New to this site...

[redhead123]

Hello everyone,  I'm new to this site so here is my story I'm a 37 year old mom of one 13 year old daughter.  I had a living kidney transplant March of 2010 by October it went into rejection. I started dialysis in Feb 2011.  I still have the transplanted kidney and was wanting to know if I should get it removed.  If anyone can  let me know please feel free i want to know stories.  Thanks so much

[CebuShan]

       from one red head to another! I'm still working my way onto the list so I have no idea about having the failed kidney removed. You have come to the right place though, someone here at IHD is bound to know the answer! Glad you found us.

[RichardMEL]

mmm I like redheads...

Anyway welcome to you RH123.

Should you keep your failed tx kidney (and by the way I am so sorry you lost it only after a little time - that is very difficult for you and your living donor ) - I have no real stories about it just an opinion. I honestly think, unless there's a medical reason to do it, to leave things be. Why? It wwould be more invasive surgery to take it out - and for what gain? If it were me I'd think the risks of further issues from surgery - bleeding etc - would not be worth it - however I would be SURE to discuss with my tx team, nephs, surgeons etc exactly their view and what they recommend. I would really be guided by the experts in this instance.

Just for the record there is a fellow wandering around India with 5 kidneys!! He's had a few failed transplants and they don't take them out - there must not be any room left! LOL. Also Lori Hartwell, well known founder of the Renal Support Network is onto her 4th tx-I'm not sure if the others have been removed or not.

I would also suggest that WHEN (not if) you are blessed to get another shot at a transplant that would be the time to potentially consider removing the failed one - of course they could attach another kidney to the other side from where the current one is - again I would discuss this with the tx team.

Is there any reason you want it out? Have you been asked to consider it, or is it just that you don't want it there now if it's failed? I'm curious.

I also wonder if, even if it has failed it may still be providing some small function to you which may help in small ways - taking it out may affect that too.

Anyway, good to have you with us on IHD!

RichardMEL, Moderator

[billybags]

redhead123    to the site.

[redhead123]

mmm I like redheads...

Anyway welcome to you RH123.

Should you keep your failed tx kidney (and by the way I am so sorry you lost it only after a little time - that is very difficult for you and your living donor ) - I have no real stories about it just an opinion. I honestly think, unless there's a medical reason to do it, to leave things be. Why? It wwould be more invasive surgery to take it out - and for what gain? If it were me I'd think the risks of further issues from surgery - bleeding etc - would not be worth it - however I would be SURE to discuss with my tx team, nephs, surgeons etc exactly their view and what they recommend. I would really be guided by the experts in this instance.

Just for the record there is a fellow wandering around India with 5 kidneys!! He's had a few failed transplants and they don't take them out - there must not be any room left! LOL. Also Lori Hartwell, well known founder of the Renal Support Network is onto her 4th tx-I'm not sure if the others have been removed or not.

I would also suggest that WHEN (not if) you are blessed to get another shot at a transplant that would be the time to potentially consider removing the failed one - of course they could attach another kidney to the other side from where the current one is - again I would discuss this with the tx team.

Is there any reason you want it out? Have you been asked to consider it, or is it just that you don't want it there now if it's failed? I'm curious.

I also wonder if, even if it has failed it may still be providing some small function to you which may help in small ways - taking it out may affect that too.

Anyway, good to have you with us on IHD!

RichardMEL, Moderator

The reason I was concidering taking out the kidney was because I wouldn't need to take the anti-rejection meds no more.  I still take them but a very low dose.  I was told it was my choice to have it removed when I'm ready.  I had good function of it not much fluid gains and I voided alot, but the last few weeks that has slowed down alot.  You never know what is the best decision will be I didn't know if there was anyone else that had theirs removed or left it there.  Thanks for any advice you have.

[kellyt]

Welcome.     So glad you found this wonderful site.

I was told that should my transplanted kidney ever fail, it would NOT be removed unless it was diseased and/or causing further damage (or would cause damage in the future).  Other than that it would stay put.  When you received your next kidney it will be put on the other side.  There is someone here (I think) that has 3 transplanted kidneys.

I'm so sorry to hear of your problems with your transplanted kidney.  I received a living kidney in Nov 2008 and, thank the Lord, it is doing very well.  I think about it all the time, however, if something were to happen to it.  I can't imagine your disappointment and fear.  Again, I am so sorry.  I think you will have a lot to add to this wonderful site.  I look forward to hearing more from you.  Good luck with your dialysis treatments.

 

[looneytunes]

Hi RH and welcome!   

[willowtreewren]

HI, Redhead!

 

This is s good place for support and information. I'm glad you found IHD!

Aleta

[Rerun]

Hi Red Head and welcome to IHD.  I'm so glad you found us.  My transplanted kidney started slowing down after 17 years.  Not sure it was rejection but the cyclosporine and other meds plus high BP just got to it.  My Nephrologist at the time said they would just leave it  in and slowly bring me off the drugs.  The kidney is no longer sending out messages saying "I'm here" so your body leaves it alone.  But.... mine started hurting and if they pushed it, it hurt so they did take mine out.  They told me that 90% stay in.  But oh no.... mine had to be one of the 10% that HAD to come out.  I felt tons better once it was out.

Rerun, Moderator