I broke down and saw a doctor about three weeks ago (I hate going to doctors) because I thought I was passing a kidney stone. I had a recurring pain in my kidney area. I got a ultrasound and they couldn't find a thing. But I did do some research on my own and decided to drink a lot more plain water (now averaging a gallon a day). It kept me running to the bathroom the first few days but my body has adjusted and I feel great. No more instances of kidney pain.
But the most encouraging sign was that my blood pressure was perfect. I had never had perfect blood pressure before. Everytime I had it taken, the nurse would always say it was "a little high", usually with a frown on her face. My cholesterol is at 183. Wish I knew what it was before but I can't remember. I don't have the overall results in front of me but every result from the blood work (glucose, triglyceride, liver function, etc.) was within the normal range. I am as healthy as can be and feel that way too.
Nevertheless, the doctor has scheduled a followup appointment with an urologist on Sept. 11 just to check things out further with respect to my kidneys.