Should treatment for blocked kidney be started right away?
Patient: I am very concerned for my 73 year old friend. She was very sick a few days ago throwing up bile. She had a CT scan today and was diagnosed with a blocked right kidney and an obstruction in her stomach or intestine. Her doctor did not put her in the hospital today. She told her to go Monday for an ultrasound. I am concerned that time is wasting and that she should go to the hospital now, not when she is in pain. Isn t this a medical emergency? My friend is on blood thinner and other medications for congestive heart failure, which she has had the past 10 years. She had laproscopic surgery in January for the removal of her gallbladder and gall stones. Do you recommend that she go to the ER and get admitted to the hospital instead of waiting around until Monday to get an ultrasound and/or Upper GI? My email address is YYYY@YYYY . Thank you. I didn t realize this was a web site that charges. Sorry for the inconvenience. Doctor: Hi,Thanks for writing in.At age 73 years, having a blocked right kidney and obstruction in stomach or intestine is a medical emergency. It is suggested that you please clarify details on the kidney block and intestinal obstruction. A blocked kidney can be observed and taken care of for a few days if kidney functions are acceptable. However obstruction in intestine is an emergency situation and the patient must not be ignored. She might surely require upper GI or ultrasound but those investigations are to be done under the directions of a surgeon who is overlooking the intestinal obstruction. Please also regulate her fluid intake as per instructions from her doctor and keep her hydrated.