Can a person with one kidney still run ...

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13 Replies Last post: Aug 22, 2007 4:26 PM by dtoce

Cashmason

460 posts since
Oct 29, 2007

Aug 21, 2007 1:53 PM

Can a person with one kidney still run ultra's?

Asking here because I know we have several doctors "in the house". Don't know of any doctors on the ultra board.

Have a friend who was in a really bad motorcycle accident Sunday, while on his way to mark trails for the Angeles Crest 100 mile race, and they removed one kidney. He required 11 units of blood and is still in very rough shape, but we are hopeful that he will live.

If he survives, running 100 mile races is his passion. He just completed Badwater last month, and got his buckle.

Some friends say that ultras are too hard on the kidneys to run with just one. But they aren't doctors. He won't be running for many months if he gets thru this as he will be in a back brace for at least 3-6 months with a cracked spine and damaged liver and spleen. I was just hoping that he will have something to look forward too.

Thanks for any help.

Cash

Sans Souci027

1,204 posts since
Sep 9, 2005

1. Aug 21, 2007 2:20 PM

in response to: Cashmason

Re: Can a person with one kidney still run ultra's?

Not a doctor, Cash ... just sorry to hear about your friend's terrible accident. Right now I hope he summons all his ultrarunner strength and survives this tragedy.

ksrunr

869 posts since
Aug 14, 2007

2. Aug 21, 2007 2:32 PM

in response to: Cashmason

Re: Can a person with one kidney still run ultra's?

Ditto SS - There are a couple NBA players who have been playing with one kidney. I know that's a different sport but sometmes violent nonetheless. Keep us posted.

ksrunr

Stevie Ray Lopez

532 posts since
Dec 3, 2007

3. Aug 21, 2007 3:07 PM

in response to: Cashmason

Re: Can a person with one kidney still run ultra's?

I don't know about ultras, but Hippo and I have a Marathon Maniac friend who runs multiple marathons a month... on one kidney.

She does just fine.

100 milers are a whole different dimension, obviously. Can't speak to that.

But I would expect my friend could do (and maybe is planning on doing) 50ks and 50 milers.

Cashmason

460 posts since
Oct 29, 2007

4. Aug 21, 2007 3:27 PM

in response to: Cashmason

Re: Can a person with one kidney still run ultra's?

Theresa just called both me and Gabor.

Gary just regained consciousness and recognized both Pam and Theresa! They took him off the ventilator and he's breathing on his own, he was also able to move his arms and legs as the doctor requested. Looks like we get to keep him a while longer.

roy c

452 posts since
Dec 14, 2007

5. Aug 21, 2007 3:50 PM

in response to: Cashmason

Re: Can a person with one kidney still run ultra's?

Glad your friend is improving, Cash, I'm sure with the determination it must take to run ultra's that he no doubt has, he will be capable of almost anything.
Roy

hally

1,211 posts since
Aug 14, 2007

6. Aug 22, 2007 10:41 AM

in response to: Cashmason

Re: Can a person with one kidney still run ultra's?

Cash that is good news. I will continue to keep him in my good thoughts.

Barb

dtoce

383 posts since
Nov 10, 2003

7. Aug 22, 2007 11:21 AM

in response to: Cashmason

Re: Can a person with one kidney still run ultra's?

Cash-
The decision to run ultras will ultimately be made by the doctors caring for your friend and him...but having one kidney doesn't preclude endurance training and racing.

I'm more worried about the immediate future for your friend. Trauma of the accident and toxicity of treatment are much greater risks at this point.

Waking up is a good first step.

Best of luck to him and his family/friends.

QuickSilver096

188 posts since
May 23, 2007

8. Aug 22, 2007 2:34 PM

in response to: Cashmason

Re: Can a person with one kidney still run ultra's?

I've been following the reports on your friend and ultra-runner Gary Hilliard. I hope he comes back strong after the accident.

I'm no doctor but I think a lot about the stress on kidneys done by ultra-running. If I only had one, I probably won't be tempted to go beyond 50M. Don't know if there are any studies regarding kidney stress and ultras.

------------------
QuickSilver
-------------------------------
natural running (or how I learned to run from pre-historic predators)

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Cashmason

460 posts since
Oct 29, 2007

9. Aug 22, 2007 2:47 PM

in response to: Cashmason

Re: Can a person with one kidney still run ultra's?

Thanks Dr. Dale.

Gary is now sitting up and drinking water and talking to friends and family. Still on morphene though. They hope to transfer him to a hospital closer to his home later this week.

Thank goodness he works for the county and has good health insurance.

Yes the first concern is for his immediate health.

Some of his ultra friends are talking about his not being able to run distance again, and that would crush his spirit. Right now I think his attitude could affect how quickly he heals.

rosecoloredglasses

861 posts since
Aug 12, 2005

10. Aug 22, 2007 3:21 PM

in response to: Cashmason

Re: Can a person with one kidney still run ultra's?

Cash,
I've been following this, too. My first thoughts were to his current situation.

Your instincts are correct re: his spirits and his recovery. No good will come from negative thoughts or talk.

His ultra friends need not be concerned with "if he'll ever run another ultra."

No one knows exactly how each of his injuries will heal and if he will have any limitations from any of those injuries.

A few Thanksgivings ago, a young guy in our running group was in a terrible car accident. Injuries to his lungs and back and I can't remember everything.

He was in such good shape at the time of the accident, I think that really helped with his recovery.

He has since run many marathons and run them very well.

Your friend has hope, his pre-accident fitness, and his buddies to help him along.

(Plus a good medical team)

Let's focus on what he can do now, what you all can do to help, and let the future be what it may.

Your friend,
Rose (not a doctor, just a nurse)

MustangSally066

643 posts since
Mar 29, 2007

11. Dec 23, 2007 6:10 AM

in response to: Cashmason

Re: Can a person with one kidney still run ultra's?

Don't let me ever hear "just" a nurse again, missy.

Cash, I'm thinking good thoughts about your friend. I hope his recovery is smooth and complete.

ETA: Flippin' coolcode.
------------------
Mustang Sally
Boomers and Beyond wiki[/URL" target="_blank">

http://This message has been edited by MustangSally (edited Aug-22-2007).

dtoce

383 posts since
Nov 10, 2003

12. Aug 22, 2007 3:46 PM

in response to: Cashmason

Re: Can a person with one kidney still run ultra's?

quote:<HR>Originally posted by MustangSally:
Don't let me ~~i]ever]/i~~ hear "just" a nurse again, missy.
<HR>

ditto...an excellent point Sal

most nurses are truly angels here on earth-I know-- I married one

dtoce

383 posts since
Nov 10, 2003

13. Aug 22, 2007 4:26 PM

in response to: Cashmason

Re: Can a person with one kidney still run ultra's?

the more common problem with ultras and kidney failure, as I understand it, is related to persistent dehydration and rhabdomyolysis. This is a muscle breakdown byproduct putting a strain on the kidney(s) and causing acute kidney failure. Many ultramarathon athlete's also take NSAID's for pain and these can cause kidney problems too.

Many people do fine on one kidney for their entire lifetime. I'm not sure how many endurance athlete's have just one kidney or some sort of impaired renal (kidney) function, but periodic lab testing should be done to ensure there is not a change in kidney function with heavy training/racing.

I do not know anyone who wants to go on dialysis. I'll bet any athlete would be happy to change their lifestyle a bit to prevent something like this.

Hopefully, he recovers quickly and is back out doing sports in no time. I'm sure he will work with his doctors to ensure a happy, vigorous lifestyle that keeps that kidney running to the best of it's ability.

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Aug 21, 2007 1:53 PM

Can a person with one kidney still run ultra's?

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