UPJ obstruction - horseshoe kidney / partial nephrectomy

Hello Everyone,

I've been dealing with a strange issue that I cannot seem to get to the bottom of. I've seen general doctors, urologists and gastroenterologists to no avail. I had a very minor UPJ obstruction on my left kidney which the urologist suggested was causing the issue (found via CT scan.) I had a pyeloplasty procedure done to correct it but it hasnt alleviated any of my symptoms, so now I'm really desperate.

Back in September 2018 I woke up with soreness on both sides of my lower back, which lingered for a few weeks and my doctor and I wrote it off to maybe being a muscle strain issue. This soreness then because a dull pain that moved to my flank/both sides of my body. I also started having flares of minor pain on my sides, hips, and abdomen areas. Along with this, my left testicle felt out of place and was riding much higher than normal. I am also feeling a tingling sensation in my scrotum, similar to the retraction sensation felt in cold weather.

CT scan revealed only the minor UPJ obstruction and ultrasound of testicles did not show any issues.

All of these symptoms seemed to have started soon after I quit heavy marijuana concentrate use and chewing tobacco. (About 7 years of daily use for each)

Any responses from anyone who has ever experienced an issue similar to this would be appreciated!

Hi @sufferingchris and welcome to Connect. You may have noticed I moved your post to this existing discussion on UPJ obstructions so that you can connect with others who may have experienced similar problems. Simply click VIEW & REPLY in your email notification to be brought to your post.

It must be demoralizing to be unsuccessful in finding a solution to these symptoms.

I am tagging @harleymama as she has had UPJ obstruction and may be able to offer you support.

Back to you @sufferingchris Is there anything you can do that relieves the pain?

Hi Ethan, thanks for moving this to the correct spot. There isn't much I can do to relieve the pain. Ibuprofen 800mg helps a little, but the mild pain is still present. Warm showers help. The pain is bearable, but it consistently flares up and is taking a toll on me mentally. The testicle issue is also very difficult to deal with, as they just don't feel normal. I'm hoping these issues resolve themselves.

Hello, I am new to MC Connect and this discussion. Can anybody tell me what it is like after pyeloplasty surgery? I am scheduled for surgery next week. Thanks

Hi @pmwilson, and welcome to Connect. @sufferingchris has had pyeloplasty surgery and can hopefully share experiences with you to help you prepare for your surgery next week.

It seems that pyeloplasty is an efficient procedure for treating UPJ obstruction in adults. Here is a recent journal article about the procedure:
– https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC5485285/

Wilson, we look forward to getting to know more about you. What led to your needing pyeloplasty surgery? Will it be done laparoscopically?

Thank you for the information. Robotic pyeloplasty has been recommended to treat hydronephrosis caused by a blood vessel blocking the flow of urine from my right kidney. A stent was inserted and the surgery is to provide a long term solution. I am concerned about the measured 22% function in my right kidney and hope to see it improve.

@pmwilson, I wanted to check in. Has the function of your right kidney improved since we last corresponded?

Status of kidney is unknown at this time. I should know more in a month. Thanks for asking.