Kidney removal

[Tups]

I've just been told I need to have my left kidney removed because it is grossly enlarged and beyond repair. Has anyone else out there been through the same? I'd be interested to know what to expect.

[karenmac60]

My husband had a kidney removed a few years ago in preparation for a possible transplant from a live donor. It was a pretty straightforward operation - much like an appendectomy. He was off work for a couple of months or so, but he didn't suffer any untoward after effects. His kidneys didn't work anymore, so there was no difference to his kidney function. He didn't get that transplant but has had one since and can manage perfectly well on one kidney. I haven't really given you much info here, but if you have more specific questions I'll ask him for you.

[Tups]

Thanks Karen, you've been helpful. I wonder, do you know what happens if the other kidney packs in too? Can you live with no kidneys but on dialysis?

[karenmac60]

Absolutely! My husband's kidneys failed 30 years ago. He didn't have to go on dialysis straight away, but after a few years he started home dialysis. He then got a transplant which lasted 10 years before it failed. He did CAPD for a couple of years which is chemical dialysis. He had a tube that went in his side and 4 times a day he'd pass a bag of fluids through the tube to clean his system out. Some people cope much better with this than haemodialysis (the kind with the machine) and it gives you more freedom, but it caused him too many problems with his blood pressure and infections, so he went back onto haemodialysis for another 8 years before he finally got another transplant. He had a heart attack during the transplant so his health hasn't been great since - but he actually kept really well while he was dialysing. In the 3 years leading to the transplant he had 1 day off sick from work. Dialysis does tie you down and some people don't keep too well on the machine, but if you follow the doctors instructions there is no reasn you wouldn't lead a relatively normal life. Kidney failure is by no means a death sentence - despite what you see on TV -so try not to worry too much about it. I hope everthing is ok for you.
Karen

[Tups]

Just seen your follow-up Karen. Thank you. You've put my mind at ease a little.It's so easy to blow these things out of all proportion when it's alien territory! I already have mild heart failure so wasn't expecting to have another complication to my life! I shall plod on though and take each day as it comes! Thanks again.

[karenmac60]

No bother Tups, and if you have any other questions about it I'll be happy to answer them as best I can. Good luck and I hope everything goes ok with you,
Karen x