Kidney Disease and Kidney Cancer

   We have similar situations but actually reverse in order of "what came first"!

   I had metastisized cancer first (prostate) that soon blocked both kidneys. I had been hospitalized three times for kidney failure in the past - but not since June of 2012.

Assumming you have two kidneys but only one functioning:

   My left kidney is nearly worthless - but i have had an internal stent from the kidney to the bladder for 20-months now - even though it needs replacement every 6-months or so. The urologist is typically the person who places or replaces the stent. It is not done by major surgery - or cutting one open.

   It may or may not be a consideration for you. It's existence does not create pain (except minor pain the first few days of placement). I do believe it alleviates some potential problems of a non-working kidney ... but that's for a Urologist or other to comment on.

   My right kidney that works but with some difficulty because of the cancer blockage, has had a nefrostomy tube for the past 20-months. It is painless, the replacement needed about every 6-months is simple out-patient surgery - but it's a bit intrusive in lifestyle. The biggest mental thing to get thru is the small urinine bag around your lower leg. The tube that comes out of the back is coming from the kidney - and going to the outer bag. The only frequent maintenence items are ... emptying the bag several times a day - and getting new special dressings weekly at the hospital.

   My current creatine level has been from 1.7 to 2.2 for many months or longer. In June of 2012, I was admitted into the hospital with a near record 14.+ for a creatine level. The stent and nefrostomy tube were placed at that time. No dyalisis (sp?) has been required except for my first time with kidney failure in the hospital - in January 2011.

   Please do check the pain problem and risks with a medical pro. Don't let it slide! What I've written above may not be applicable at all - but it may be another avenue of medical help that's not too invasive.

Peace and wellness

Rob & Gizmo

   Would your current Urologist be offended if you got a second opinion?

   From my recent past, i did get a second Oncologist opinion on a proposed treatment last summer. My current Oncologist was not real familiar with one of the treatments he suggested to me. His Nurse Practitioner suggested I get a second opinion from another Oncology office that specialized in this other treatment.

   My Oncologists office cooporated completely ... and I was then able to make a choice based on the other oncologists recomendations. The choice ended up going back to my original Oncologist - and proceeding with yet another type of chemo - which, so far, has been working well.

   In a case closer to yours ..... my Urologist has told me he could remove the stent on my left useless kidney - and we could see what happens. By that, the worst case scenario I think would be that the stent would need to be placed again in the future.

   Please note - I have NOT had pain from that kidney. I have had small bursts of pain from the right functioning kidney ..... BUT I truly believe that pain was my fault .... not enough water ... mild dehydration.

   I would wonder if a stent (really a bi-pass) could help the non-functioning kidney in some way - so as to reduce or remove the pain. Of course, that comment is from a totally non-medical person - me!!!

   Keep searching for a cause ....... best wishes.

Rob & Gizmo