Kidney (Renal) Scarring
08/27/2008 |
Question:
I had reflux as a child which was not picked up until I was 21 years old. I have extensive scarring to my kidney which is causing pain. I have had denervation and a sympathetic denervation which allevated pain for a short time but I am now controlling pain with gabapentin and armitryptiline (sorry about the spelling) also with the use of a Tens Machine.
I have lost function in my kidney down to 40%. I continously get UIT`s which are treated. I have tried taking antibiotics every day but my body seems to know and I get a UTI which is not treatable by the antibiotic I am taking.
My question is I am likely to continue to lose function in the kidney and will I have to stay on medication for life?
Also does this affect my ability to have children?
Thanks
Answer:
That is a difficult question. Pain in the kidney from reflux is unusual. You probably should undergo a full evaluation by a pediatric urologist. If there is significant renal scarring in the mother, a pregnancy can be complicated for medical reasons. In addition, the baby has a higher risk of having reflux. Management by a high-risk OB specialist in conjunction with a pediatric urologist is advisable.
For more information:
Go to the Urinary and Genital Disorders (Children) health topic.