anyone else here have to see a nephrologist regularly?

[jessica31876]

My last appt I dont even think the nephrologist looked at the current tests. I told him I am still having pain in my kidney areas but they did not see evidence of infection so they did yet another sonogram and it did not show anything. Last one showed stones though but like I told him I have yet to actually see a stone pass every though they tell me I have them. So where are they going. So tonight I am sitting here not in unbearable pain but bad enough to take pain medication and just wondering if I should start all over at a new nephrologist and see what they think or just keep seeing the one I am seeing. I dont have any signs of infection. I just have some pretty bad back pain and side pain down where my kidneys are. Feels like in the past when I had kidney stones. He put me on a diet for high uric acid. I do not eat that many foods on the list. Mostly none of them really honestly but he says my uric acid is really high. I do have hypo-thyroidism as well which is supposed to contribue and controlled high blood pressure. This just sucks spending so much money going to the doctors and not getting any answers why I am still in pain. I cut out tea. I cut out soda. Occasionally Ill have a sprite. I drink juice (100% unsweetened juice and water.) I dont wat a lot of red meats. Seafood is one exception I have to admit I love seafood. I also eat tons of fresh fruits. Ill be calling in the morning to see what they have to say. Im not going to an ER thats for sure!!

[LJSDesigns]

Sorry that you are not feeling well and are frustrated by your care on top of it Jessica. I've had kidney stones twice now and the pain is intense. I also have a thyroid issue so I have to be careful with my diet too. I do not see a specialist regularly but then I try to avoid doctors in general. I do hope you get the answers and the care you need asap.

[webseitler]

I see one regularly, but it's because I am a carrier for a genetic disease that causes kidney failure... so I don't know if I can really help with info about kidney stones.

You shouldn't be in pain. Be sure that you look out for yourself, even if your doctor isn't. My MIL went into the ER for pain. They told her that she has gallstones. She had her gallbladder removed... and woke up with the same pain. She actually had Shingles. Stupid hospital...

[jessica31876]

Nicole I was diagnosed with stage 3 kidney disease summer before last which is why I see him.

[Lyd]

I don't know much about kidney stuff, but I do know about thyroids. I would have your parathyroid glands checked. They are the ones that regulate calcium levels, and if they are messed up, it can cause kidney stones. My brother had problems with kidney stones, had a parathyroid gland removed, and hasn't had any stones since. It might be worth looking into and maybe try seeing an endocrinologist.

Here's a simple blurb from WebMD about parathyroid glands and kidney stones: http://www.webmd.com/kidney-stones/t...topic-overview

[jessica31876]

I have hypothyroidism as well Lydia and high blood pressure. Supposed to be kinda a vicious cycle wit the three but the bp and thyroid levels are pretty controlled with meds. I am not sure if it is kidney related but it does mimic my symptoms in the past

[Starlight-Princess]

Jessica take it from somebody who has severe Kidney problems get a second opinion.
My original nephrologist had me on all the meds and told me that kidney stones and pain were all a part of my problems and eventually they would be able to get the balance of meds and diet right and things would improve. However when the tests didn't show any stones and I was still having the same symptoms and getting the same excuses I finally had enough and requested a second opinion.
When I visited the new nephrologist she told me and I quote "if you are in constant pain and not passing the stones then there is a big problem".
I am nowhere near over my kidney problems its a long long journey but having a nephrologist tht listens really helps.

Hope you feel better soon xxx

[jessica31876]

Thanks Star. I am going to see my primary care and see what she says. This may not even be related to my kidneys. They may need to change my dosage on my thyroid meds or change something else in my medications.

[webseitler]

That's an excellent idea, Jessica.

[AmberK]

A second opinion is always a good idea if you are still in pain and your current doctor is not helping you out. Good luck!