doctor more just to keep an eye on everything? Any insights would help me helps him feel more relaxed about this whole thing.
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Doctors' responses
Living with one kidney is actually quite common and can be just as normal as having two, especially if the other one is healthy. Your cousin can expect to live a normal lifespan with just one kidney, provided he maintains a healthy lifestyle and keeps up with any recommended follow-up care. Since he’s already active and fit, these habits will work in his favor. Post-surgery, the remaining kidney will generally increase its function to compensate for the loss of the other one over time. However, the lifestyle adjustments might not be as drastic as some people suggest. Monitoring blood pressure is important because people with one kidney might be at a slightly higher risk of developing high blood pressure or protein in the urine, but this doesn’t affect everyone. It’s important to keep regular check-ups with his healthcare provider to monitor his kidney function—it’s typically just routine screening tests. In terms of diet, he should aim to eat a balanced diet low in salt, saturated fats, and processed foods, which is advisable for general health anyway. There might be specific dietary recommendations from his doctor depending on his kidney function post-surgery, but it often won’t require drastic changes. Keeping hydrated and not overdoing it on protein is also usually suggested. As for activity, as long as his doctor gives the go ahead, he should be able to return to the sports and exercises he enjoys over time. Just after the surgery, he will need to follow his healthcare team’s advice about activity restrictions. The key will be regular medical follow-ups after the surgery and maintaining a heart-healthy lifestyle—these will help your cousin feel more confident about living with one kidney.
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