Surgery postponed and other problems.

My revision that was scheduled for August 11th is now postponed.  When I went to my pre-op testing they found that one of my kidneys was swollen.  I was notified of this on Monday.  Tuesday I saw a urologist.  A short appointment turned into 2+ hours, a bladder/kidney scope, biopsy of "something" they found in my bladder and dye injection and x-rays of my kidneys.  After all of this I was told there are "huge" stones in both of my kidneys and that I am being referred to a specialist in Indy........a Dr James Lingeman.  No one has told me much yet.  I have been told it will involve surgery and possibly kidney stents.  The "something" they found in my bladder was just a bonus.......nobody had any idea there was even a problem there until they did the scope. 

So now I'm not only stressed about this kidney thing, the "something" they biopsied but there is also the fact that I lose my medical insurance next month.  Dr Huse's office called me this morning and they have tentatively put me on the surgery schedule for August 28 as long as the kidney stuff is taken care of.  Needless to say I'm fairly well freaked out.   

Sweetie
Lets hope for the best.
Its good they found it now instead of when they got in there for your revision.
They found a mass on my adrenald gland and scared me silly but it is a simple we will watch it.
So sweetie think positive
Huggs

Dawn, I'm sorry you are going through all of this. But am thankful they found the stones prior to your surgery. Who wants stone pain on top of surgical pain? Hope and pray they can get it all taken care of before your insurance ends.

Melissa

Dawn,

I know this all has to be pretty scary for you. I think when you are told that they biopsied 'something' that makes it all worse...the not knowing what that 'something' was. I know that in the past 2 years, with all the endoscopies & colonoscopies that I had, they always did at least a few biopsies and they always told me that they tested ok. I couldn't/can't help but to wonder though...just what exactly did they see that made them decide to biopsy that particular place?? I was especially curious for the ones that they would tell me pre-scope that they had no plans of doing any biopsies at all. I have never been given any answer at all on that. all I can do is trust that the tests were all accurate and that the doctors were being extra pre-cautious. It would probably help your nerves out alot if you tried to view all of this in a similar way. Caution is a good thing...even if it is frustrating as all get out.

Have you had any pain at all in your lower back? A guy I work with passed some kidney stones. We all felt for him. He was taking two 7.5 vicodins every 4 hours and that barely removed the edge of the pain. I think I would opt to have surgery and stents than to go through that. I'm the take it out and make sure it stays out type of girl.

I don't mean to make light of all of this that you are going through. As you know, my post-WLS journey has been a novel to write about. I hope though that I have tried to be more situational-comedy instead of trauma-drama in the writing (and in my outlook). You'll find that it helps to get through it all that way. I do hope you are able to get through this and get your revision done before your insurance changes. Maybe we ought to start a revision 'club'..lol.

Keep your chin up. God is looking after you...look up to him to do just that.

Sherri

That's another oddity about this whole thing........I have had no pain.  I had a kidney stone 12 years ago and I remember the pain from it.  Even being small enough that it passed on it's own it was still horribly painful.  So I don't understand how I have huge stones in both kidneys and have had zero pain.

Dawn, obviously those stones haven't tried to move into any small spots!  Thank heavens for that!!

Melissa

I agree with Melissa. Until the stones try to move out, you may not feel any pain. Since they seem to be happy right where they are though, I would think that a big concern for the doctor is that with them growing, they could begin (if they haven't already) impede your kidney function. It'd be much better for them to remove the stones surgically at this point than to have to put you on a kidney donor list...especially if both kidneys are involved.

I know it is SO hard to consider it like this but try....it is much better for problems to be discovered pre-op than post-op. We want you to have the best chance of survival. For you that means good kidneys, good bladder..for others..good heart, good lungs, good intestines, etc...that all helps to improve that survival rate!

Sherri

Just wanted to send you a cyber hug and let you know I am praying for ya girl!  I know you must be worried, freaked out and disappointed too.  Keep a positive attitude and pray with faith knowing God is in control and will do whats best for you.


Huge hugs, Tracy