Why would a kidney with no function hurt?

[Keke1234]

Hello my boyfriend who is 24 is going to dialysis due to his chronic kidney disease however he is having extreme pain in his kidney and we don’t understand why. Also has anyone experienced trouble breathing or fluid build up in the lungs even if dialysis wasn’t missed and you watched your fluid intake? What could we do at home to make him more comfortable so he can sleep?

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hi Keke,

I would post your question in the follow sister sites. They maybe able to help you more. But I would definitely ask his doctor and team about why he is in pain.

healthunlocked.com/dialysis... healthunlocked.com/nkf-dial...

[Sammi_n_Munk]

Hello Keke1234. I’m sorry to hear about all of the distress your boyfriend is suffering. I do have to say, I am not on dialysis, however, I have, and still do suffer from fluid retention, and the respiratory issues that come with it. I understand the discomfort of having to struggle to breathe, especially at night (I have to use a CPAP machine to help with that.)

Honestly though, the only way you’ll be able to find some type of resolution to this is to seek the help of his CKD care team. Even his family physician should be able to offer some guidance, or a referral to a nephrologist or respirologist, if necessary, in order to get him some relief. Breathing issues are not something you want to wait on as these things can escalate quite quickly and cause further damage in other ways (as was the case with me some years ago.)

I know it’s somewhat more difficult to reach doctors in person these days with the coronavirus crisis going on, but perhaps even by telephone, his doctor should be able to address this somehow.

I wish the both of you all my best, dear. Do take good care of yourselves. Please keep us posted as to how you come along. God bless. 🙏😊👍