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without kidney can we live
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Kidney & Urinary Health
Question #16862
4 days ago
27

without kidney can we live - #16862

Janvi

I am pretty worried about something that's been on my mind lately. A close friend of mine was diagnosed with a serious kidney disease, and they mentioned they might need to have one of their kidneys removed soon. Like, without kidney can we live? I mean, I've heard people say you can still function with just one kidney, but I'm not sure how that works exactly. My cousin had a kidney issue once and lost one, and they seemed to do okay after, but what if they end up needing a transplant or something? If we're talking about living without kidney or whatever, what's the long-term impact on your health? I guess I’m just trying to understand, without kidney can we live a normal life? I mean, can the body really adjust in such a huge way? My friend is scared, and I wanna help but all the info out there is super confusing. Anyone else have experience with this? Like, is there life without kidney in any sizable sense? I just wanna know if there are lifestyle changes they should be aware of or if it's all mostly manageable. Thanks for any insights!

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Doctors’ responses

Yes, you can live with just one kidney, and many people do so without significant issues. The human body is remarkably adaptable. When someone has a solitary kidney, either from birth, surgical removal, or donation, that single kidney often increases in size and capacity to compensate for the loss of the other. Typically, one healthy kidney is sufficient to filter your blood adequately. Regular follow-ups with a healthcare provider are crucial to monitor how well the kidney is functioning. Routine blood and urine tests will usually help track kidney health and function over time. It’s vital to keep up with these check-ups to catch any early signs of problems. Additionally, living with one kidney doesn’t generally require a dramatically different lifestyle. However, it might be wise to adopt certain precautionary measures, like staying well-hydrated and maintaining a balanced, healthy diet. Limiting salt and protein intake and avoiding excessive use of over-the-counter painkillers like NSAIDs can also help protect kidney function. It’s important to avoid unnecessary risks that could damage the kidney. If your friend stays vigilant about these lifestyle adaptations, they could continue to lead a normal, active life. Surgical removal of a kidney, or nephrectomy, may be unavoidable in some cases like advanced kidney disease or a tumor. If kidney function drops below a critical level and the remaining kidney cannot adequately remove waste and maintain fluid balance, dialysis or transplantation might become necessary. It’s essential to maintain communication with a nephrologist to address any questions or concerns about symptoms or treatment. Remember, having a support system and someone who understands their condition, like you, can make a big difference for your friend’s mental and emotional well-being.

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