I Only Have ONE KIDNEY?!?

my grandmother is nearly 90 and in great health she has had only 1 kidney ALL of her life she had 6 kids and is doing better then most people half her age!

Many people live with only 1 kidney. Your body can function normally on 1 kidney. The working kidney enlarges to take over the responsibilities of the non- kidney.

Yes you can have more kids.... the thing you want to watch for is anything that might give undo stress to your remaining kidney. Sometimes children with 1 kidney aren't allowed to play football or other sports just to avoid possible injury to the working kidney.

My mother had Kidney cancer a few years ago and had to have one removed. Things with her are really normal. Talk with your doctor about your concerns though.

My sister found that out too, with some type of normal procedure. Actually, she only has one ovary too! We joke that she came out before she was done baking. :) She is fine, and the doctors tell her she won't have real issues. She is pregnant now, and doing great!

I have two sisters that each have only one functioning kidney. They each have 4 children so there shouldn't be any problems having more kids if you want. They are careful about urinary infections...get seen right away but otherwise you should be fine.

I found out two years ago before I had my daughter that I only have one kidney. I was very surprised, but doesn't change much your body compensates for only having one. You should be a little cautious with salt intake, drinking plenty of water and avoid taking ibuprofen. These things were told to me after I had kidney stones from a kidney specialist and if any problems with urinating or pain get seen right away. You lived your life this long and didn't know you will be just fine.

The other posts you received make a lot of sense but I thought this may help to ease your mind a little too. My mom had the same thing, her 2nd kidney was so small it was barely functional. She lived her whole life without problems and even though her Dr told her not to have any more kids after her first one (my brother is 52 years old now and medical knowledge has come a long way since then) she went on to have 3 more kids. Don't worry and don't let the doctor make it into a big deal.

I too have one kidney. I found out during an ultra sound when I was ill at age 18. I am missing my right kidney and was told I wasn't born with it. I haven't had any issues. However, I was using an IUD for birth control and upon a follow up ultrasound due to pain, I was told my uterus is in a heart shape meaning I have 2 separate uterus' combined so the IUD was not effectively working. I was told that I could become pregnant in both sides of the uterus since both sides have linings etc. I was told by the MD that due to my birth defect of having one kidney, it also affects the reproductive system. I have both ovaries as well! I hope this helps!

Hi B.:

I too have only one Kidney. I was born with a congenital defect which caused my left kidney to be small and filled with infection. In 2004 I had it removed.

Since that time I have had two beautiful children and I lead a very normal life. I generally get a kidney panel once a year to check the function of my remaining kidney, but I will tell you that from my experience that this is NOTHING to worry about.

The fact that you other kidney is larger is also normal given your condition. Mine is as well... It has twice the work to do.

Good luck with your second pregnancy and any future kiddos to come!

Depending one the cause it may be due to a condition or something else.

I currently have one kidney, I donated one to my father. I ws able to get pregnant, and had no complications with having my son with only one kidney. That was an important factor when I decided to donate. If you never noticed before it probably should not be a huge worry, but I would talk to a renal dr to make sure there aren't other issues. I cannot tell the difference between having 1 or 2 kidneys and was told I would never be able to. Good luck.

I was also born with 1 kidney and didnt find out until my first ultrasound with my first pregnancy. It has not caused any problems at all and I was able to be pregnant 6 times. Like the other poster said, many people donate a kidney and live a full life with just one.

It shouldn't have affect on your life now if it didn't before you found out. People all over have one kidney due to donating the other... hence the following information...

www.umm.edu/transplant/kidney/qanda.htm#7

Will giving a kidney affect my lifestyle?

A person can lead an active, normal life with only one kidney. Studies have shown that one kidney is sufficient to keep the body healthy. After recovering from surgery, a donor can work, drive, exercise and participate in sports, though contact sports are not recommended. A donor can continue in all types of occupations, including military duty. Also, being a donor does not impact a person’s ability to have a child.

Women had nephritis, glomerulonephritis according to renal function status of the condition and to determine the feasibility of pregnancy. Also known as chronic glomerulonephritis chronic glomerulonephritis, clinical proteinuria, edema, high blood pressure. With poor renal function in particular should pay attention. Longer course of chronic nephritis, with pregnancy are not uncommon. Pregnancy, kidney burden, prone to these symptoms, patients often feel apathetic, limb weakness, dizziness and visual disorders, and might occur with chronic renal failure and uremia.
Thus, whether the pregnant women suffering from nephritis, may have the following situations:
First, chronic nephritis associated with elevated blood pressure in women, not pregnant. About 75% of pregnant patients with severe pregnancy-induced hypertension, premature birth and fetal death rate is extremely high. Nephritis occurs when pregnant women with pregnancy induced hypertension, causing pre-eclampsia and eclampsia, high blood pressure at this time and accompanied by headache, vertigo, nausea, vomiting and even convulsions. Eclampsia for pregnant women and a big threat to the life of the fetus. In addition to active treatment at this time, the often termination of pregnancy to reduce the burden on heart and kidney.
Second, chronic nephritis, if not returned to normal renal function, increased urine protein, blood urea nitrogen or creatinine in patients with elevated, not pregnant. If an early pregnancy, abortion should be implemented.
Third, women suffering from chronic nephritis, if renal function is normal, a small amount of urine protein (trace or "+"), and stable over time, can be pregnant. It should be noted to rest, increase nutrition, eat more food containing protein, add enough vitamins, diet should be light, not too salty
If you have identified as chronic nephritis, a pregnancy is best to undergo sterilization. Unfortunately, even if the first child died, and do not risk another pregnancy. Clinically proven, every pregnant one will make nephritis sicker, and shorten the patient's life.
According to different degrees of nephritis on fetal development have different effects. Blood pressure levels were associated with chronic nephritis, often accompanied by placental dysfunction, lack of blood supply to the fetus, intrauterine growth retardation, stillbirth, perinatal mortality. Severe nephritis pregnant women, the fetal mortality rate of up to 50%.
I look for it in shijiazhuang kidney disease hospital website.---------------------------------------------------------------------------------tcmremedy