Low functioning kidney after kidney removal

Hi Doris88

Thank you for getting in touch with us. My name is Lynsay. I am one of the cancer information nurses with Macmillan Cancer Support. I hope you have found our online community to be a helpful and supportive environment. It is great to hear that your recent CT scan was clear, but I can completely appreciate that the reduction in the function of your remaining kidney is causing you concern.

Unfortunately, one of the risks associated with having a nephrectomy is a reduction in renal function and while overall function can initially decrease, kidney function can sometimes recover again. A study published in the Journal of Urology examined long term renal function recovery following radical nephrectomy for kidney cancer, this showed that of 1928 people 45% recovery kidney function at 2 years post-surgery.

Your kidney function will continued to be monitored closely by your GP. In terms of what you can do to help support kidney function, diet and lifestyle changes can help. You may already eat a healthy balanced diet and keep active and if so it is good to maintain this. Certain medications are also harder on your kidneys, for example non-steroidal anti-inflammatory pain killers and always check with your GP if you take or start to take any over the counter medications such as vitamins or supplements.

I would also encourage you to discuss your concerns with your GP, long term reduced kidney function can result in problems with blood pressure and chronic kidney disease which is usually managed with medication, however your GP would be able to discuss this in more detail with you.

I hope this is helpful

Best wishes

Lynsay (Cancer Information Nurse)

You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.

Ref: KH

Thank you Lynsay for the reply that is very helpful and it is really appreciated.  

Kind Regards 

Denise