Because your kidneys are so important, you cannot live without them. But it is possible to live a perfectly healthy life with only one working kidney.

How long can you live without kidneys?

Each person's medical status is unique. People with kidney failure may survive days to weeks without dialysis, depending on the amount of kidney function they have, how severe their symptoms are, and their overall medical condition.

What happens if you have no kidneys?

If your kidneys stop working completely, your body fills with extra water and waste products. This condition is called uremia. Your hands or feet may swell. You will feel tired and weak because your body needs clean blood to function properly.