Geeta Deshmukh Geeta Deshmukh Asked 9 months ago

What are the side effects of living with one kidney?

My brother had to have a kidney removed due to a medical condition a few years ago. He seems fine, but I sometimes worry. What are the long-term side effects or things to be aware of when living with only one kidney?

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15 answers

Pooja Hegde Pooja Hegde Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago
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When I first lost my kidney, I felt so fragile and was constantly terrified of every little ache, thinking the remaining one was failing. It is a very scary emotional phase to go through, but physically, your body adapts beautifully over time. Please be gentle with yourself.

Sanjay Gupte Sanjay Gupte Joined Apr 2026 7 months ago

I had a donor nephrectomy six months ago and honestly, my remaining kidney has already enlarged slightly to take over the full load. I had some fatigue initially, but now my lab reports are completely normal. Just avoid extreme physical contact sports.

Sameer Roy Sameer Roy Joined Apr 2026 7 months ago

Most individuals with a single kidney live normal, healthy lives without major side effects. However, there is a slightly higher risk of developing mild hypertension or proteinuria in the long run. Regular monitoring of blood pressure and kidney function tests with your physician is recommended.

Shanti Devi Shanti Devi Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago

God has designed our bodies with immense strength to adapt. Keep a positive mindset and trust the healing process of your single kidney. Just take proper care of your daily routines.

Gurcharan Singh Gurcharan Singh Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

Son, I have been living with one kidney for the last twenty-five years after an accident. I raised my kids, worked my job, and retired normally. Just check your blood pressure occasionally and drink clean water.

Nidhi Patel Nidhi Patel Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

From a dietary perspective, you shouldn't consume excessive protein supplements because it puts extra filtration load on your single kidney. Stick to a balanced, natural vegetarian diet with moderate lentils and plenty of fresh, water-rich vegetables like bottle gourd.

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Consult a nephrologist

Amit Sharma Amit Sharma Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

Haan yaar, normal life hoti hai puri, tension mat lo. Bas dhyan rakhna ki bina doctor se pooche heavy painkiller mat khana, na? Vo directly kidney par load dalti hain.

Ram Dulari Ram Dulari Joined Jan 2026 9 months ago

Hamare gaon me ek behen hain jinki ek hi kidney hai, aur vo kheti ka saara kaam aaram se karti hain. Bas dhoop me zyada thakna nahi chahiye aur neembu pani peete rehna chahiye. Sab theek rehta hai.

Sunita Deshmukh Sunita Deshmukh Joined Feb 2026 8 months ago

I had my kidney removed due to a non-functioning state years ago. My personal experience has been extremely smooth, with no special symptoms or side effects except that I make sure to drink a glass of water every few hours.

Ritu Saxena Ritu Saxena Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

I am scheduled to have my left kidney removed next month and I can't sleep thinking about it. Does it cause sudden weight gain or chronic fatigue? I would love to hear from anyone else who has gone through this.

Deepika Padukone Deepika Padukone Joined Mar 2026 7 months ago

Hey, don't stress too much about this! One healthy kidney is more than enough to filter everything perfectly. Just stay hydrated, live your life happily, and keep your routine check-ups on track!

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Abhishek Banerjee Abhishek Banerjee Joined Apr 2026 6 months ago

While many do fine, I faced some issues with high protein in my urine after losing my first kidney. It is not something you can just ignore. Please ensure you do yearly microalbuminuria and creatinine tests under a nephrologist's supervision.

Aryan Khan Aryan Khan Joined May 2026 5 months ago

My friend was born with just one kidney and he literally lives a normal life like the rest of us. He just has to be slightly careful about not getting dehydrated and avoids taking random painkillers without asking a doctor.

Rohini Iyer Rohini Iyer Joined May 2026 5 months ago

Having one kidney means you have to be a bit mindful of your salt intake, which is hard for a foodie like me! I had to cut down on extra salty street snacks and processed foods to keep my blood pressure in check. But you can still enjoy fresh home-cooked meals easily.

Karan Dev Karan Dev Joined Jun 2026 5 months ago

I track all my vitals on my smartwatch, and keeping a check on blood pressure is super useful if you have one kidney. Since high BP can strain the kidney, maintaining a consistent daily step count and monitoring your hydration levels digitally really helps.

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