Help and suggestion
Good evening everyone,
I need your help to clarify my doubts regarding my uncle’s persistent pain and conflicting medical opinions.
Six months ago, my uncle experienced severe pain on the right side. He consulted a urologist at a hospital in Ahmedabad, where a 3mm kidney stone in the right kidney was diagnosed as the cause. The doctor prescribed medication, and after a follow-up test, he stated that the stone had passed through urine and there was nothing to worry about. However, my uncle continued to experience pain even after the treatment.
Since the pain persisted, he consulted another urologist at a different hospital. This time, a sonography report revealed:
Grade 2 prostatomegaly (prostate volume: 55cc)
Both kidneys are smaller in size
Bilateral developing inguinal hernia (right side defect: 11mm, left side: 10mm) with herniation of preperitoneal fat
The second doctor believed that a 3mm stone wouldn’t cause such pain and suspected that prostate enlargement was the real issue. He prescribed medication for a week to manage the prostate enlargement and control possible infections. However, my uncle still had pain and difficulty urinating, requiring significant effort to void completely. After conducting a uroflowmetry test, the doctor found a very low urine flow rate and advised immediate surgery.
Before proceeding, our family sought a third opinion. This urologist stated that neither a 3mm kidney stone nor an enlarged prostate typically causes severe pain. He suggested that a stone may be stuck in the urinary tract, which sonography might not detect, and recommended a CT scan for further evaluation.
We are now very confused as to what to do next, as all three doctors have provided different opinions. The most pressing concern is that my uncle cannot tolerate the pain and is struggling with urination.
We would appreciate any insights or advice on how to proceed. Should we prioritize another CT scan, seek further consultation, or consider surgery?
Thank you in advance for your guidance
Hi
. It is certainly understandable that you are concerned about your uncle's pain and admirable that you are seeking information and trying to help. I need to note that we are not medical professionals and, for the safety of community members, cannot provide medical advice. I do want to share with you this page which notes that "Stones, also called calculi, form in the urinary tract (kidneys, ureters, and bladder) and may cause pain, bleeding, or an infection or block of the flow of urine. Tiny stones may cause no symptoms, but larger stones can cause excruciating pain in the area between the ribs and hips in the back:" https://www.merckmanuals.com/home/kidney-and-urinary-tract-disorders/stones-in-the-urinary-tract/stones-in-the-urinary-tract. The site also notes that CT scans and analysis of urine are often done to diagnose stones. I also want to share this article from the Mayo Clinic which notes that an enlarged prostate "can make it painful or hard to urinate. It also may cause pain in the groin, pelvic area or genitals:" https://prostatecancer.net/treatment/radiation-therapy. A doctor would need to determine if your uncle's pain symptoms match with one of the potential diagnoses. I hope this information is helpful and wishing you and your family the best. Richard (Team Member)
