My mother, 53, went to have an MRI a couple days ago for persistant lower back pain (been happening for 2 years, thought it was just a back problem). The MRI showed a kidney problem. She had a CAT Scan the following day and discovered that one of her kidneys was not working. She has had NO other sx other than lower back pain. Dr said she will need to have it removed pretty soon or it could cause toxins. She has an appt with a specialist on Monday. Dr said it seems the one kidney has been taking over for some time. But she did not know cause or anything like that. She did say that she saw no mass or any reason to suspect cancer at all...but that it is filled with a lot of water.

My mom is in great health. Takes good care of herself, not overweight. No smoking. A casual drink here and there. She does drink A LOT of coffee tho. Lipids and blood sugar numbers are always ideal. I cannot imagine why this is happening.

I am very worried. I worry about the surgery, pain after, risks, what if the same thing happens to other kidney...

If ANYone can shen any light on ANY of this...I would very much appreciate it.

TIA

Heather

What was the kidneys problem to have to remove it?
Maybe it is something wrong with the ureters no draining it.Id get 2 opoions.

She just had the Cat Scan on Friday and her GP called her with what results she could see today. She (the Dr) does not know why the kidney isn't functioning. She will be seeing the Urologist on Monday and likely a Nephrologist in Milwaukee shortly after that. We are hoping for more answers on Monday...but just wanted to find out what I could in the meantime...or at least hear the stories of others who have been through similar circumstances.

Water in the kidney can be from several causes and I think jumping to removal may be extreme. Can be ureter problem, UPJ, stones or other obstruction. I would talk to a uro or nephro.

:angel: Hello:

I had my right kidney removed two years ago when I was the same age as your mother. My kidney was totally non-functioning also, but from massive kidney stones. The entire kidney, upper and lower, was completely stoned over.

The surgery was not bad, except for the scar. I was not a candidate for laparoscopic surgery, I had open surgery.

After four days in the hospital I was released. The recovery was not bad. I couldnt lift anything or drive four four weeks. I returned to work 8 weeks after surgery.

Now I am on potassium citrate for prevention. I don't really have pain, and my recovery seems complete. All in all, I am better off without a non-functioning kidney.

Your mother will be fine, don't worry.