Has Polycystic Kidney Disease. Have Lower Back Pain. Prescribed Medrol. Continue Medication?

Posted on Mon, 9 Sep 2013

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 9 Sep 2013 Answered on

Sun, 29 Sep 2013 Last reviewed on

Question : My Brother has a Polycystic Kidney Disease and form the last one month he has pain in his lower back and Dr. suggested him to took Medrol for 4 days after taking the medicine he is getting relief in his pain but as the 4 days over he is again getting pain in on the 5th day. so can we continue to this medicine as he is having kidney problem ?

Answered by Dr. Avinash Ignatius (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Dear XXXXXXX

Detailed Answer:
In polycystic kidney, pain can occur due to many reasons - a stone, a bleed in a cyst, infection.

Medrol is a steroid, and will reduce pain by reducing inflammation. But if the cause is an infection it may worsen later. It is not a good idea to continue medrol, without investigating the cause of his pain.

He needs an ultrasound, if that is inconclusive and pain persists he may need a CT.

Also get a Urine examination and culture to rule out an infection.

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Shanthi.E