Djmiles
Barndoor Holroyd
A bit naiive I know, but what are the implications of only having one kidney?
Are there any long-term problems to living with a single kidney?
Taken from Kidney Research UK
Most people with a single normal kidney have few or no problems, particularly in the first few years. However, some longer-term problems have been recognised and most doctors believe that people with a single kidney, particularly from birth or during early childhood, should be followed up more closely than people with two normal kidneys. Children who have had a kidney surgically removed may have some slightly increased chance of developing abnormal amounts of protein in the urine and some abnormality in kidney function in early adult life. Similar abnormalities have been found in individuals born with a single kidney. In addition, there is a greater chance of developing a slightly higher blood pressure than normal. The decrease in kidney function is usually mild, and life span is normal.