Pregnant with a bad kidney.

[Anna8779]

I'm 21 years old. In November 2007, I got a bladder infection, which turned into a kidney infection the following day. I was on antibiotics and pain meds, and when the pain became unbearable, I knew something was wrong. MY husband took me to the ER, and it turned out I had a deformed kidney that was blocked, full of stones, and I had a stone trapped in my urethra. A kidney specialist actually told my it was the "funkiest" kidney he had ever seen. They put a stint in me for 3 months, and then they blasted the stones with a laser. My left kidney is now about 30% functional. (My right is normal.)

I'm now 4 months pregnant, and having pain on my left side. I would rate the pain at about a 3, sometimes 4, and I usually only notice it when I'm laying in bed, on my back or left side. When it's hurting, taking a deep breath causes sharp pain. I thought that maybe it was just stiff muscles, but now I'm not sure. My doctor wants to do a level 2 ultrasound, and check out my kidney. The pain is nothing like it was when I was back last November, but could I still be having issues? The doctors had considered removing it, because it is so misshapen, and they thought there was a good chance it might continue to cause problems, especially if I were to get pregnant. I'm nervous, because at least last time they were able to give me pain meds, but now that I'm pregnant, I don't know what I can have. Any idea what this could be about?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

How are you? Are there other signs or symptoms present? Considering your medical history, this could be related to your kidneys. I would also recommend the ultrasound to rule out kidney involvement and have a referral to your nephrologist. Ultrasound is a safe procedure and you should not worry about its effects to your baby.

I  also suggest that you inform your Obstetrician for clinical evaluation as well. It is important to know the underlying cause to determine the treatment options suited for you. Drink plenty of fluids, get plenty of rest and eat a healthy diet.  

Take care and keep us posted.

[kjmomma]

Stay away from excess salt.  Don't eat salty foods for starters.  Um....honestly, I would go for a 2nd opinion.  Seriously.  I went for a 2nd opinion and thank God for that, because "they" are the reason I took myself off my meds.  Drugs relieve the pain, but drugs like Ibuprofen, aspirin, acetaminophen actually cause more damage to the kidneys.

So, again...I would seek a 2nd opinion.  Don't just settle with this doctors opinions....removing a kidney is a serious deal.