Significant Pain and an Overlooked Kidney Cyst: A Frustrating Journey
Subject: 63-year-old male, weighing 175 pounds, Caucasian ethnicity, experiencing sporadic discomfort in the lumbar region and side, alongside a history of diverticulitis and gastroesophageal reflux disease (GERD). No history of tobacco or illicit drug use, moderate alcohol consumption, and generally active lifestyle without reliance on prescription medications. Presenting Issues: Large cyst measuring 8.3 centimeters on the left kidney, low ferritin levels at 4, and slightly elevated white blood cell count. Greetings, My father has been dealing with sporadic discomfort in his back and side for almost a year now. Over this period, he has undergone an extensive range of diagnostic tests including MRI scans, CT scanning, endoscopy, colonoscopy, ultrasound examinations, a pill camera procedure, and numerous blood tests. Recently, he consulted a hematologist who reviewed his previous imaging results and uncovered an 8.3 cm cyst residing on the left kidney. Notably, this finding, from MRI imaging conducted in January 2025, had not been disclosed by his primary care physician. The imaging results are accessible in his medical records, yet there was no subsequent consultation regarding this matter. Last week, he raised this cyst issue with his family doctor, who dismissed it as commonplace, stating it was "insignificant" enough not to warrant mention. Following this, a referral was made to a surgeon, who likewise asserted that this cyst shouldn’t be responsible for my father’s pain. However, upon examining the MRI, I can’t help but wonder if the cyst isn't exerting pressure on the surrounding nerves, potentially leading to his discomfort. I am consumed with anger—could this indicate medical malpractice? Is there negligence at play among his healthcare providers? I spend a lot of time with him, and it’s heartbreaking to witness the extent of his suffering, which has severely impacted his quality of life. I would greatly appreciate any insights or advice on this situation.
Answers (1)
8/20/2025, 3:01:54 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear about your father's situation; it’s understandably frustrating to see a loved one in pain, especially when you feel that their concerns are not being taken seriously. Let’s break this down and focus on addressing the immediate health concerns as well as your feelings about the medical response he has received.
Main Points
- Sporadic Lumbar Pain and Kidney Cyst: Your father has an 8.3 cm kidney cyst, and the potential connection between this cyst and his pain needs to be explored further.
- Low Ferritin and Elevated WBC: These lab findings suggest there might be underlying nutritional deficiencies or signs of an inflammatory process, which should also be addressed.
- Addressing Medical Concerns: It may be necessary to seek further evaluation regarding the cyst and symptoms.
Explanation
Kidney cysts are quite common and often asymptomatic. However, in cases where the cyst is large, like your father's, it can sometimes cause discomfort or pain by pressing on surrounding structures. His low ferritin levels indicate he may be iron deficient, while an elevated white blood cell count can point to an active inflammatory process or infection. These factors could be contributors to his discomfort as well.
Regarding the dismissal of the cyst's significance by the healthcare providers, it’s essential to have his symptoms and any abnormalities taken into consideration comprehensively. It’s not uncommon for large cysts to be overlooked, but if the cyst is impacting his quality of life, further medical intervention may be warranted.
Next Steps
-
Symptom Tracking: Keep a log of his symptoms, noting when the pain occurs, its intensity, and any other related factors (like diet or activities). This information can be helpful for future consultations.
-
Specialist Consultation: If he hasn't already, consider requesting a follow-up with a urologist or a nephrologist who specializes in kidney conditions. They can provide more targeted evaluation of the cyst and whether it could be affecting his pain.
-
Nutritional Assessment: Given the low ferritin levels, a referral to a nutritionist or a hematologist for further evaluation and management of anemia may be beneficial.
-
Pain Management: Discuss with his healthcare providers the potential for pain management strategies that could improve his quality of life while this situation is addressed.
-
Consider a Second Opinion: If you feel that his concerns are still not being adequately addressed, seeking a second opinion from another healthcare provider can provide new insights and options.
It's essential to advocate for your father's health needs during this challenging time, and pursuing these next steps can help ensure that his concerns are taken seriously. It’s also completely valid to feel upset about potential shortcomings in care; seeking clarification and further diagnosis is part of ensuring your father's health needs are met. Please don't hesitate to reach out if you need more information or assistance as you navigate this process.
Related Questions
Navigating Health Concerns: A Young Woman's Plight with Chronic Migraines and Stress
To summarize a very complex situation, last spring in 2025 was exceptionally challenging for me. I faced overwhelming stressors, including family deaths, eviction, and my parents splitting up. This turmoil led to chest pains so severe that I had to visit the emergency room because I couldn’t breathe deeply without experiencing intense pain. The doctors attributed the issue to psychological causes, but I continued to suffer from pain and instances of fainting due to the stress, which worsened as yet another family member was diagnosed with cancer. My psychiatrist suggested medication, and I started on Lexapro and Concerta, which improved my condition somewhat, even though I remained fatigued and felt like I was merely surviving. By the end of August, I contracted a severe case of bronchitis that caused me to experience fevers even while doing laundry. It seemed I was verging on pneumonia, prompting the prescription of prednisone and other steroid medications. Thankfully, I began to recover quickly, but soon after, I was plagued by persistent headaches and an overwhelming sense of paranoia that someone was out to get me. After another emergency room visit, the physicians informed me that, although my symptoms—such as fever, intense pain, night sweats, sensitivity to light, ear pressure, and a stiff neck—were alarming, they were likely just severe migraines that should eventually fade. Unfortunately, they didn’t. I returned to urgent care for further treatment, received antibiotics, and was advised to consult a neurologist. While the antibiotics provided some relief, my symptoms intensified. My primary care physician eventually prescribed sumatriptan, a medication intended to alleviate migraine pain, but instead, it exacerbated the headache. For the next two to four weeks, I endured an exceptionally difficult time, facing numerous strange symptoms that felt worthy of immediate attention, yet each visit concluded with a migraine diagnosis and a waiting period for my neurology appointment. My frustrations pushed me to contemplate risky alternatives for relief, but I resisted, feeling utterly hopeless and unable to cope. I sought an ear, nose, and throat specialist to rule out sinus issues, which turned out to be fine. A painful spot under my jaw led me to suspect nerve involvement, and I visited the emergency room again due to experiencing stroke-like symptoms (including mild left arm weakness, extreme headache, and minor speech issues). Sadly, I was again told it was merely a headache, and the IV medications were ineffective. During my annual check-up, my primary care provider was unfamiliar with my ongoing issues but discovered an enlarged lymph node in the lower left side of my neck and a cyst on my thymus after conducting a soft tissue scan. She reassured me that there was no need for concern and suggested waiting for my neurology visit or getting my eyesight checked. Despite my yellower complexion, increasing stiffness, and joint pain, I accepted her recommendation. While I mentally adapted to the chronic pain, which was always present, it affected my ability to concentrate and engage in daily life. I tried consuming plenty of lemon juice and engaging in lymphatic drainage massages, which provided transient relief and halted my yellowing skin. Now, in the present, I've noticed a peculiar, raised red bump on the side of my foot. It’s hard, tender, and smaller than a dime, without any accompanying rash. It has persisted for a couple of weeks without causing pain while walking. Additionally, more lymph nodes in my neck have become swollen, I have experienced difficulty swallowing, and I occasionally choke on air. My lungs feel heavier with a diminished sense of smell, though I don't have the thick mucus typical of a cold. The headaches, however, are reemerging, sharper than before, which is a concerning development. Throughout all of this, my blood pressure has remained within a low yet stable range, and my blood tests and CT scans have shown no significant issues. I haven’t consumed anything excessively that might raise concern, including food or drugs. Am I truly facing a serious health crisis? Should I prioritize getting another appointment, or do I need to rush to urgent care? I'm scheduled to see the neurologist in about a month, and I'm wondering if I should ask my primary care provider for some preliminary tests like blood work or an MRI beforehand. If so, what specific questions should I prepare for my neurology visit? I believe the pain has a genuine physical basis, although my anxiety definitely amplifies the experience.
Concern Regarding Persistent Tongue Bump with White Coating
I am a 24-year-old male, standing at 190 cm tall and weighing 109 kg. For the past five weeks, I've experienced a peculiar issue on my tongue. Specifically, there's a noticeable bump on the right side near the tip, which I believe may have been developing over time, although I'm not entirely sure about that timeline. Recently, I've been troubled by an unusual sensation, including dryness, an odd taste, and a slight decrease in my sense of taste. Additionally, I've observed a white coating that is more pronounced on the aforementioned side of my tongue. The bump in question: - Does not cause any pain. - May have increased slightly in size over the weeks, though I'm uncertain. - Appears smooth with a pink surface, free of bleeding or ulceration. Given that this issue has persisted for over a month, I am feeling quite anxious and am concerned that it may indicate a serious problem. I have no significant medical history, but I confess that my dental hygiene has not been up to par, as I haven’t been brushing regularly. At this moment, I’m also under medication for H. pylori, known as Pylera, but this tongue concern predates my treatment. I am a non-smoker and am reaching out for any insights on this condition. Has anyone experienced something similar? Could this be a sign of irritation, infection, or something benign? I really appreciate any guidance you could provide. Thank you!
Experiencing Clear Fluid from Ear with No Discomfort: Should I Wait for My Appointment?
I am a healthy 57-year-old female, weighing 120 pounds and standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. My daily medications include 100 mg of Losartan for effectively managed high blood pressure, 200 mg of Lyrica taken twice daily for post-herpetic neuralgia, 100 mg of Synthroid following treatment for thyroid cancer, and a combination hormone replacement therapy patch. Additionally, I take Zyrtec and Flonase every day to combat allergies. Since October, I have been dealing with persistent tinnitus in my right ear, accompanied by some pressure and a muffled sensation. Recently, I've noticed that when I speak, it feels akin to the sensation I experience when my ears clear during a flight after chewing gum—my voice sounds amplified in my head. I've scheduled an appointment with a physician's assistant in an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) office for the end of March due to my worries about the tinnitus and any potential hearing impairment. Yesterday, I noticed that my ear emitted a clear fluid. Thankfully, there was no associated pain. The fluid was somewhat thicker than water, completely odorless—unlike the unpleasant discharge I recall from my daughter's ear infections—and there was no sign of blood. Could this indicate a perforated eardrum? I suspect this might be the case, but can this occur without an underlying infection? Should I seek attention sooner than my appointment in March? I would prefer to avoid urgent care during flu season; however, if this situation is serious, I am prepared to take precautions and visit.
Understanding the Increased Pain in My Foot While Reclining
At 30 years old, I am nearing the five-week mark since undergoing surgery on my metatarsals. I've encountered a troubling issue: I can’t seem to find comfort when lying down, whether it’s with my foot raised or lying flat. My pain level escalates to a severe 10 out of 10, unless my foot is making contact with the floor or I dangle my leg off the side of the bed so that my toes touch the ground. Is this situation typical for someone in my circumstances? Are there any suggestions that might assist me in getting a better night's sleep?
Assessing My Health Concerns: How Anxious Should I Be?
I’m a 32-year-old woman, weighing 124 pounds and standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall. For over a year, I have been experiencing bright red rectal bleeding. Initially, I attributed this issue to hemorrhoids that developed during my pregnancy two years ago. The bleeding occurs with most of my bowel movements, sometimes happens without one, and on a few occasions, has been enough to stain the toilet bowl significantly. The color of the blood is typically darker than what I observe during a hemorrhoid flare-up. There is a notable family history of bowel cancer on both sides; one family member was diagnosed at age 45, and another at 60. In the past six months, I have encountered several episodes of severe abdominal pain—3 to 4 instances—intense enough to consider a trip to the emergency room. However, the pain usually subsides within about an hour. It’s unusual for me to experience such acute pain, given my high tolerance for discomfort; for example, I once played rugby shortly after dislocating and fracturing my finger. Recently, I mustered the courage to consult with my doctor, who recommended a FIT test, which returned a positive result (30.1). Additionally, I underwent a complete blood test, and aside from having low ferritin levels (7 µg/L), all other results were normal. I have since been referred for a colonoscopy on a two-week waiting list to rule out any possible bowel cancer. Given these circumstances, how concerned should I be? Thank you for your input.