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Kidney & Urinary Health
Question #15800
1 hour ago
9

kidney nephrologist - #15800

Navya

I am feeling really overwhelmed right now and need some advice. A few weeks ago, I started having this really weird pain in my side, like my back and like a little just below my rib cage. I tried to ignore it at first, but it got worse, and then I noticed I was urinating way more often than normal, like I was going to the bathroom every hour or so. I also felt super tired all the time, even though I was getting enough sleep. I finally went to see my doctor, and they did some blood tests and mentioned something about how my kidney function might be off. They suggested I see a kidney nephrologist, but I'm feeling kinda freaked out about that. What exactly does a kidney nephrologist do? I mean, will they just look at my test results or do they do more tests? And is it common for someone like me to see a kidney nephrologist for symptoms like mine? How do I know if my symptoms are serious enough to warrant a visit, or are they going to just say it's no big deal? I’ve read some things online about kidney issues, and it sounds really scary. If I go to the nephrologist, what should I expect? Like, is there a chance I could have something serious? Just really anxious here!

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Doctors’ responses

Dr. Nikhil Chauhan
I am currently working as a urologist and kidney transplant surgeon at Graphic Era Medical College & Hospital, Dehradun. It's a role that keeps me on my toes, honestly. I handle a pretty wide range of urology cases—stones, prostate issues, urinary tract obstructions, infections, you name it. Some are straightforward, others way more complex than you expect at first glance. Every patient walks in with a different story and that’s what keeps the work real for me. Kidney transplant surgery, though, that’s a whole different zone. You’re not just working on anatomy—you’re dealing with timelines, matching, medications, family dynamics, emotional pressure... and yeah, very precise coordination. I’m part of a team that manages the entire transplant process—from evaluation to surgery to post-op care. Not gonna lie, it’s intense. But seeing someone who’s been on dialysis for years finally get a new shot at life—there’s nothing really like that feeling. In the OR, I’m detail-focused. Outside of it, I try to stay accessible—patients don’t always need answers right away, sometimes they just need to feel heard. I believe in walking them through what’s going on rather than just giving reports and instructions. Especially in transplant cases, trust matters. And clear, honest conversation helps build that. Urology itself is such a misunderstood field sometimes. People ignore symptoms for years because it feels “awkward” or they think it’s not serious until it becomes unmanageable. I’ve had patients who came in late just because they were embarassed to talk about urine flow or testicular pain. That’s why I also try to make the space judgment-free—like whatever it is, we’ll figure it out. At the end of the day, whether I’m scrubbing in for surgery or doing OPD rounds, I just want to make sure what I do *actually* helps. That the effort’s not wasted. And yeah, some days are frustrating—some procedures don’t go clean, some recoveries take longer than they should—but I keep showing up, cause the work’s worth doing. Always is.
1 hour ago
5

Hi Navya,

Your symptoms don’t seem very serious right now; many people get similar issues and they often resolve easily

A nephrologist checks kidney health, reviews your reports, and may advise extra tests like urine or ultrasound—all routine for kidney concerns.

Seeing a nephrologist for such symptoms is common; it’s mostly precautionary, not necessarily a sign of major illness.

Please get a USG KUB with PVRU, and a urine routine and culture; these tests help clarify the cause.

Can you tell your age and if you’re married? This helps guide next steps better.

Regards, Dr. Nikhil Chauhan Urologist

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