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Kidney Confusion
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Hydronephrosis is the medical term. Swollen kidney is what I'm calling it. Last month, I went on an inspec to determine if I met all physical requirements to join the National Guard. It was determined that my right kidney is significantly larger than my left kidney. Despite this condition, both kidneys appear to be working. In fact, the most recent diagnosis stated "normal kidney function."
About eight years ago I thought I experienced a kidney stone and most likely did. However, upon further examination of medical documents during that time, the diagnosis appears to be exactly the same as my current issue: moderate/severe hydronephrosis of the right kidney.
I was obviously frustrated and angry after being DQed by MEPS, not allowed to join the National Guard, and learning that I had been living with this problem for eight years.
I was told that surgery was an option and that, technically, we only need one kidney to live, but I would like to keep both of them.
I'm in the process of scheduling an appointment with a Eurologist and hope that I'll be able to rectify this issue sooner, rather than later.
If any of you have had to deal with kidney issues, I would appreciate any advice you can provide.
Thanks.
About eight years ago I thought I experienced a kidney stone and most likely did. However, upon further examination of medical documents during that time, the diagnosis appears to be exactly the same as my current issue: moderate/severe hydronephrosis of the right kidney.
I was obviously frustrated and angry after being DQed by MEPS, not allowed to join the National Guard, and learning that I had been living with this problem for eight years.
I was told that surgery was an option and that, technically, we only need one kidney to live, but I would like to keep both of them.
I'm in the process of scheduling an appointment with a Eurologist and hope that I'll be able to rectify this issue sooner, rather than later.
If any of you have had to deal with kidney issues, I would appreciate any advice you can provide.
Thanks.
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But dude, if this doesn't hurt your quality of life or life span... I don't see the reason to go under the knife. Will the national guard let you in with just one kidney?
this doesn't sound like you need to have the whole kidney removed as it is just unilateral and probably chronic.
I was already DQed. I think they're under the impression that I may have issues with my kidneys or with kidney stones in the future.
From their perspective, I can understand not wanting anyone with any medical issues whatsoever. However, from my perspective, I'm perfectly fine and able to meet all physical requirements. I go to the gym, I run 3-times a week, hell, I'm even a wrestling coach.
Unfortunately, right now it's very difficult to get into the military. Yes, hopefully I can fix this problem without being cut open.
Now I have to go back to my recruiters and have them mediate on my behalf. This does not seem to be a very efficient way to do business.
And I have difficulty imagining that if they don't take you with one good kidney and one gimp kidney that they'd take you with only one good kidney.
Not sure what a study of Europe will do for you :P
But yeah... the Urologist will present you with options and advice. I wouldn't go forward with surgery unless it was necessary... which I don't know if it is for you... but that's kind of your decision to make. I'm not sure removal of a kidney will help your NG chances unless they DQ'ed you solely because of potential harm the bad kidney could cause.
...but I'm pretty sure having a kidney removed means a diet change as well. Like you can't eat a lot of good stuffs anymore.
If your kidney has been blocked up for eight years and is still worthy of some function, those organs are hardier than I thought.
Are you getting any pains in the general area?
Do you happen to know how they determined that both kidneys are working, despite one potentially being moderately/severely in hydronephrosis? I would have thought that degree of hydronephrosis effectively shut down any decent function in that kidney. What kind of tests have you gone through, apart from bloods?
I'm so curious about this. Keep us updated?
If you've been living with it for 8 years a few extra weeks whilst you wait may not matter too much.
A recent NEJM article seems to show no significant difference in lifespan or quality of life in kidney donors. Having one kidney and also having a kidney disease is definitely an issue, but the independent lack of a kidney doesn't seem to affect things.
Anyway, hydronephrosis is a symptom, not a diagnosis. You need to find someone that can determine the cause, and I sure as hell wouldn't let them cut you without one.
Being that I woke up at around 0400 for this inspec, makes the experience difficult to recall. I think they may have taken some blood. I also remember walking around with a frigging needle in my arm. Then I was told to lie down for a CT scan test. They were about to fill me up with a colored liquid until the hydronephrosis was shown on the CT scan. Then I was brought over to examine the findings.
The Urologist explained that everything seems to be working, but my right kidney is swollen for some reason. If the kidney was not working or completely blocked, I would be experiencing further issues/complications and my left kidney would likely show swelling or some type of abnormality due to it having to overcompensate for the failing kidney.
Two weeks ago I had my blood drawn and tested, and apparently from only having my blood drawn, they were able to surmise that both kidneys are functioning normally.
Sometimes I experience slight discomfort. I always thought this was a normal sensation until I saw that CT scan. I mean, the discomfort level is, like, .05. I only complain about it now, because now I know there's something freaking wrong with my kidney. And, like, if we were to have a pissing contest, I would lose. My range has significantly decreased. I'm hoping I can fix that, as well.
I'm not sure about any physiological changes your left kidney would show if your right is in moderate/severe hydronephrosis, but if it were okay to have hydronephrosis in one kidney and not in another, I'm pretty sure urology consultants wouldn't be going around organising removals of kidneys. Sometimes the hydronephrosis resolves after the obstruction is cleared and that's fine. But it's been eight years? Eight years of pressure building up in your right kidney? I can't imagine it being healthy any more. That's why I'm wondering whether you might have developed another stone. Where is the pain? And you're right in thinking the bladder wall weakness could be related.
Anyway, would you mind my asking the consultant leading the ward round tomorrow about this? If you have any other questions I could relay to him I'll try, he likes taking time out to teach medical students like me.
Oh, and I don't think trusting just the bloods is a good idea, especially if one kidney can bring creatinine/urea into the normal range if it's compensating for a failing one.
Where have you guys got this information from? All of the literature I've seen categorically states the opposite.
My kidneys have been slowly failing due to a viral infection from when was 14, I'm now 27 and down to 10% kidney function. I live an active life, mountain biking, weightlifting, work full time etc. The only difference is lower energy levels than most people due to low haemoglobin because of reduced erythropoetin production. Obviously I'm on borrowed time now and will need dialysis, or a transplant soon, but there is a huge amount of spare capacity there.
Anyway, it's been shown that for live kidney donors (i.e those who have had a kidney removed to give to someone) they have lower rates of kidney problems than the general population, mainly because of the additional health screening they receive to be able to donate. Also, when one kidney is removed, the remaining can increase in size and efficiency to recover some of the lost function (up to 70% total has been observed), though that effect is greater the younger you are.
Anyway, to the OP, I'd agree with the above posters that you need to consult your nearest nephrology department. Joining the National Guard is really probably not worth the risks of surgey unless your health is at risk from the condition.
Yeah, sure, ask him. I'm not experiencing any pain. It's just swollen, I guess. There's really nothing I can do or anybody can do until we can figure out what's causing the swelling. I'm assuming it might be a blockage of some type. But, at least it's working. It's probably really pissed off, but it's working.
Thanks.