Living with a Single Functional Kidney
Greetings, I am a 33-year-old man who has lived my entire life with just one functioning kidney. So far, I have experienced no problems. My current Glomerular Filtration Rate (GFR) stands at 88. Recently, I underwent imaging, and it revealed that my non-functional kidney has significantly increased in size and is suffering from severe hydronephrosis. At first, the nephrologist reassured me that it wasn’t a major concern, although I was referred to a urologist for further evaluation. The urologist now recommends performing a robotic nephrectomy on the kidney that isn’t functioning. Interestingly, my nephrologist has suddenly expressed high regard for the urologist’s opinion, suggesting we should heed his advice. I am open to the idea of surgery; however, I find myself questioning whether this is a routine approach since I have never encountered urinary tract infections, kidney infections, or any associated pain.
Answers (1)
4/1/2025, 3:40:34 AM
OpenHealth AI
It’s great that you are being proactive about your kidney health, especially given your unique situation with having one functioning kidney. Let's break down the key points concerning your condition, the recommended surgery, and what to consider.
Key Points:
- Current Kidney Function: Your GFR of 88 is within a normal range, indicating that your functioning kidney is doing well.
- Non-Functional Kidney: The increased size and severe hydronephrosis (swelling due to fluid buildup) of your non-functional kidney can pose potential risks over time, even if you aren’t experiencing symptoms currently.
- Surgical Recommendation: A robotic nephrectomy (surgical removal of the non-working kidney) is often recommended to prevent complications, and it's not uncommon as a standard surgical approach in similar situations.
Explanation:
Hydronephrosis can indicate that the kidney and its surrounding tissues are being damaged due to the buildup of urine, which might lead to infections or other complications in the future, even if you're asymptomatic now. Surgical removal can help prevent these risks and alleviate any potential future problems. Nephrologists and urologists often work together on such cases, and their opinions align toward minimizing long-term health risks.
Next Steps:
- Seek Information: Learn more about the robotic nephrectomy procedure. Ask your urologist about the benefits, risks, and recovery process to fully understand the surgery.
- Consider Second Opinions: If uncertain, getting a second opinion from another urologist or nephrologist can provide further clarity and reassurance.
- Discuss Your Concerns: Talk openly with both your nephrologist and urologist about your lack of symptoms and your worries regarding surgery. Their insights can help you weigh the benefits and risks effectively.
- Monitor Your Health: Continue to monitor your kidney function through regular check-ups. If you experience any changes in symptoms (e.g., pain, changes in urination), report these to your healthcare team immediately.
Feeling uncertain about a recommendation for surgery is entirely normal, especially when you’ve been stable for such a long time. Make sure your questions and concerns are addressed fully to help you make the most informed decision.
Related Questions
Semen Analysis Results: Assessing Low Motility and Vitality — Are They Temporary due to Stress?
Hello everyone, I’m a 36-year-old male and I recently received the results of my first semen analysis. I’m seeking to determine if the findings indicate a significant medical issue or if they are possibly linked to situational factors. Here’s some context that could be relevant: - I experienced considerable stress during the week the test was conducted. - My sleep quality was particularly poor the night before the test. - Since the collection took place at a clinic, I felt high levels of anxiety and minimal arousal. - Additionally, the sensation during ejaculation seemed weaker than what I normally experience. Here are the key results from the analysis: - Volume: 2.3 ml - Concentration: 30.9 million/ml - Total sperm count: approximately 71 million - Morphology: 9% (WHO reference is ≥4%) - Progressive motility: 18% (considered low) - Total motility: 36.7% (on the lower side of normal) - Vitality: 39% (low range) - No infections detected, no agglutination, and low white blood cell count The lab remarked on the presence of asthenozoospermia and necrozoospermia, indicating issues with motility and vitality. I also have some pertinent medical background: - I underwent orchidopexy as a child, resulting in one testicle being somewhat smaller while the other appears normal. - A recent urine analysis yielded normal results. - I am experiencing no pain and have shown no indications of infection. Here are my inquiries: - Is it plausible that acute stress, lack of sleep, and anxiety during the clinic visit could lead to significant reductions in motility and vitality in just one analysis? - Considering the normal sperm count and morphology, does this situation imply that the issues might be more functional or temporary rather than permanent? - Should repeating the semen analysis under more favorable conditions be the next logical step?
Is it Safe to Apply a Separated Ointment?
I have a one-month-old daughter who has been dealing with a yeast infection, for which her pediatrician recommended Miconazole cream. After finishing the first tube, I noticed some persistent red spots, prompting the doctor to prescribe another tube. However, I've noticed something concerning with this second tube; it appears to have separated. On squeezing the tube, a white cream and a clear, oily liquid resembling olive oil emerge. Should I attempt to mix the contents of the tube, or is this separation an indication of a problem? I’m unsure whether it is safe to apply this ointment. Unfortunately, my pediatrician’s office is closed for the weekend, and I've already observed that my daughter's rash is beginning to reappear after just half a day without the ointment.
Concerns Regarding My Father's Prostate MRI Results
Greetings, I'm reaching out because my father, who is 71 years old, recently underwent an ultrasound that revealed a nodule. His physician suggested an MRI for further examination, assuring us that there was no immediate cause for alarm. However, the findings indicated a PI-RADS score of 4, with a nodule measuring about 0.5 by 0.6 cm. This nodule, located in the transition zone, is non-encapsulated and poorly defined, though there are no indications of it extending beyond the prostate. His PSA level is 0.96 ng/mL and the PSA density is measured at 0.03, with the prostate’s total volume being 34cc. I find myself anxious over the PI-RADS 4 classification, as it suggests a relatively high risk for cancer, even though the PSA levels appear to be more reassuring. Thankfully, my father is asymptomatic and appears to be in good health. A follow-up appointment has already been arranged, but I’m curious—should I be concerned about any urgent implications or potential serious outcomes from this situation?
Concern Over Cystic Lesions: Seeking Clarification
Greetings, I’m a 23-year-old female recently diagnosed with adenomyosis and polycystic ovarian syndrome following an MRI examination. While I have a scheduled consultation with my doctor in a week, I find myself anxious for clarity on certain findings from the MRI report, which I am sharing below. The report indicates the presence of: - A thicc-walled cystic lesion exhibiting peripheral wall enhancement, approximately 2 by 1.6 cm in size, located in the right ovary, with noted thin internal septation and irregularities in the internal mucosal structure. - A smaller cyst, measuring about 2 cm in diameter, also in the right ovary, displaying thin internal septation. My primary concern regards the thick-walled cystic lesion: could it be benign, or should I be alarmed, indicating a need for further evaluation by my gynecologist? I understand that smaller cysts are generally not a cause for concern, but I wonder if this applies only to those that are uniformly shaped and possess thinner walls. The MRI was performed to evaluate potential endometriosis. A previous transvaginal ultrasound ruled out deep infiltrating endometriosis, prompting the MRI to ensure no abnormalities were overlooked, especially given that my calprotectin level was significantly elevated at over 1000, despite a colonoscopy revealing no signs of inflammation, along with reports of resistance detected externally from the colon suggesting the possibility of endometriosis. While I await my appointment, I would greatly appreciate any insights into these findings. Moreover, the MRI results also highlighted mild pelvic congestion and a small amount of free fluid in the pouch of Douglas (POD). --- Background Health Issues: I experience postural orthostatic tachycardia syndrome (POTs) and chronic hypotension.
Can Blood Test Results Be Inaccurate?
Background: 23, Assigned Female at Birth (AFAB) I undergo testosterone cypionate injections on a weekly basis. As a trans man, I have been receiving testosterone therapy for four years. Recently, I switched to a new hormone specialist and underwent blood testing with him. Historically, my testosterone levels have typically fluctuated between 400 to 600 ng/dL. However, the results from my recent test showed a concerning level of only 67 ng/dL. I have been diligent about my injections, although I did miss one month a few months back due to mental health challenges. Is it possible for testosterone levels to fall so drastically after just a month without a shot? I had the test done six days following my latest injection. I'm left wondering if this level drop is plausible or if it could indicate a mistake in the lab results.