severe back bain on right side

For about a month now my dad has been having severe pain in his lower right back.  Over christmas, I convinced him that it could be something with his kidneys and he needs to go to the doctor.  After Christmas, he went to the doctor and had some tests run. They checked his urine and said there was blood in it and gave him some medicine for a UTI (not sure what kind).  They did blood work for amylase, creatine, BUN, and some others I don't remember.  Also a few days ago did a CT.  The doctor said all of his blood work came back fine, but he still has blood in his urine.  He said that there is something bulging from the CT and they don't know what it is.  Also, a few days ago he started getting really bad pain in his upper abdominal area.  Some general info: 49 male, he has lost a little weight latley and been very tired.  I was thinking maybe he had kidney stones but the doctor has no idea what's going on.  He drinks a lot of hot tea, probably 10-12 cups a day. Any thoughts on what could be causing these problems?

[girl522]

Also forgot to add that he sometimes has trouble starting his urine and that his father passed away due to prostrate cancer.  But the doctor felt his prostrate and said it felt fine.  I just don't know what else to look for.  I have just recently taken a physiology class and have been scouring my textbook and friends nursing book and just can't figure it out.  Since I figure if he has kidney, pancreas or prostrate problems the urine test and blood test should have picked it up right?

[abcsoup]

Hi there, make absolutely SURE they are running PSA tests on your father.  Especially when prostate cancer runs in the family.  Blood in the urine and difficulty with the urine stream can both be symptoms of prostate cancer.  It's probably not the cause of his symptoms, but it's better to be safe than sorry. My father was diagnosed with prostate cancer in 2002, and all of the urologists at Mayo Clinic told us that my son (his grandson) needs to have his PSA check starting at age 30 since prostate cancer was now in the family.  Good luck and don't let up on the dr.s until they figure out what is going on.

[abcsoup]

Oh, one more thing..the only way they found my dad's prostate cancer was by psa.  His DRE (digital rectal exam's were normal).  His psa was at 0.47 for a 55 yr.old man, which is only slightly elevated, and they chose to do a biopsy, which confirmed the cancer.

[abcsoup]

That is great news...that is a good thing they checked.  Good luck with finding out what is causing the symptoms!

[girl522]

I just spoke with my mom and she said they did the PSA and it was normal, but thank you for you help.

[girl522]

Thank you for you advice.  My dad had an MRI done today and they said he has a tumor on his spine.  Relieved that we know what is wrong, but afraid what lies ahead.

[girl522]

Thank you for you advice.  My dad had an MRI done today and they said he has a tumor on his spine.  Relieved that we know what is wrong, but afraid what lies ahead.

[Ramando]

I am trying to come off 160mg of Oxycontin 5 rimes a day.  Can I do it all at once or a little at a time. I realize that I have to find another way to deal with the pain I have rather than the drugs.  Any advice on what I am going to go through and for how wl==long, your post would be appreciated.

Ray