Kidney stones throwing up other problems.

A couple of weeks before Christmas I woke up one morning feeling as though I'd been kicked in my right kidney by a donkey. GP's appointment same day and I was prescribed co-codemol and asked to return the next day for blood tests.

Blood drawn and sent off for testing. 2 days later I got a phone call asking me to come in and see the doctor (oh, and bring a urine sample, please). That morning it looked like I'd thrown a bottle of red wine down the loo but at least the pain had stopped by then. Test results were unclear so more blood drawn and sent off.

In the meantime I received a letter to attend our local hospital for a scan of the affected area, which was carried out last Tuesday. The radiographer said the results would be sent to my GP in 2 or 3 weeks. On Friday last, I received a phone call at 6pm asking me to see my GP asap next week (I went yesterday morning) as he wanted to "have a chat" about the results. Both V and I were more than a little panicky over the weekend I can tell you - thinking the worst of the worst had been found.

GP said nah no signs of cancer just one or two minor things you should know about. First off, the stone that caused all the problems in the first place is one of many in both of your kidneys but those others are unlikely to be moving around any time soon *phew*. My iron levels are on the low side (borderline anaemic) so he's recommended I stop donating to the vampires every 4 months. Finally, he's going to write to a artery/vein specialist because both arteries below my descending aorta are showing signs of aneurysm

Re: Kidney stones throwing up other problems.

Strange you should write about that because I have had a similar problem. After 4 days couldn't bear the pain so went to my GP, he said I also had a bladder infection, he gave me AB's & sent me for tests & a scan. Pain not much better but then was told to go for a camera in my bladder, went but Doc there said he couldn't do it as I still had the bladder infection & the procedure would make it worse, he prescribed different AB's which worked & on my next visit I had the camera in my bladder, it has a name but I can't remember what. They couldn't find anything wrong, with that or the first scan, blood tests etc. but said they would like to take another scan, I am still waiting for that appointment.
Not as bad as your problems so far.
I think it might have been a stone in somewhere that righted itself passed or whatever. I feel fine now.

Re: Kidney stones throwing up other problems.

The most serious issue is the potential of aortic aneurysm. It's a good job that the kidney stone highlighted that issue. I hope you don't have to wait too long for an appointment.

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I wish ALL Americans could read these posts.

Re: Kidney stones throwing up other problems.

Indeed. Thank God for the NHS, eh?

Re: Kidney stones throwing up other problems.

Right, an update. I went for another scan about 3 weeks ago and followed this up with a chat with a vascular surgeon. He said, and I quote, "I think you're a dead man walking Percy. You have 2 arterial aneurysms. Your right hand iliac artery is 3x bigger than it should be while the one on the left is 50% bigger. You need an operation asap."

GULP!!!

There are 2 corrective operations available - 1 is quick and simple with a relatively fast (6wks - 3months) recovery time (stents up the femoral arteries to where the aneurysms are) or a complete replacement of the descending aorta and iliac arteries. This is the favoured route because the long term risks are far lower (short term 5-7% risk of stroke or heart attack) but the recovery period can be from 3 to 6 months depending on me and how fit I am generally.

My choice and I can't really decide. Val wants me to go the stent route but won't tell me why. (Every time I've ask, she just says it's my choice after all. I really do want to know what she thinks and feels though.) TBH, I'm veering towards total replacement because that will see me out as the stents might fail in 8-10 years resulting, definitely, in the need for total replacement, which would be a much more difficult operation because of my advanced age at that time.

My pre-op assessment is scheduled for this Friday lunchtime.

Re: Kidney stones throwing up other problems.

How fortunate you are that those aneurysms were discovered. I have a friend (now 70) who had the total replacement several years ago and is faring very well.

It's especially good to know your pre-op appt was scheduled so rapidly. Please take gentle care of yourself in the meantime!

Re: Kidney stones throwing up other problems.

PV.

Wish you well and a speedy return to health.

Re: Kidney stones throwing up other problems.

Hi Percy not an easy choice .
Wishing you a speedy recovery whatever option you decide.

Re: Kidney stones throwing up other problems.

Awww percy. Hope things work out for you. Get well soon