I have an immune system disorder called Scleroderma. This disorder is one of several that affect the connective tissue which holds all of our cells together. This connective tissue is called Collagen; thus, the diseases involved with this are Collagen diseases. They include but are not limited to: Systemic Lupus Erythematosis; Rheumatoid Arthritis; Scleroderma; Plaque Psoriasis, etc.

The form of Collagen disease I have can effect internal organs, as well as the skin. About 6 years ago, I had pain in my left side and an exam called an IVP, did not show a kidney on the left side. I assured the physician I had a left kidney as far as I knew. Further tests, i.e., a CT Scan showed the kidney barely and it was ineffective.

After consulting with several urologists, I found a physician who performed a surgery called hand assisted laparascopic nephrectomy. With this surgery, the kidney is so small, it is dissected away with laporascopic tools and removed through the abdomen just below the sternum through a 5 inch incision. The kidney is removed by hand. The surgery was supposed to be easier, but if this is the case, I wouldn't want a conventional nephrectomy. It was a very painful surgery.

It took about two years for my other kidney to adjust to this nephrectomy, which is odd, as the kidney wasn't working anyway. I had a terrible time with edema (swelling) and ascites (retaining fluid in the abdomen). For a while, it was touch and go as to my renal function in general. Many people have the misconception that if your kidneys fail, you don't urinate. You do, you just spill protein and essential nutrients that should be retained by the kidney.

After 6 years, I still have occasional edema, and I still spill some protein. I attribute this to possible collagen disease interference with the remaining kidney, as I have known people who have lived normal, productive lives with only one kidney and haven't even had a problem.

Learn more about this author, D. J. Poe.
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