should i be worried?

Question

i wen t to the doctor with bck pain, just so he could give me some painkillers, he said that he has found a lump in my back, and that my kidney is very enlarged, should i be worried? he says he thinks it could be a cyst, but hes not sure, and now i have to wait to go to hospital.

im confused as i thought my kidneys were in tip top condition as i am not a drinker, or does drinking have nothing to do with it

what should i expect at the hospital and should i be worried, im only nearly 19.

thanks

Answer 1

As you are young and fit, try not to worry! It's a good thing that you sought the GP's advice and that you have been referred for tests. It sounds as though you have a very thorough doctor!

An enlarged kidney is a likely cause of back pain, and I hope that painkillers help with this whilst you await a diagnosis. In somebody your age, probably the most likely cause is that you have a kidney cyst or cysts. These can be congenital (something you are born with) or hereditary (run in families). It is possible for a cyst to bleed into itself which causes pain.

It is worth having the tests recommended at the hospital. Apart from blood tests, it is most likely that they will want to do an ultrasound scan (which is where a probe is run over your skin with jelly), or they may want to to an intravenous pyelogram (which is where you have an injection of a substance which shows up on xrays, and they take xrays as it passes out through the kidneys). They may suggest a CT scan of your abdomen, where you lie on a trolley inside a large donut-shaped xray machine. It is quite probable that after this they will be able to give you information and explain what the problem has been. All being well, you will not need anything complex, however it's not impossible that you may require some surgical treatment. It depends a lot on what the cause is.

It's worthwhile trying to get to the bottom of this. Knowing what is going on is better than continuing to be worried. I do hope therefore that the folks at the hospital are able to reassure you soon. Good luck!

Be assured - drinking does not cause kidney problems!

Answer 2

Well if he found a "lump" there that would account for the pain. There are many reasons why a kidney can become enlarged even though you don't drink. You have medical advice and will be checked out thoroughly, I'm sure, when you enter the hospital..Just relax, don't dwell on it, as hard as that might sound. If you feel confident in your doctor you will be o.k. I'm sure. Good Luck.

Answer 3

I am an alternative medicinal therapist and an ex nurse and YES you should be worried. Drinking has nothing to do with it. Mind you, I don't trust Dr's anymore, they have been wrong many times. Why don't you go and visit an acupressure/acupuncture therapist they are very good and can help you. You can also visit an Iridologist, they can diagnose from the eye and tell you where your REAL problem lies. If that Dr gave you a codeine based painkiller DONT take them, it can make a bad situation worse. Acupressure can help a lot with any pain until you visit the hospital, which should be VERY soon,if a kidney problem is left untreated it will get worse

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Answer 4

regards to glorias answer...
ok doctors have been known to be wrong, but that doesnt mean you should throw all their advice out the window, the times they "get it right" far out numbers the times they "get it wrong", doctors preform many miracles everyday , and cure people of many tragic diseases and illnesses, so they should not be dismissed, but at the same time theres no harm trying an alternative therapy too
id say keep an open mind

Answer 5

You may have a mild kidney infection, don't stress too much, you are young and otherwise healthy, I am sure you will be fine, keep smiling sweet face.

Answer 6

You have got medical help so try not to stress it will just make you worse. Hope all goes well for you & take care!