what is life expectancy for younger patients with stage iv renal failure?My brother is 24 years old. He has had a history of high blood pressure for about 8 yrs. Eventually he went untreated while he was in college (4yrs). He started a new job, got benefits, and then had a physical. His labs were abnormal with excess protein and blood in urine. He had a biopsy which the doctor said he has 16% function of his kidney. If he chooses not to do dialysis and just wait for transplant, what is his life expectancy? He is completely asymptomatic: still urinates, not tired, healthy appetite...
Posted by N
He really needs to discuss this with a nephrologist. With 16% kidney function left he will likely need dialysis soon. The nephrologist can give him a better idea as to when this may be necessary and if he should be placed on the transplant list.
Posted by Memere RN/BA
I don't understand why the doctor didn't refer him to a Nephrologist unless he's already seeing one and why the Dr didn't suggest removal of the kidney instead of waiting for a transplant. If he has stage IV renal cancer and a transplant will heal him, then why not removal. If his kidney is removed, the other healthy one will take over and do the job of both. My dad had his kidney removed when I was a teen. I am now 64 and he lived with one kidney until he died at 78, So I guess I'm just a little baffled about this. Maybe he needs another opinion because if it was me and the cancer is localized to only that one kidney, I would have them taking that out in a heartbeat. Please, ask your brother about this. Was it discussed? Did he say no which I wouldn't understand if he's willing to wait for a transplant. If he's without symptoms, I also don't understand how he can be stage IV. Am I missing something? There is nothing in the report you give to indicate cancer. HIgh protein and blood in the urine can be a number of things. I guess being a medical person I look at all aspects of the problem and I ask a lot of questions. Speak to your brother, You may have heard wrong or he got the misunderstood the information. I really hope he fells better and I pray with all my heart that he doesn't have cancer. God bless both of you
Posted by Shana
He needs to get a follow up with a nephrologist as soon as possible. Just because he is asymptomatic now, doesn't mean that he will for long. Obviously, his body has adjusted to be able to cope with the stress from the prolonged high blood pressure and the undiagnosed low kidney function. He needs to do something now. If he truly does have only 16% left of his kidney function, is that for both kidneys, or only one? If it is for just one kidney, and the other is fine, he can survive without the function of both and not have any prolonged problems. If that percentage is covering both kidneys, he needs to be placed on a transplant list or will eventually end up on dialysis.
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