15% kidney function for 55yr old male...your opinion on training

Medical Q&A [Moderated]
1

Hey guys,

I understand medical advice for someone that is not a patient of yours is impossible so just looking for an opinion.

I have this older 55yr old guy, 6’6 and 230lbs who needs a kidney transplant and have 15% kidney function. He’s stubborn and refusing dialysis. He approached me to see if I can help him get stronger, his strength is declining real quick. He has a donor but it sounds like the doctors are not pursuing it even though the donor is a match. I don’t have the details so I’ll stick to the training question.

I’ll feel deep regret if I don’t attempt to help him. He has anemia, type 2 diabetes and a few other things. His doctor said “he’s at rick of cardiovascular events and should only do cardio”. I don’t know if this is just standard advice to avoid liability, but not recommending even a little resistance training seems questionable.

Do you guys have any opinions that might help me navigate this guy’s training? I would obviously go very slow, see what he’s capable of and slowly use his own feedback to gauge progress in weights, with whatever movements we do.

Thanks for your time.
Cheers

2

His doctor said “he’s at rick of cardiovascular events and should only do cardio”. I don’t know if this is just standard advice to avoid liability, but not recommending even a little resistance training seems questionable.

Do you guys have any opinions that might help me navigate this guy’s training? I would obviously go very slow, see what he’s capable of and slowly use his own feedback to gauge progress in weights, with whatever movements we do.

Based on what you have said here, I would strongly disagree that “he should only do cardio”. He should do both strength and conditioning.

Your proposed approach – starting slow based on his current abilities, progressing gradually and incorporating his feedback – sounds perfect.

3

I wasn’t sure if there were any other risks or stuff to look out for but sounds like I’m on the right track. Thanks for your reply Austin.