Kidneys removed

[Beanbag5]

Hi

Jus a quick question. Has anyone had both their native kidneys removed whether that was because of Polycystic kidneys or anything else. I’m severly hypertensive, had seizures and even been in a coma due to my blood pressure and there is consideration of removing my kidneys but it’s a huge operation. Just wanted to hear from any people with experience

Thanks

[MissMarvel]

Hi 👋🏼. I’m new to CKD, so can’t yet explain a lot or give much advice on the medical side. Something I learned recently, thru 2 close friends having kidney transplants, is that your own failing kidneys are NOT removed in all cases. Interesting. I always just assumed they were. What causes them to need removal AFTER transplant?? So much to learn.

I hope you get some good answers and wish you the best.

[Beanbag5 in reply to MissMarvel]

They aren’t usually removed. Unless the kidneys are causing severe issues or diseased like PKD. I haven’t had a transplant I’m on dialysis but I don’t urinate anymore so removing them won’t really change much except my blood pressure

[aben]

I have PKD and just recently underwent a transplant. They did NOT remove my native kidneys so my response isn't exactly what you're asking for but i figured it might be helpful anyways. I had severe high blood pressure for many years before transplant. I was on 8 pills a day, 3 different medications, only for controlling my blood pressure, which they eventually did a pretty good job of keeping it steadily controlled. I never had severe issues from it like stroke or coma but i did spend many weeks in the hospital and many trips to the ER because of it over the years. Immediately after transplant i was down to only 5mg of amlodipine and was running a BP of about 135/85, and within days of transplant i was off of all BP meds entirely and had a BP consistently in the lowbto mid 120s. They actually had to tell me to add more salt to my diet because they prefer BP to be on the higher side after transplant to keep a high volume of blood passing through the new kidney as it adjusts and settles in. They did say that once things are settled that my pressure might go up a little again, so it's not necessarily cured for life, we have to wait and see, but the new kidney did immediately address that problem and many others. I hope my experience helped some.

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador in reply to aben]

Remember "transplant is not a cure, just a form of treatment". Wishing you all the best. Blessings

[KidneyCoach NKF Ambassador]

Hi there. Yes, I had a bilateral nephrectomy about 12 years ago. I've never had a transplant. Many with PKD end up needing their diseased kidneys removed. Although, generally those without PKD don't need removal as over time kidneys will atrophy or shrink. PKD kidneys can often continue to enlarge even with kidney failure. I found it to be comparable to any major surgery. I will say however my torn rotator cuff repair was ten times more difficult than my bilateral nephrectomy. I was home after 5 days and managed well except for a chronic low bp issue which I needed to be cautious. If you have more questions, send me a private message in chat. Blessings