Recently had an abdominal ultrasound that apparently showed a widening of the tube from the R kidney to the bladder. My family dr. felt the gallbladder was the problem, and sent me to a surgeon. He feels the lower right quadrant pain and back pain is urological. He has ordered a cat scan with contrast and BUN and creatine tests. I have also had upper GI, small bowel follow thru, and a colonoscopy all in the last two months. Should this have shown up somewhere before this? I feel like I'm getting tossed around a bit. The pain is deep in,right at the hip bone. I have a feeling of fullness after eating, and nausea that comes and goes, but the LRQ pain is almost constant now. Feels like someone is in there twisting. No pain or burning with urination, but pain spreads across the whole lower area then. I had major abdominal surgery a year ago and I assume its poor muscle tone. Does any of this ring true to anyone else? Thanks and sorry for the lengthy post.

Hi,
Sorry you are going through all this. I would think the cat scan would show something. I have similar pains a couple years ago and they did a vaginal ultrasound and found the pain from ovarian cysts. The feeling full was a symptom I had then too. Hope you get to the bottom of the problem. Angeline

Thanks for you response. I'm second guessing having the scan done, as it seems there have been enough tests already done already, and I can find little on the net that says a dilated kidney/ureter is a serious problem. I mean I've had the pain for quite a while and I'm functioning okay. It hurts to bend over, and I assume thats my back anyway. I want to know what is causing the right front pain, but is it worth the expense to have the contrast scan done? What is the result or danger of a dilated ureter. I have no signs of infection. I hate to pay for yet another test to find is only a nuisance type problem.

It depends on why your ureter is dilated. If it dilated and urine is still flowing I guess it is not such a big deal, but if your ureter is dilated from being blocked that is a big deal because the urine is backing up and then causing your kidney to dilate and you will lose kidney function because of it. The scan will show if it is blocked and where. I found out last June my ureter was blocked and was 3 times it normal size and it also caused the kidney to dilate as well. I have lost kidney function in my left and getting it removed soon. Get the test done to find out.

Got the bloodwork results and the BUN was 16, creatine .08. Both within normal ranges. If there was a serious problem with the kidney wouldn't these be elevated?

No all my blood work came back normal. I think if it just one kidney the other will take over and most everthing will be normal, if it is two kidneys then it would show up on your blood work.

Had the scan (no contrast) and IVP done but waiting for results. What would possibly cause a kidney to dilate. Just a blockage? Is it possible for a fistula to have caused it? Why do the techs always ask if I've had chemo when they are trying to start the IV for the 3rd time? My veins are bad I guess.

so...dr.'s receptionist says the results showed "everything is "functional" and that means good." I did ask for a copy of the reoprt and she advised me to get the disc from radiology as well. I see the GI dr for a follow up to the colonoscopy last dec. and will take them with me as well. I assume all is well and the right side pain is simply from adhesions or I have an extrememly low tolerance. I will continue to eat small frequent meals so the uncomfortable fullness is lessened. Thanks to all who offered up advice.

Had the scan (no contrast) and IVP done but waiting for results. What would possibly cause a kidney to dilate. Just a blockage? Is it possible for a fistula to have caused it? Why do the techs always ask if I've had chemo when they are trying to start the IV for the 3rd time? My veins are bad I guess.

No contrast, is that because of low renal function? In a patient with low renal function the CT contrast can actually do more harm to the kidneys. In an MRI it can cause a severe reaction since although MRI contrast is not nephro-toxic, it is not being cleared quickly.
Hmmm, some techs are good, some not so good, at starting an IV.
Chemo can make veins tough and needles don't go in as easily, instead slipping along or past the vein.

A great article I happened to read today is titled "Inexpensive Drug Found Best for Protection From Contrast Agent". It was published on February 26/08 and is about a very interesting topic.
Apparently, a 25 cent pill -N.acetylsteine- was found to provide the best and most consistent protection from nephropathy caused by iodine-based contrast imaging agents. That is great news indeed. I didn't know why they always test the kidney function just before proceeding with catherization. I did know that one can go into a renal failure as a result of a reaction to the agents they use. I thought that a concern for our welfare was the only reason for the kidney function testing prior to these invasive procedures. Apparently, the agent that is easier on the kidneys is much more expensive compared to the regular stuff they prefer to use. (I learned this on the heart board). If this new pill works as well as they claim it does, it is great news all around. :)

flowergirl