Calyceal diverticulum

Posted by kimberlyaj @kimberlyaj, Aug 17, 2021

Has anyone ever been diagnosed with a Calyceal Diverticulum in their kidney? I’m a 47 year old, otherwise healthy woman. I’ve suffered from reoccurring UTI’s and developed severe kidney infections with all 4 of my pregnancies. Back in June, I was rushed to the ER to only be told I had a UTI and was sent home after a urinalysis and being given 2 Tylenol. Six hours later was taken by ambulance to the hospital and after a CT, X-ray, Ultrasound, and lab was told I had a 14mm stone, however, it had grown in between an extra wall that was most likely genetic. I had a Nephrostomy placed for a week prior to having open surgery thru my back to remove the stone. I was released on July 4th and am now scheduled to have an Open Partial Nephrectomy next Friday, August 27th. I haven’t been in pain since recovering, however suffer from extreme nausea and still very lethargic. I’ve also had an infection since being home which was treated with an antibiotic. I care for my terminal mom full time and can’t afford the months of recovery or the risk of being exposed to Covid or anything else right now. If anyone has any experience with something similar or any advice, I’d love to hear.

Thank you,
Kimberly in NWArkansas

Interested in more discussions like this? Go to the Kidney & Bladder Support Group.

Four months after my kidney transplant I discovered bladder cancer after a cysto which proved stage 2. Currently, going through 3 or 4 rounds of chemo depending on MRI results next week.
After that a bladder removal due to the High-Grade Muscular Involvement Urothelial Cancer. No side effects yet. Today was the end of the second set of chemo treatments.
I also am diabetic which rules out radiation. It gets complicated. It will be open, none robotic surgery AtBanner/University cancer center probably some time in September. I made contact with the local UOAA Chapter which has been a big help explaining the details of what to expect I recommend you try to doo this also.
Hope this helps. Keep in touch.

Bob

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Hi @kimberlyaj, welcome to the Kidney & Bladder Group. It sure sounds like you've been through a lot and have some challenges ahead. I assume that since you are having a open partial nephrectomy that a minimally invasive option like percutaneous, ureteroscopic and laparoscopic techniques were not possible in your case.

In addition to @tusconguy's helpful post, I'm inviting fellow members like @hshiffrin17 @pmwilson @stephanierp @trishanna @granny50846 who may have experiences to share about nephrectomy and what to expect.

Kimberly, being a caregiver to your mom who needs fulltime care certainly adds stress to your situation. I'm confident that the hospital will follow strict COVID prevention protocols, but I understand your real concern about infection and, of course, about recovery time. What have you been told about what to expect for recovery? Are you able to get assistance for your recovery, both for yourself and for your mom?

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Dear Kimberly, I hope this finds you feeling better since your initial treatment. You certainly have your hands full with your health challenges along with those of your mother's. I too had to deal with lethargy and nausea. The good news is that these issues improved with time after the surgery. The healing takes time but hang in there and know you will feel better. Take care.

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Hi Kimberly,

I am a Nurse Practitioner of 20 years and live in Alabama. Found your post and hoping to connect with you. I had an MRI for spinal issues related to development of multiple autoimmune issues now discovered in my entire spine, medically proven now to be stemming specifically from damage caused from intact breast implants that were properly surgically removed at Cleveland clinic in 2019. During the MRI, a mass was detected in lower right kidney. Ultrasound revealed a 6cm mass that is termed on my report as a calyceal diverticulum. Cardiology and functional medicine is my forte as a CRNP, not the specialty of nephrology per se as being more knowledgeable in that area as a "specialist" Practitioner. I do know a great deal about the kidneys, but this language and diagnosis is new to me. Of concern is the size of the calyceal diverticulum. Picked up my own report on results and CD, so haven't yet spoken to referring Nephrologist. All I know is that I only prefer to go to a center of excellence and am praying for least invasive options. I would absolutely love to connect with you and learn from your experience. May we connect to discuss? I'd be happy to provide my direct email address if easier to communicate more directly, or even my cell, should you be willing. God Bless, and hope you have a positive outcome and good story to share of recovery. Blessings!

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@kimberlyaj I posted about the Calyceal Diverticulum. I had ultrasound last week and have an 8cm CD. Nephrologist is sending me for CT with contrast. I would love to connect and learn of your outcome . What size was the CD, and what measures were taken, etc. I am a Nurse Practitioner in Alabama and haven't really worked in Nephrology specialty. Cardiology and Functional Medicine have been my areas of expertise as an NP the past 20 years of my career. Apprecite any feedback

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@kimberlyaj I would like to connect and see how your kidney health and overall physical wellness has been since your partial nephrectomy. I have a recurring calyceal diverticulum in my right kidney that has undergone 4 procedures since 2020. I’ve had two procedures at Mayo in Scottsdale, the most recent being May 2023, and my CD is back larger than ever. I had a consult with a new surgeon at Mayo because they feel
a partial nephrectomy would be next. After reviewing all my history he feels given the location/size most likely it would result in a full nephrectomy. I’m
in constant chronic pain, particularly stabbing right flank pain, and if I knew the surgery would make my quality of life better I wouldn’t hesitate. However there is no guarantee removing the kidney will make things better. I’ve had significant complications from procedures related to the CD one which led to a full month hospitalization and open thoracotomy. That area of my body has experienced serious trauma. I hope your body has had time to heal and your overall quality of life has improved. I was 37 and extremely active and healthy when this started and never had any health issue and now it’s my entire life.

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