Recipient hydronephrosis

[DiggityLady]

Has anyone's recipient had hydronephrosis post transplant? It has been 2 months since transplant and the transplant team says it is "normal" but I'm concerned. Has anyone else had this experience? Thanks.

[Orchidlady]

We were not told this was an issue or that my husband was experiencing it. I guess if they had, my question to the team would have been - why do you consider it to be normal? When will it go away? Does it cause any damage or reduction of function?
Hope you and your recipient are doing well and your concerns are allayed soon.

[Clark]

This isn't normal. He should be closely monitored and treated, as hydronephrosis leads to loss of the kidneys. Sounds like you need a second opinion. Best wishes.

[sherri]

Hydronephrosis is a back up of urine into the kidney and is usually graded as mild, moderate or severe depending on the accumulation of fluid and how much it extends into the kidney. It is usually caused by some type of obstruction in the ureters which are the tubes that connect from the kidney to bladder. This is easily seen on ultrasound.

Not sure what the term "normal" means. Like Clark said, this isn't normal but was it expected due to a complication in the surgery and they are addressing it? I assume you are getting information from your recipient as the team would most likely not discuss his/her health with you, the donor. Does the recipient understand all the information being presented? It is very overwhelming to go to these appointments, as there is often a lot of information given in a short period of time. So perhaps something was not understood properly. But I have to agree with the others, hydronephrosis is not normal.

Hope you get clarification.

All the best,

Sherri

[DiggityLady]

Thanks for your replies. My Dad is actually the recipient of my kidney and as his proxy and a nurse I am always included in his medical care. They are addressing the problem, he had a nephrostomy tube placed yesterday and we are very closely monitoring his numbers and output. I was just surprised when they said this is normal after the transplant as I have only read it to be a not so common complication. It feels like one thing after another for both of us, just wondering if others have felt the same way so soon after surgery. Thanks for listening.

[Clark]

Best wishes! Good to hear he's getting treatment and you're a well informed advocate for him. Sorry you're dealing with this on top of your own recovery. Any family or colleagues able to help you with the this? Take care.

[DiggityLady]

Update: Dad, my recipient, is doing wonderfully!!! Nephrostomy tube is out, no hydronephrosis, numbers are great and he has more energy than I have ever seen. A tough road for both of us but I would do it again in a heartbeat. Thanks for this forum, it is very valuable.

[Karol]

 :) Thank you for posting an update - very happy to hear the good news!!