Solitary kidney

I have only one kidney (the other was surgically removed after loosing all function) would I be classed as having kidney disease and being vulnerable to flu and covid-19?

[HealthBuddyMelissa]

I would say your doctor would need to say if you qualify as having CKD. As for being at risk you only have one kidney left this new virus appears to cause kidney failure according to some reports. Protect the one you still have.

[CatOnACloud]

I had my right nephrectomy at 17. Back then, in 1989, I was told I would be completely normal. Now, you are considered CKD Stage 3 with one kidney (at least in usa from what Ive read and been told) even if your numbers are more normal. I'd think to be in a risk category you would need to have an immune-suppressing illness going on, but that's my opinion.

[Rene23]

That's a good question, what is your function in your remaining kidney as we know we can practically have a normal life with one, and how is your general health like, and what is your job - are you made vulnerable by others, I guess there are so many questions.....

[Hidden]

Hi nikishell my gp said I am CKD stage 3 and asthmatic with osteoarthritis and fibromyalgia. He said he considers to to be in the at risk group particularly as I am also almost 66. I have regular 6 monthly kidney function tests... I unable to take anti inflammatory tablets as these affect the.kidney and would shorten my life. This is all about my medical conditions and I would suggest you contact your own doctor to ask about your own. Gentle hugs misty xx

[RickHow]

I had one kidney removed in 2017. The morning of the operation I was considered "non-ckd". The first blood test after the operation I was labelled as CKD stage 3. BUT this does NOT mean you have "classic" kidney disease. The formula used to calculate is based on how much Creatinine is in your system. Well when you have only one kidney doing the work of two, the amount of Creatinine in your system is naturally going to be higher. One of the many, many flaws of the formula used does NOT take into consideration if the person has one kidney or two. My doctors all ignore the "egfr" which is used to determine CKD stage.

Instead we concentrate on the Creatinine reading. Does it remain fairly constant. Is their protein in the urine. Since the operation I have bounced around between stage 3b, 3a, and once in a while stage 2 (I get monthly blood tests). I have ultrasounds (at first every 6 months, now scheduled annually), and CT Kidney scan annually. So yes, all your blood tests will scream you have CKD. Now having the one kidney does not make you more or less vulnerable of catching the "flu's". The virus when it is floating in the air, or on a surface you touch, or from contact with another, does not "pay attention" if you have CKD or not. Your chances are equal. Now, once you "catch" a virus you must pay close attention to what medications you are given. No NSAIDS , aspirin, etc. You should force yourself to drink many fluids. Other than that, live normally. Oh, always remember, if you ever go to the hospital or emergency room for any illness to identify you have only one kidney and that you are to avoid contrasts for scans, etc. Although most physicians, kidney doctors, and scan technicians will use a contrast if your egfr is at least 40.

[Pachamumma in reply to RickHow]

Hi Rickhow. May I ask if you have other health issues that give reason for your blood tests and scans or if they are purely as a result of you having had a kidney removed? I'm in the UK and had a kidney removed in 2018 but have never been told about EGFR being less important than creatinine etc nor have I been offered regular bloods / scans to monitor. Thanks.

[RickHow in reply to Pachamumma]

I'll share my story with you. The kidney was removed dude to cancerous tumor. They said at that time there is only a 1 to 3 percent change of cancer returning. In early 2019 it did. To the pelvis and right leg and spine. I part of spine removed and replacement rods put in. Had hip removed where the tumor was and replacement put in. The pelivs receives radiation. All these led to constant scans and I get treatments for the cancer that require blood tests every 3 weeks. HOWEVER!! Even before the cancer my kidney doctor did periodic ultrasounds, blood tests and urine tests. At first every 3 months.

[Pachamumma]

I'm in the same boat and wondering the same thing. I've read that it attacks the kidneys as well as the respiratory system and want to do whatever I can to protect the one remaining kidney I have. I'm still working (with the general public) at the moment and thinking very seriously about stopping going in.

[userotc]

Just seen this thread. There's clearly some confusion/unclear guidance out there. I searched several days ago as my mum is also classed as CKD 3 after 1 kidney removal for tumour. The data I saw indicated CKD is very low risk (not in the designated high ones we all know) but higher than with no health conditions.

She's taking care here in UK but not self isolating. NB she has annual scans, egfr and creatinine bloods although her nephrologist focuses on egfr.