Hello, I'm new here, so I hope I'm posting this question in the right place. I have so many questions I'm not sure where to start.

Is anyone here familiar with Renal Artery Stenosis? My son (he's 12 now) was diagnosed with it almost 2 years ago, after a routine doctor's visit revealed he had high blood pressure at that time it was 140/90. He was started on BP meds, which over time has been increased to three different types, seven pills a day total. In November after he had another MRI, I was told the stenosis was on both sides. His blood pressure has been on the rise over the last few weeks, it has been as low as 135/80 and as high as 148/94 (resting). For a while it was averaging around 130/80.

He is supposed to have an angiogram done, but I am still waiting on an appointment for that. Can anyone tell me what to expect from it?

I would like to tell him what it will be like but don't know what to say. Do they sedate the patient for it or do they just numb the area where the needle goes, or does it depend on the situation.

He goes for blood tests tomorrow, and we will get the results in a couple of hours because his potassium levels have been a bit high in the past, and he has needed medication to bring it down.

I had better stop here before this turns into a book! Thank you, any help would be appreciated!

Hello, I'm new here, so I hope I'm posting this question in the right place. I have so many questions I'm not sure where to start.

Is anyone here familiar with Renal Artery Stenosis? My son (he's 12 now) was diagnosed with it almost 2 years ago, after a routine doctor's visit revealed he had high blood pressure at that time it was 140/90. He was started on BP meds, which over time has been increased to three different types, seven pills a day total. In November after he had another MRI, I was told the stenosis was on both sides. His blood pressure has been on the rise over the last few weeks, it has been as low as 135/80 and as high as 148/94 (resting). For a while it was averaging around 130/80.

He is supposed to have an angiogram done, but I am still waiting on an appointment for that. Can anyone tell me what to expect from it?

I would like to tell him what it will be like but don't know what to say. Do they sedate the patient for it or do they just numb the area where the needle goes, or does it depend on the situation.

He goes for blood tests tomorrow, and we will get the results in a couple of hours because his potassium levels have been a bit high in the past, and he has needed medication to bring it down.

I had better stop here before this turns into a book! Thank you, any help would be appreciated!

what exactly is renal artery stenosis? I have kidney stones and developed high bolld pressure after the second lithotripsy treatment which was done with a stent unlike the first litho treatment which did not immediately result in high blood pressure. My third treatment for stones was one where they went in through the bladder and used a laser to crush stones. End result was even higher blood pressure and stone still in both kidneys. Now 4 years later, the stones are very larg in both kidneys and ureter. I don't want another procedure using a stent because it may be causing the high blood pressure by damaging the kidney. So, I ask, what is renal artery stenosis?
thanks :confused:

Hi whatswhat, gee I'm sorry to hear of all the troubles you're having. I hope you are able to find some treatment to help you.

I will try to answer your question. Renal artery stenosis is a narrowing of the artery that supplies the kidney. It can cause high blood pressure (secondary hypertension) which is usually hard to control. In older adults it is usually caused by a plaque like build up on the walls of the artery. It can also be caused by fibrous tissue, as in my son's case. The treatment options include angioplasty, stenting or by-pass surgery. Although the doctors have not decided the best course of action for my son yet.

He just had one of his BP meds increased, so hopefully that will help until something can be done.

I hope I was able to answer your question.

If anyone can give me an idea of how I might be able to prepare my son for the angiogram, I'd be really grateful. It has been scheduled for February 8.
Also, does anyone know if an angiogram will show if any shrinkage of the kidney has occurred? :confused:
Thanks :)

Is he having the angiogram in a hospital?
Usually they have written material explaining the procedure and someone there can answer any questions.
Did you ask the Dr.'s office to give you more info?

It is a relatively simple procedure done by a radiologist, Much like a cardiac cath. Usually light sedation, if blockage is found they can usually stent right then and the need for all the meds is decreased. Some bedrest is required for a few hours after the procedure to make sure there is no bleeding from the catheter insertion site .

I would direct my questions to the people doing the procedure, every situation is different and he is a child so his procedure might differ from that of an adult.
You can also search online an find a wealth of information.