Times of India
11, March 2010
By Nirmala M Nagaraj
Bangalore, India

Not all may be blessed with two kidneys. Take the case of Kiran Raj. This 19–year–old PUC student from Gulbarga realized he has been surviving on one kidney for almost two decades when he met with an accident. Kiran is now undergoing dialysis at BGS Global Hospital and has registered with ZCCK for cadaver donation.

A bike accident in December 2008 changed his life. Almost 24 hours after receiving first aid, when he still complained of severe stomach pain, he was taken to a nearby hospital. There he was diagnosed with severe internal bleeding and recommended immediate surgery at a Hyderabad–based hospital, where his injured spleen was removed. However, Kiran still complained of problems while urinating, and doctors suggested a CT scan be done. The results were shocking. Kiran had only one kidney right from his birth! Surprisingly, neither his parents nor was he aware of this all these years. Post–accident, Kiran’s only kidney was damaged. A blood clot resulted in lack of blood supply to the lone kidney.

Dr S Padmanabhan, chief nephrologist, BGS Global Hospital, said: “It’s a rare case, but it’s possible to lead a healthy life in that state too. That’s why Kiran never realised it.” “I have been a rather healthy child. In fact, I never sensed any symptom until I met with this accident. But delayed treatment has damaged my kidney,” Kiran told TOI.

Physical agony apart, Kiran has missed a year of college. Lack of good dialysis facility in Gulbarga saw Kiran and his family shift to Bangalore. “I undergo dialysis four days a week and each session costs Rs 1,200. Daily medication costs up to Rs 2,000 per week,” he said.

A shocking revelation for his parents, Kiran’s mother was more than willing to donate her kidney to save her son’s life. Unfortunately, she’s been diagnosed with diabetes. While the hunt for a donor continues, Kiran remains at the mercy of life–long medication.