July 3rd, 2009 | 
Author: It is important that anyone considering donating a kidney is aware of the risks involved.
Firstly let me say that altruistic donation (the operation and recovery etc) is no different to someone donating to a loved one. Here are some statistics *.
In the UK between 1 April 2009 and 31 March 2010:
- 3,709 organ transplants were carried out, thanks to the generosity of 2,021 donors.
- 978 lives were saved in the UK through a heart, lung, liver or combined heart/lungs, liver/kidney, liver/pancreas, heart/kidney or liver/kidney/pancreas transplant.
- A total of 2,739 patients’ lives were dramatically improved by a kidney or pancreas transplant. 160 of whom received a combined kidney/pancreas transplant.
- A further 3,099 people had their sight restored through a cornea transplant.
- A record number of 552 non-heartbeating donor kidney transplants took place and accounted for one in five of all kidney transplants.
- Living donor kidney transplants are increasing – 475 in 2004-05, 589 in 2005-06, 690 in 2006-07, 831 in 2007-08, 927 in 2008-09 and 1,038 in 2009-10 – and now represent more than one in three of all kidney transplants.
- Almost a million more people pledged to help others after their death by registering their wishes on the NHS Organ Donor Register, bringing the total to 17,400,213(September 2010).
As you can see from the above, more than 1 in 3 kidney transplants are via living donors. There may only have been a small amount of altruistic donors so far, but the law allowing that only came into force at the end of 2006.
Did you know that a kidney transplant from a deceased person – the kidney has a life expectancy of only around 10 years. A kidney transplant from a Living Donor – the kidney has a life expectancy of around 20 years!
Yes there are risks involved. There are in any operation. What must be pointed out though is the doctors would not allow this operation to take place on any individual if the risks were not minimal. The rigorous tests a donor is put through prior to being accepted as a donor makes sure they are very fit and healthy. It was explained to me that a reaction to the anaesthetic could occur. Something unexpected could occur during the operation itself. This is very unlikely but no operation is without some risk however small. There could be post op complications but again, very minimal and doctors are on top of watching out for any complications. It is also up to the donor that once they leave hospital to make sure they take care of themselves during recovery and seek advice from a doctor should they suspect anything unusual. Regular checks after the operation will ensure kidney function is performing as it should.
Immediately after the operation there is a small risk of chest infection, being a non smoker certainly reduces that risk …. but it can happen after any operation, even though the risks are small. A blood clot could form – again very unlikely. I asked what precautions are taken to prevent blood clots and was told that my bloods ability to clot was tested before hand. That for the operation I would wear these special long socks – anti-embolism stockings (do a google but I am not sure if they are full length ones or below knee ones). Some special calf wraps that gently compress the lower leg to aid blood circulation. I would be given heparin to thin the blood slightly. I would be constantly monitored. More details on the above can be given by any Transplant unit or your doctor.
As for living with only one kidney afterwards that does not present a problem to me. The remaining kidney will slightly enlarge as it takes on some extra work. There is no reason why I can’t go back to a totally normal life afterwards. Very active people have donated and carried on with an active life afterwards just as before. Some people are born with only one kidney but don’t know it. They feel perfectly well with just one. I am no more likely to get kidney disease becuase I only have one kidney. Generally a kidney problem would affect both kidneys, so having one would present no greater risk. Playing a contact sport (boxing, rugby etc) where a blow could occur to a kidney should be avoided if possible or a protective belt worn. I don’t think I am likely to take up one of those sports! …. me = wimp! After the operation the GFR levels do drop slightly then then rise again. There can be slightly less function with one kidney but one has to remember that we have a surplus of available “function” that is never used. So a slight drop in function and the kidney still works just as good as before. There is an extra risk of hypertension occuring later in life but a good and healthy lifestyle is the rule to follow. I had all the risks thoroughly explained to me and I asked many questions relating to them. I also did a lot of research myself as to what complications donors have had. Some have had nerve pain for a while afterwards, digestion problems and other things that with time disappeared. Every answer given was more than acceptable to me as a very lo risk indeed. With only one kidney drinking sufficient amounts of water each day is helpful. If possible NSAID’s should be avoided as they “may” cause a problem for the kidney. Normally with two kidneys not a great problem but when you only have one then perhaps being that little bit more aware of what does or does not go into our bodies should be considered. There can also be a huge emotional surge within us. Some people have told me they got quite bad depression, rather like post natal depression that lasted many weeks. If that happens to you, don’t just take it. Ask for help in dealing with it.
To me there is a greater risk each time I get into my car and go on the road where I am likely to come across drivers with no licenses, drivers under the influence, drivers that are just plain bad drivers. They don’t wear stickers on their cars saying “avoid me”. Yet I choose to take that risk. People who smoke know they are taking a huge risk and putting their health at risk. People who regularly go out and drink excessively…. they know they are damaging their health, yet still do it! People climb huge mountains; jump out of airplanes; take part in extreme sports – they love the adrenaline rush and the challenge, yet know there are risks. They are hailed as amazing people for achieving these things – yes they are – they have far more courage than I do. We all do things, knowing the risks, accepting them – yet the risks involved in donating a kidney to me are far far far less than a lot of those risks.
* Statistics taken from here http://www.uktransplant.org.uk/ukt/statistics/statistics.jsp
Tags: 20 Responses to “Living with one kidney – Living kidney donation – risks explained”
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Hi I have a quick question. Pregnant again, only one month after delivering my daughter what are the risks for my body and the new baby?
Hi Lisa,
I am not sure I understand the question. Are you asking about donating a kidney? You would have to wait until after the birth of your child and a while after that so your body can heal.
All the best
Di
Dear all
I have just found out that my boyfriend has only one kidney, and I wanted to find out what sort of food should I avoid cooking and what sort of food a good for him, ie will he be able to eat spicy food (not very hot just a hint) your advise would be much appreciated
Hi Susanna,
Thanks for posting. I am no expert on what are the best or not best foods when having one kidney. From what you have said, it sounds like he was born with one kidney rather than had one removed? If that is the case then actually there are quite a few people that are only born with one kidney and they never know it until they have a check for something. All I can say is what I was told at the hospital after my kidney was removed. I was told to make sure I drink plenty of water to help flush the kidney through. Not to take NSAID’s i.e. ibuprofen or asprin as that can thin the blood and make it harder for the single kidney. Having said that, the pharmacist who told me that, said not all hospitals agree on that, but there is a slight risk when only having one kidney, so to mention that fact to a doctor each time he wants to prescribe something. And lastly I was told just to eat healthily. So I had a Mexican at the weekend, fajitas, only a small one as I need to lose weight (unrelated to kidney) but it was nicely spicy and my weekly treat (which normall is a chinese), I thoroughly enjoyed it and it won’t do me any harm. So basically, as long as the kidney is a healthy kidney then he just needs to eat sensibly. Not too much of sugary things or too much salt etc, that is not good for anyone. The only other advice is if he plays contact sports he may wish to consider a protective belt when he plays. A top famous rugby player, Jonah Lomu, was diagnosed with a rare kidney disorder and had a kidney transplant so only one kidney works and that the one given to him. But he is top of his game and wears a protective belt. So really, nothing special needs to be done except to be sensible with his diet which to be honest we should all be doing anyway. High blood pressure and diabetes are two bad things that can affect the kidneys, so a healthy lifestyle should help avoid those.
As I said, I am no health expert and can only tell you the advice given to me after I had kidney removed. Really he just needs to be sensible and eat healthily but nothing wrong with having a spicy meal occasionally at all.
Hope that helps, but if you are still concerned then get him to speak with the doctor or whoever for their advice.
Di
Thank you Di. As he still has not seen the specialist as yet not due to see him until the29 December can you believe.
He is healthy and he is being more cautious, Your advise really helped and also eased my mine on what he can eat as I do lke to cook and he is my little genea pig for all the recipes that I collect.
Hi Susanna,
Thanks for posting back. If you ever hear of anything he should keep away from do let us know. Good luck for him on 29th December!!
Di
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Hello Di
I hope you had a nice Christams, and Hope you have a lovely New Year.
My boyfriend went to see the specialist today, and we still do not know what he can or cannot eat, as he still have to go for more test ie MRI and CT and blood test, Urine test, so there is still a long wait, but according to the specialist said he should be find if he eats balance meal, but still not sure, as my best mate said that he should avoid spicy food and oily food so not sure as yet, but I will let you know more when i find out.
Susanna
Hi Susanna,
Yes had lovely Christmas thanks, hope you did also.
When your friend says to avoid spicy and oily foods really he is saying what the specialist is saying .. eat healthily. You can eat spicy foods, just don’t have them every day. As for oily foods … you need to keep away from stuff like fried foods, and foods cooked in the bad oils. If you need to use oil for cooking with use say olive oil which is healthier for you. But this isnt just for people with one kidney, this is for everyone. No one should be eating lots of oily foods or spicy foods say every day.
Well balanced is what is needed for foods. i.e. not too much of anything but also making sure you get enough proteins and other things that the body requires. Keep away from processed foods, definitely keep away from hydrogenated fats. Eat veggies and fruits as well as the healthy meats i.e. chicken, turkey is high in protein and good for you .. without the skin! Don’t fry the foods if you can help it. If you do then use extra virgin olive oil.
The only three things I was told about regarding eating and one kidney was keep hydrated. That I did anyway as I always drink about 1.5 litres water per day. Watch the sodium (salt) intake. A lot of foods are high in salt anyway, so try not to add any to cooking. Careful on buying Lo-salts as often the potassium then shoots up in the salt. Keep away from NSAID’s medication. Otherwise I was told to just eat healthily. I was told I could eat whatever meals I wanted (taking into account not too much salt etc) but not to over indulge in any one food and to make sure I ate a balanced selection of foods. To put it simply, eat healthily, whether one or two kidneys.
I see no reason for you to stay away from cooking spicy foods as long as it is not every day of the week. Again it boils down to “well balanced” foods.
Where possible get organic foods, fresh foods. If you buy packaged foods check the additives and preservatives and if you don’t know what each of the chemicals do, then research on google and make a decision as to whether harmful or not. Something used occasionally can be perfectly OK, but if used every day may not be OK …
Really, just make sure meals are well balanced, dont over indulge in any one type, keep low on the sodium and only use oils for cooking with if really necessary and then preferably something like extra virgin olive oil. This is for everyone, not just someone with one kidney.
Why is your boyfriend having his kidney tested, do you suspect there is something wrong? In which case there may be dietary restrictions which only the surgeon or hospital dietician can give you advice on.
If you really are worried, then ask the hospital if your boyfriend and you can see the hospital dietician ….. as really that is where the best advice can come from, as I don’t know the health of your boyfriend but the hospital does.
Keep in touch
Di
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Hello,
My father had a kidney operation two years back as his one of kidney(left one) was damaged PUJ obstruction. Now He is having one kidney(left one). Its size is 9.5 cm. Before operation its size was 12 cm.I want to know why it has got decreased.Is there any risk associated with it or the size still is in normal state.
Hi Partha,
I am no medical expert at all. You really do need to speak with your father’s nephrologist to discuss this. Maybe the illness made it large and now it has gone back to normal? Or maybe there is something that needs looking at ….. I really do not know. Please speak with nephrologist to get it explained to you. Sorry cannot be of more help to you. But please feel free to post back if you wish to just chat or you can contact me via the contact link at top of this page.
Best Wishes
Di
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There is a serious omission here, and I am experiencing the problem.With only one kidney, a CT scan becames a significant risk due to the contrasting dye used. In my case, after kidney removal due to cancer, the oncologist won’t perform a CT due to the risk of kidney damage.
Hi Rodney,
Thanks for posting. Sorry to hear you have had kidney cancer. What a worrying time for you.
I think the difference here is that when donating a kidney both kidneys are very healthy. Yes I agree if one already has kidney damage then the dye used in a CT Scan might cause a problem, it is a small risk, but a risk none the less and so may not be used on the remaining kidney. In the case of donating though the remaining kidney is a very healthy one and it is very important that as much information as possible is got about the kidney before extraction of one.
Having donated the kidney, yes we are then left with only one and should that one become damaged in the future and require a CT scan then I am sure the medical people will weigh up the pros and cons and act in our best interests.
Here is some information regarding the risks of a CT Scan
“There are a few small risks. The contrast dye used in the test can damage your kidneys, especially if they are already impaired by disease.However, some newer dyes are less likely to cause kidney injuries. If kidney damage does occur, this is usually temporary, although in some rare cases it becomes permanent. If you are allergic to the dye used in the procedure, you may get a rash or your blood pressure may drop enough to make you feel faint until you get treatment. As with x-rays, there is a small exposure to radiation. The amount of radiation from a CT scan is greater than that from regular x-rays, but it’s still too small to be likely to cause harm unless you’re pregnant”
I hope that explains the risks of a CT scan to people reading this.
There are risks to quite a lot of medical procedures. The pros and cons have to be weighed up. It is good to know that the medical people looking after us won’t put us through any tests unnecessarily.
Hopefully before long a dye can be produced and used that has no risks at all.
Thank you for pointing this out to us.
All the best
Di
Dear Di,
Hope you are well, just a quick note to let you know that all went very well with my operation last Monday in Dublin. I was able to leave hospital on the Wednesday and travel accross Dublin to see my nephew who was in the childrens hospital.He is making a fantastic recovery as well and is hoping to be discharged very soon.
I would like to thankyou for your kind words and encouragement you sent at a time when i was extremely anxious.
I hope in the future i can help someone in the way you have helped me.
Kindest regards
Maryxx
Hi Mary,
Thank you sooo much for taking the time to tell me how things went. I have been thinking about you both and was wondering how things are. So delighted your nephew is making such a great recovery – you too! What wonderful news. Please keep in touch with how you are both doing. Bet your family are so so proud of you.
With love
Di
xxxx
i am 62 i would like to donate a kidney is that possible
Hi John,
Thanks for making contact. Yes you can donate at 62 years old. There is no upper age limit, it is all down to how healthy you are. The oldest altruistic donor in the UK to date is 82 years old – so you are just a spring chicken!!
All the best
Di
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hi my name is aqeel I am 22 years old one of uncle got kidney problem he is taking dialysis I really want to give him one of my kidney can you tell me after donation can I live a normal life after that what are the risks of donations??? will u please explain me every thing about donation..
Hello Aqueel,
Yes you can live a perfectly normal life after donating a kidney. We only need one. If you look at the left of this page, at the top is “become a donor” that gives the whole story of my donation, which lists the risks, evaluation tests and everything else you should want to know. I suggest you start with the first link “kidney donor evaluation begins” and read your way through all the posts and comments. You will learn a lot. If after doing that you have further questions then please ask.
Di
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Thanks for all the info, reaching the final stages of the donation process and everything about post op/lifestyle is all reassuring.
Thanks again.
Hi A.J.
So glad this website has helped. Exciting times ahead for you. Would love to hear how it all goes later, if you feel you would like to share.
Thanks for posting
Di
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