Piling up.
“I have some health issues that I haven’t told you guys about.” My dad said to us Monday night. All I could think was, “Not cancer, not cancer, not cancer…”
It’s not cancer. It seems my dad is having kidney trouble. He has had kidney stones for years and years, and one of the last times he had surgery, the doctors had trouble getting to one particularly large stone, and it sounds like they did some damage. He had some functionality testing done and it seems that left kidney has just stopped working. Nadda. Not doing what it’s supposed to. He knew we were waiting to hear the news, so e-mailed my brother and I when he returned from the doctor:
Well, the bad news is my left kidney doesn’t work anymore due to the blockage I told you about. The good news is, so be it…So, basically the recommendation is to leave the non-functional kidney where it is unless it causes trouble down the road. If it does, it comes out. If surgery is required, the procedure is common but nowhere near as invasive as it used to be. I am told that the risk is low of it causing a problem, so that’s the way we’ll leave it for now. Just thought you would like to know. Not to worry then, I’ll be fine. I just have to take good care of Kidney RS (right side). Love you, Dad
I know people can function with one kidney, but I’m still really scared for my dad. All of a sudden we haven’t spent nearly enough time together. What happens if his right kidney has problems down the road? He’s only 53! When I hugged him that night he felt smaller to me somehow, like my arms went all the way around his body too easily. I felt like I was eight years old, scared about the fact my dad, my solid parent, is aging.
Needless to say, that appointment I talked about avoiding last week? It’s been made.
How is it possible that a photo from 1983 looks that antiquated? Is that car in the background a Gremlin?
Hang in there with all the family stuff. Sounds like you’ve got some good support at least.
He’ll be fine. People survive with only a part of one kidney functioning. I only have one kidney that works well, the other one is damaged, don’t know why.
It’s a lovely photo of you two.
Like I said via email – thinking of you and praying for you. xoxoxo
I’m so sorry to hear of all that you’re going through. I hope this might offer a little bit of comfort: my mom is 60 and has the same kidney issue. One of her kidneys has been functioning less than 30% for a year or so, but the other one is fine, and she has no major health issues. Her doctors have told her the same thing: that if the non-functioning one starts causing more problems, then they’ll take it out. She really is fine with just the one kidney functioning properly. Trust that your dad’s body knows how to use its own built-in backup system – that’s what the second kidney is there for! You and your dad are in my prayers today.
It’s scary isn’t it? Bossy feels you: our DADS! But seriously some people live their whole lives with only one functioning kidney. Best wishes.
I hope it gets better for you soon.
I’m sending good thoughts your way! and if you need an ear (eye?) I’m here.
I’m sorry, Amy. But as many people have said already, your dad’s very likely to live perfectly fine with just one kidney. Sending positive thoughts and energy your way. Pass it on to your Dad, k?
All Adither: It’s a Capri, not a Gremlin.
Thank you so much, everyone, for your kind words of support.
xo back atcha.
Not matter what anyone says about him being ok with just one kidney your fears are real and valid. Parents aging is always a scary thing. Its reminds you of your own mortality as well as theirs. Just try to breathe deep and remember that its all a part of life and that you CAN handle it hon. Praying for you and yours.
So sorry to hear about this. I know what you mean. It is so strange to suddenly look at your parents one day and realize they are aging.
Thinking of you…