Scarring on small kidney after chronic kidney infections

[Mpr2]

Hi I had an ultrasound last year and they said my left kidney was much smaller than the other and had scarring on it. I’ve had several bad kidney infections over the year and get on average 3 a year even with all the precautions they recommend.

I have now had consistent aching in my kidney for months, but have been unable to see someone about it as there are delays due to covid. Does anyone have any recommendations for me - diet wise or what could be wrong with me? I have had blood and urine test and they said they’re fine, but there’s clearly something wrong !

[Love101cats]

Just a few words of sympathy. Times have changed and we are no longer a priority. Ive had the ultrasound over 4 weeks ago and no results yet. Nothing sent to my g.p. so im stage 4 but don't know what the problem is. It is the most frustrating thing to know you are ill but be stuck in this tunnel with no light at the end. I have a young friend with what seems to be kidney failure and she has been waiting over two months for her ultrasound. I wish someone could say dont worry, they will catch up soon but im not optimistic at all. But you have raised a serious issue and it will be interesting to see what response you get and whether anyone out there is listening!

[Bassetmommer NKF Ambassador]

Hi Mpr2,

When you say they told you your labs were fine, do you know what that meant? You want to check for GFr and creatiine levels but there are even more indicators for kidney disease. It is possible for you to have a good function, even with a small kidney. the complaint about the pain however might indicate that you have another infection and you need to get your doctor to look at that. Does your doctor do telehealth visits? If nothing else, have a lab draw done to look for infection. Call you doctor and be presistant.

[CatOnACloud]

Id go to the emergency room with your history and current pain because infections don’t wait for Covid to end! They can at least check your WBC which is an indicator of infection. I’d also ask if you take any NSAIDS? Ibuprofen especially? I have renal colic (pain) brought on by any NSAIDS so ibuprofen is a no-no, even though I have much pain needing them. It’s very simple to have blood labwork done via emergency room even if you are there many hours! It’s only your kidneys…you must fight a bit more. Be the squeaky wheel. It is too important because what you lose in kidney function you can so rarely recover. Best.