Ultrasound

[cafelover]

Has anybody had an ultrasound done on their kidneys and what do they find out when you do have one? I am scheduled next week!

[Hidden]

It's a simple procedure. In my case, they were looking for kidney stones. Eventually, they did another on my gallbladder and found out I had gallstones. I had the gallbladder removed last October. Because of my meal plan I didn't have to make any significant changes.

Your ordering physician should have explained this to you in order to get your approval.

[cafelover in reply to Hidden]

Thank you!

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hi Café,

Yes I have had several. But then I had a lot of issues with stones. But I haven't passed a stone in over 5 years so no more ultrasounds.

[DadviceTV]

I've had many - very easy. The only time I had an issue was when I was first diagnosed with kidney failure and had a constant dry cough. It made it take a lot longer since I was only able to hold a cough for a very brief period of time. The results of mine have all been the same - scaring and shriveled kidneys. One thing I really like about an ultrasound is they can check on other things while looking around - they always notice my removed gallbladder for example.

James @ Dadvice TV

[rabbit01]

Yes I have had it. Very straight forward and no pain or anything like that. I was the same as Mr Kidney in that they were looking to see if I had any stones or obvious kidney problems. Nothing showed up so they then did an MRI a couple of weeks later. This shows more details and showed scars in my kidneys thought to have been caused by inflammation through IGAN which is an autoimmune disease.

[BabbetteFrank]

Ha! This procedure likely saved my life. The ultrasound was ordered to get a baseline look at my kidneys about a year after diagnosis. As an ancillary finding, I had a very large (orange-sized) tumor in my spleen. I was in surgery within two weeks. The tumor was benign, so all is well. As for my kidneys, L one has a small stone and R one has a cyst; both have atrophied a bit.

[WYOAnne NKF Ambassador]

It's a very easy, quick and safe procedure for anyone with CKD. It's a way for radiologist to look at your kidneys and surrounding area. Can see if you have stones or cysts on your kidneys. Can also measure the size of your kidneys. Your ordering doctor should have explained why the ultrasound was ordered and what he was looking for.

[Marvin8]

I would have my pcp put a diagnosis of "kidney stones" on the test request so as not to bias the examiner as has happened to me.

[Hidden]

I've had several. You get to see what your kidneys look like. I always get a dvd made for myself to take home and show any of my family that might be interested.