Need advice re: removal of transplanted kidney

[Melissa]

Hello!
A month ago I was hospitalized for what the Drs believe was/is an infection of my non-working transplanted kidney (failed in 2006/back on dialysis).  They treated with antibiotics, which reduced the inflammation and pain, but did not 100% take care of.  They are also saying it is possible it could be a rejection.  I have not taken anti-rejection meds since '07.  They do not recommend a biopsy to confirm an infection or rejection, but they do want to remove the kidney asap, to prevent recurrence of whatever it is, eliminate the pain, etc. 
I make very little urine (maybe 1/2 cup per day) and I know the kidney doesn't work, hence being on dialysis, but I am concerned about having the organ removed, not sure why.  I think I am afraid I will need more dialysis - the Drs say I won't, or that not making any urine will greatly affect me.
If you have had your kidney(s) removed, please share your experience with me.....I actually still have my native kidneys (definitely non-working), so having one removed is completely new to me!  Thank you for your help.

[petey]

Hi, Melissa!
My husband Marvin had to have his transplanted kidney removed about a year after he went back on dialysis.  Here's how it went:
-- on dialysis from March 1995 until July 2000;
-- got a transplant on July 26, 2000 (living donor) -- original kidneys left in place;
--everything great until July of 2003 -- signs that his disease, IgA Nephropathy, had now reoccurred in his transplanted kidney;
--transplanted kidney's function dropped to almost nothing in October of 2003 -- dialysis re-started;
--all anti-rejection meds stopped in October, 2003;
--a year later, Marvin had swelling, minor pain, and extreme tenderness in transplanted kidney area;
-- had transplanted kidney removed in December of 2004.

The surgeon went back in the same incision that was originally used to put the kidney in (bottom section of abdomen, near where trunk connects to leg).  Surgeon said the transplanted kidney was HUGE -- had been trapping blood; he said he couldn't understand why Marvin wasn't in extreme pain.  The surgeon also "looked around" while he was in that spot and said that same site could be used again for another transplanted kidney (got our fingers crossed that another will come).

Marvin had stopped urinating about a month after he went back on dialysis, so that transplanted kidney wasn't producing urine anyway.  He didn't need any additional dialysis (treatments didn't change at all).

After two days in the hospital, Marvin came home.  He was on "limited activity" for a couple of weeks, but he was really up and going pretty good after just a week.  He's had no problems (with that) since then.

Hope our experience helps answer your questions.  Let me know if you have more.

[monrein]

My first transplant lasted just over 23 years, then I was back on dialysis.  Ten months later I got a second transplant from my sister-in-law.  Feb. 23, 2009 to be precise.
Labs were great etc but started having pain in my groin and around the failed trx.  They tried tons of antibiotics, things seemed OK but pain would come back in a few weeks.  They thought about diverticulitis, etc etc but no, couldn't find a cause. Two months after the trx surgery, they went back in, right over the old scar and removed it.  Thank goodness.  No pain or issues in that spot since.

If I were you I'd get it removed ASAP.  No point having a useless kidney go necrotic or cause any kind of trouble at all. I understand your reluctance because a transplanted kidney that has served us well, or even fairly well for a period of time, is something that we get attached to in a weird way.  I can't see that it would affect your dialysis.   

[Melissa]

Thank you both!
I feel SO much better to know your experiences, and thankfully my Dr. sat down with me yesterday and addressed all of my fears, even the ones he thought were a little silly.
I am more comfortable with the idea now, and surgery is scheduled for 9/8!
Thanks again!

[Ang]

melissa,


           i  had  my  right kidney  removed  in  jan 07  due  to  pkd,  then  in  08 i  spent  12  months  contemplating  getting  the  2nd  removed as  it  was  some  28cm,when  i  visited  the  surgeon,she  shoved  the  consent  in  my  face  and  said  sign,best  thing  she  did  cause  i  would of  sent  another  year  or  2  contemplating.
she   also  said  i  was  free  to  ring  on  the  day  of  surgery  and  cancel  if  i  so  choose,i  did'nt
for  both  surgeries,out  of  hospital  in  5  days,only  change  at  dialysis is  epo  is  doubled  to  10,000  weekly

please  feel  free  to  pm  me  as  i'm  guessing  i  had  all  the  concerns  that  you  had  and probably more