I have a UPJ obstruction repaired approx. 10 years ago and subsequently had to have stents placed to keep the ureter open. The kidney is permanently enlarged from not being able to drain correctly. This past June, (2000) I had another stent placed because testing showed the ureter was narrowed. That was a total failure. I've asked the doctors to remove the kidney. I have alot of pain, every day. It's like a heavy, throbbing feeling that never goes away. They don't want to remove it because it still functions. I'm desperate to get some relief! Any suggestions out there? The doctors say there is nerve damage and scar tissue from all of the surgeries that have been performed. The only alternative is to be on narcotics for pain relief for the rest of my life. I'm only 35. That's along time to be addicted to pain medicine! Thanks for any responses!

I also had a upj obstruction just fixed in august 2000. I am in constant pain with my right kidney all the time. I have asked my doctor to remove my kidney, but just like your told the kidney is fine it is my ureter that doesnot work properly. All I can say is I am getting sick and tired of my doctors trying to play god with my body. I just want to live a normal life and feel good again. I run temperature constantly 100-101 degrees. Every single test they have done comes back normal. When do the doctors finally say enough is enough and stop playing god and just take out the kidney.

I'm so sorry to hear that you are feeling so bad. I know how frustrating it is. I was in the hospital again last week (the last week of January) because of the severe pain that I was having. All of the tests that I had done came back normal. The only thing that we found different from before is that I have floppy kidneys. Which means sometimes the ureters are blocked until I change positions which then lets the kidney drain. It sounds crazy to me. To have to worry about what position you are in to get the kidney to drain! They will not take my kidney out because it functions. I begged and pleaded with my urologist this past week until I was crying. I was on morphine, that's how much pain I was in. I didn't get any relief in the hospital. I got out last thursday and went to a pain clinic at another hospital on friday. What I found out was amazing and I was so relieved! When I had the first surgery 10 years ago, they removed a rib to get to my kidney. Well, when they removed the rib, they took nerves with it. I understand that the nerves can be peeled off of the ribs and left in there. The doctor didn't do that. He cut the nerves too and took them along with the rib. I got 3 shots in between my 10th, 11th and 12th vertabraes and I had such a relief! I wanted to kiss that doctor! The throbbing and aching were gone within 15 minutes. I'm going back this coming friday for more shots. I may be able to get some shots that will be long term and could possibly help me to be pain free for months. I can't even begin to tell you how thankful I am. My whole outlook is different. I'm able to deal with my daily situations so much better. I also have pain medicine that doesn't make me feel all drugged up but it is specifically for nerve problems. I will not worry about trying to get my kidney removed now but I will have to get these pain shots for the rest of my life. Who should be responsible for that? Should it be the doctor who did the original surgery? I hate to think that but I may just call a lawyer and see about it. After all, I've been in pain for so many years and this is something that I will have to live with for the rest of my life. As for you, can't they replace the ureter? My sister had hers replaced when she was 13, they put some type of tubing in there and she's fine. She's now 37. You may want to check into this. You may also want to try to find a local pain clinic. They are wonderful But do not let them put you on a ton of narcotics. That's not a solution. I feel for you. Please keep in touch and let me know how things go. My e-mail is klw7399@aol.com
Bless you and take care!