Since 1995 - Non Profit Healthcare Advice

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.