Does Anyone Ride With Just 1 Kidney?

Bumping this as I have recently discovered my left kidney is causing me problems so poss going to have it removed. Some information would be great. OH recently bought me a decent body protector as he put it 'to look after the one left'!
 
I only have 1 kidney, why would you consider not to ride with only 1. I was told I would live as long as someone with 2, riding as caused me no trouble at all. My biggest problem health-wise is I have a rare type of cyst in the center of my brain which causes me terrible balance problems, but even this as been unable to stop me riding or being around horses.
 
Both my parents only have one kidney - each had one removed, Mum when I was 6, Dad when I was 15 and I'm (mumble) well into my 30's now. They say they were meant to be together as they have a matching pair between them - aaahh.

Neither are riders but it has never stopped them doing anything else whatsoever. If they were into riding (Dad tried for a few months before kidney was removed - was a natural (humph) - but didn't stick at is as too busy) I really can't imagine it would have stopped them or given them cause for concern/second thoughts. Obviously other than the normal risks/sensible precautions we all should take!

If you are having kidney removed, it is not a small operation, so don't expect to bounce back to riding really quickly. Your muscles will need time to heal and build back up to strength. My two tips would be - get a good physio and have a "cough pillow"! A cough pillow is a pillow or cushion always to hand in the first few weeks post op that you can clutch to your front with your arms crossed over it to give your abdomen support when you cough or sneeze. It's amazing what muscles we use to cough and sneeze and several of these will have been disrupted/damaged by the op.

Wishing you all the best and lots of great riding to come!
 
Thanks for everyone's replies. I am considering donating mine so just wanted some experiences of people still managing to ride. Our YO has had one of hers removed due to stones and was told by the consultants to not ride as if she fell off or got knocked it could damage her other kidney. I know in my stubbornness and obvious love for riding, I wouldn't give up, but thought I'd consider the possibility that accidents can happen and if anyone else had been advised to not participate anymore.
 
A friend rides after receiving a donated kidney, she has about 8% function in one of her others and nowt in the other! She is more careful what she rides now these days though (although obviously her working one is in a different place to normal peoples and in some ways a bit more 'exposed')
 
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