Only one kidney

Hi Janie

I'm sorry I don't have any advice for you other than I'm sure you can live quite well with one kidney. It is upsetting to hear such news of your daughters baby but the doctors will reassure her I'm sure. I hope all goes well for all of you.

I know several people with only one kidney and they lead perfectly normal healthy lives; indeed one donated hers voluntarily to an anonymous non-related donor. They would not have allowed to her to do this if it had put her own life and well-being at risk.

I do not know if there are other considerations when a baby is born with only the one - I am sure the doctors will be able to explain it all.

How exciting - a GD on the way!

My grandmother had her diseased kidney removed at the age of 63. Her remaining kidney was also diseased. In effect she functioned very well on half a kidney for the next 24 years until she died aged 87.
All good wishes for your little granddaughter.

Hello Janie. My best friend and I met when we were both pregnant with our first DC'S, 34 years ago. My friend's DS was born with 1 kidney and they were so worried about him. Her son went for regular checks at the hospital during his younger years, just to make sure that all was well. Both he, and my DS, are now strong, healthy adults; both married and with young families of their own. If you saw Thomas, you'd never know that he'd been the cause of his parents worry all those years ago! 6' 1" and strong and healthy! Please try not to worry. Best wishes to you and your family.

Janie congratulations on the coming granddaughter. You've had reassurance on here, I am sure it will be fine (although I understand that it would be a cause for concern).

But lucky - how can someone with only one kidney donate it? I don't understand.

I think lucky meant the person donated a kidney and was left with one herself!!

Oh, I get it now. She donated one of hers. Too early in the morning for me, obviously

Thank you so much for your kind replies. I am new to this so have posted about this twice!!! Sorry! I will get better at this, I promise!!!

Welcome to GN, Janie. I hope the replies have reassured you.
Enjoy Gransnet now that you have broken the ice, you may even become addicted like I have!

My granddaughter was born with only one functioning kidney, not sure why the other didn't develop properly, but it was removed during the first year. She is now 7 and has had no trouble since, nor is expected to, any more than anyone else. You only need one.

I have a friend who was completely unaware that she was born with only one kidney, until a routine scan revealed this when she was in her 60s. She has led a very active life and, now in her early 70s, is as fit as a flea with none of the common afflictions that most of her friends have started to experience. I also know of someone else whose baby girl was found to have one good and one underdeveloped kidney during her 20 week scan. That kidney eventually shrivelled up and all but disappeared. Her daughter is now a healthy and fit teenager.
So, don't worry, I'm sure your new little GD will be absolutely fine. Many congratulations