removing kidneys?

[ccyphert]

My father has been on dialysis for 2.5 years. He has nephrostomy tubes from his kidneys draining into bags, he has had this for 2 years. He keeps getting infections do to these tubes. He just recently moved in with me from Fl, and his doctors in Fl told him to keep his kidneys as long as they were producing anything. Well 1 kidney is completely dead, and the other produces about 5%. The doctors here where I live tell him he needs to get these kidneys out that they are causing him infection.

MY Question is has anyone had both of their kidneys removed and if so how is your quality of life? Are there any downfalls to not having either kidney?? He is already on dialysis 3 times a week, for 3.5 hours each session. I have done tons of searches on the topic kidney removal and I cannot find any information.

My father is getting depressed and is debating only having 1 kidney removed.

Thanks!

Notes: My father developed kidney failure as a result of Prostate Cancer treatment.

[Beth Witten MSW ACSW]

I have known a number of people that have had their kidneys removed for various reasons...because of kidney cancer, infections, large polycystic kidneys, removals of failed transplants, etc.

The main functions of the kidney are:
-- To remove fluid. Normally over time, kidney function decreases and some people on dialysis who still have their kidneys don't urinate. If kidneys are removed, he won't be able to urinate so his fluid limit will probably be less to account for this.
-- Produce erythropoietin to stimulate red blood cell production. Without kidneys to make this hormone, people get anemic. PKD patients often make enough of this hormone that they don't need as much EPO. However, if his kidneys are removed, he may need to start EPO or his dose or frequency may need to be adjusted.
-- Keep calcium and phosphorus in balance and protect bones. He is probably already taking phosphate binders and the clinic is drawing blood so they should be able to tell pretty quickly if he needs adjustment in his medicines.
-- Keep blood pressure under control His blood pressure is checked regularly at the clinic and he may even check it at home. If his blood pressure goes up or down, he should tell his doctor so there can be an adjustment in these medicines.
You might want to read about kidney function on Kidney School (www.kidneyschool.org)


If his kidneys are working as little as you say and he has continuous infection, this places him at risk also. Chronic infection is not good for health or quality of life. If I were you or your father, I'd ask the doctor to give me the pros and cons to taking the kidneys out or leaving them in.

[part23]

Call your health professional if you have symptoms of a kidney infection

http://kidney-infection-symptom.com/