I spent almost 3 years on dialysis waiting for a transplant. nobody grows up wanting to be on dialysis but it was not all that bad. I read books I never had time to read before. I did puzzles and even some needlework while the machines did their job.
for me the worst part of dialysis was the time it took. with a newborn and a toddler it won't be easy for you to schedule it in.
you are the only one who can judge the pain you are in so nobody can make the decision for you.
keep in mind, many people do just fine with one kidney, including those who donate kidneys and those who have transplants. your remaining kidney may very well step up and take over all function if you have the other removed.
do all you can to keep your good kidney healthy, very little salt, lots of water, exercise, healthy food, no smoking, drink in moderation or not at all.
good luck and let us know what you decide.

Charissa, I really like what Spiderwoman had to say.... yes, dialysis is a big change, and something no one would choose, but I think that it helps set our priorities.... there are SO many things that we think are important, busy busy busy, but even like children change us and help us with those priorities, so will dialysis.

At this point, my kidneys are quite large, but for some reason i am not having the pain that others have.... so I don't know what I would do in your case. All I can do it try to encourage you to not worry or fear the decision..... keep sharing with us, and venting your concerns to those who care and understand, so that you can think this out clearly. Blessings to you in this.... it sounds like you have a lot of life to live yet.

I am not in the same place as you as far as a nephrectomy however; I can completely understand PAIN and having a toddler.
If your function is good - then why would you need dialysis? (confused as usual for me) If they removed the left one and the right functions well - that would be a good thing right?
If you keep both and live with the pain for who knows how long or your function declines to 15% or less then you would need dialysis anyway , right?
I so sympathize with you because I know how hard it is to raise little ones and be in pain all the time and not have anything really help with the pain as well as I won't take any pain killers because I have a toddler and I'm a single mom and pain killers have adverse affects on me.
I truly couldn't imagine being on dialysis with a little one because I am a single mom with no family.Maybe some centers have places for kids to play????
If you have others to help you than that may make the decision easier.
I know somedays I would love to rip my right kidney out and throw it in the street.
I'm glad you posted this because it helps me to think about what I may have to face someday and learn from others how they successfully made it through.
I'm prayin for ya and honestly wish I could do more for you.
Peace

Charissa, We have a girl that is having her kidneys removed this very day, it was done at 5:30 this morning. Her name is Pamgirl and you might benefit from reading her posts. She wasn't real honest with the people on DS about the amount of pain she was in, it was horrifing to her and she simple was unable to live with it. She too took many pain meds, etc. that made her unable to function in a daily manner. She couldn't work anymore or take care of her family. So she has made the decision to have both of her kidneys taken out and they did just that this morning. Her husband is going to email me when he can (which I'am not holding my breath for) and I will post to Daily Strength as to how she is doing. She will have to go directly on dialysis after the surgery and will be hospitalized for quite some time. This is not something to take litely and I'am praying that it takes her pain magically away, but also know there are other things like dialysis in her neck, that will be a source of discomfort for quite some time, or at least until a donor is accepted. Surgery is always a risk, let alone to have your kidneys removed. I'am praying for Pam today and pray that she gets the relief that she is hoping for.

This is just an example for you nothing more or less. I too don't have the pain as Heather doesn't. But I have the pain of spinal stenosis and my every growing belly that makes is probably six times worse than it ever was before. How do we live with pain and continue to function as normal human beings and is that possible? Perhaps a professional can answer that question for us. If we can find one that will, that is. I too am at the end of my rope, but know that we have little choices when it comes to pain. I simple cannot imagine taking care of a family with the pain involved with Polycystic kidney disease. Keep talking honey, we are all listening and hearing you.

Love,
Norma..