Hi. I am at work now and am in a "waaaaaaay past moderate" amount of pain on the left side of my back, kidney area. I am single and take care of myself and I can't afford to lose this job. I have been to the point of tears today. I don't know what to do! Do I call my PCP or my Urologist? Is it just something that comes with this crappy thing called CKD? Would it have anything to do with my GFR dropping from 56 to 51 in 6 weeks? My dr. appointments aren't for a few weeks yet.

I am literally at my wits end.
Thanks.:confused:

You may want to call both and see who responds sooner. This time of year many of the docs are on vacation and getting an answer from even one is like pulling teeth.

Good luck and if you have to - go into the bathroom - lock the stall - have a cry. If anyone asks you can tell them the truth or blame it on allergies - damn pollen count.

Thanks, you guys. I just called my PCP's office. I told the nurse I had been crying in the bathroom here at work and was in so much pain that I do not know what to do. I spoke with a nurse I am not familiar with, so my doctor will be told and she will (supposedly) call me back. I've only had a renal ultra sound and a lasix washout/scan as far as testing goes. I don't know yet what type of CKD I have. Urology appt isn't until end of July.

Their office told me "it wasn't that bad", though the first time I went there I had blood in my urine and the next visit they did urethral dilation. Ever since that last visit I have had discomfort in my urethra, often just as I am in the process of sitting down.

I don't know what is happening to me; this is all so new to me. I am scared right now and really haven't felt this kind of emotion connected to the CKD before. I know that my problem is miniscule compared to what you all have been through and believe me, I pray for you all every day.
Thanks.

Allie, you are amazing at your ability to help others. It definitely appears to be your "calling". :)

Your response did help calm me. I am afraid to ask if I can go home because I have lost a lot of time from work due to my father dying in January after an awful, horrible 3 months in the hospital and have also taken time for doctor's appts and not just for the kidney stuff.

I am also bipolar and it is one of the drugs I take that caused this all. I will say though, if I hadn't been on that drug (and the many others I take) I know that by now I would be dead, no question. I see a therapist, a nurse praticitioner and a psychiatrist. Now I see my PCP and Urologist also, so you can imagine the time I have to ask for to be away from my desk.

I almost feel like I need to work only part-time, but I am sooooo strapped for $$$ it isn't even funny. Maybe I should pursue that and work at home online or something. Any input on that? Thank God my daughter is grown and lives in Mass, so she doesn't have to be worried so much about me. If I had small children I'd be up the proverbial creek!

Thanks,
Terri

Oops! I just realized that it is impossible for me to work part-time. I NEED THE INSURANCE! Grrrrrrrrrrrrrr....................

Also...as far as the dilation goes, the doc said it was for "measurement". I'm a 20, whatever THAT means....lol!

Also...as far as the dilation goes, the doc said it was for "measurement". I'm a 20, whatever THAT means....lol!

Allie, there is a group out there called Freelance Exchange if you really wanted to work from home. There is a $3 charge per month to post on the site but they do have legit freelance jobs out there.

Terri,

Any better today. Did pcp call back?

Thanks 2plus and allie. I did get ahold of my pcp and they told me to be at their office in 15 minutes. I went and was out of my mind with pain. I was crying and pacing and couldn't sit or if I were standing I was pacing, grabbing onto things, hyper-ventiliating. I told her (it was a partner of my doctor who was out) that I NEVER behave like that, bipolar and all. The bipolar thing is very much under control. I like being sane. :)

She and a nurse decided that by the way I was acting, I must have a kidney stone. Yesterday went for x-ray. They call and tell me they see "no significant calcification". At least they gave my a double dose of Toradol during the worst of it and gave a script for Darvocet. Yesterday I was exhausted, with not as much pain. I am still exhausted and don't know how much work I can get through today.

And Grrrrrrrrrrrr about having to pee through a coffee filter!
I go back on Tuesday morning. I really want to push for a CT scan. I feel like they are not doing enough, but maybe that's the little brat baby in me...lol.

Anyway, I wanted to say thanks and I am so glad I took your advice and went to the doc. You guys saved me a lot of agony.

Peace and blessings to you,
Terri

Oh, and allie...you asked about what meds I am on.
Get this:

Klonopin
Neurontin
Lamital
Wellbutring
Vistaril
Depo Provera Injections

There may even be more...I just can't remember...Gee, how could that possibly happen? And I thought it was because I turn 50 soon! lol

If they haven't diagnosed yet then they should do more. Not all stones show on x-ray so you are not out of the woods yet. A CT scan or IVP should show any obstructions.

Ditto what 2plus posted

Did the neurontin cause your kidney problems? you mentioed a drug in a previous post doing this to you...
Someone else had a problem with neurontin that's why I ask..

Be careful with Toradol that can mess you up also..as with any medication...I've read about the dangers of Toradol and bleeding..

Allie's right. The Toradol works great but any more then 5 days worth can be vicious. It actually DECREASES renal function so please be careful.

Hang in there

Allie..:angel:

How are you feeling?