Kidney Pain

[Forever Learning]

I have vague lingering pain along my lower back, above my pelvis and sides of back. It's off and on for a couple days now. It does respond to Advil and Tylenol. Last night it woke me from my sleep and lasted 2 hours. Its back today, it faded about 50% with Tylenol/Advil.

 

I think I am peeing less than usual. There might be a slight discoloration to my urine, slightly darker, maybe even a slight greenish tint (almost not perceptible. Sometimes slight rust colored. But not clear). I am drinking alot of water, and I stopped all the supplements I normally take. I was taking alot of Tumeric lately, which is a rusty orange color supplement.

 

Could this be a kidney problem?

 

What are the typical signs of kidney trouble/failure?

 

I really didn't want to go to the Emergency Room tonight. It's Saturday night and the one I would have to go to will be filled with gunshot and stabbing victims and gangsters.

 

If it is kidney failure, how long can I hold off on the ER? Can kidney failure happen spontaneously like this? I don't have a fever or other symptoms.

 

What would they want to do to me in the ER? Run blood tests? Last time my friend went to the ER, she sat there for 48 hours before being seen. I cringe to go there. I'd have to get the kids to my mom's house first.....

 

Anyone with kidney knowledge? I don't remember hurting my back. I've never had a kidney issue before. I'm 43.

[Forever Learning]

Well the ER might be more interesting than,Sponge Bob and Pokemon tonight........ Still wairing for the shots i just did to kick in. Cant get comfortable. Maybe i pulled a lowet back muscle

[Art_Critic]

Well the ER might be more interesting than,Sponge Bob and Pokemon tonight........ Still wairing for the shots i just did to kick in. Cant get comfortable. Maybe i pulled a lowet back muscle

 

I was thinking lower to mid back.. maybe pinched nerve since Advil helps it...

If you think it is your kidney then you should have it looked at.

 

I pulled my back a few weeks ago and I dropped to the floor and was in pretty good pain for 4-5 days.. it just went away as fast I hurt it...

[Forever Learning]

Well now you mention it I did have similar pain a few weeks ago too when I hurt my back. I did some hellacious sit ups 2 days ago, that might be it. Thanks for the concern Art. I feel just lousy but that Advil is helping at least somewhat. If I didn't have the kids I'd be at the ER now. Thanks again.

[Forever Learning]

I am 90% better, all the alcohol and pain killers kicked in finally. Praise Jesus. I really didn't want to sit in the ER tonight with the gangsters and gunshots and stabbings and OD's. I will definitely get some blood work done at my doctor's come Monday if I can make it that long. If not at the minimum I hope to put off the ER until tomorrow morning when things will be calmer there, if I need to go at all. I'm just feeling so much better now. I am such a nincompoop when it comes to pain, and that lower back pain was really nasty stuff. I'll shut up now! I know I'm a whiner here! But man o man, when you've been in some serious physical pain, and then it subsides, it is such a tangible relief. Cheers and goodnight.

Edited August 12, 2012 by Forever Learning

[Forever Learning]

Well I'm happy to report that I am pain free today. I have been drinking lots of water in case it was a dehydration problem of some sort. I had been taking a wide range of vitamin supplements and not drinking enough water to wash it all through my system well enough, I think. I am still going to the doctor tomorrow to have test run to investigate any kidney issues.

 

Thank you Art for the concern! I tried to send you a PM to thank you privately but I can't get your address to work for PM's.

[cerridwen]

Well I'm happy to report that I am pain free today. I have been drinking lots of water in case it was a dehydration problem of some sort. I had been taking a wide range of vitamin supplements and not drinking enough water to wash it all through my system well enough, I think. I am still going to the doctor tomorrow to have test run to investigate any kidney issues.

 

Thank you Art for the concern! I tried to send you a PM to thank you privately but I can't get your address to work for PM's.

 

Im sorry I missed this thread!

Please update us after you see the doctor.

A friend of mine went to New Orleans recently and spent a night in the ER with similar symptoms to yours.

He was sure it was kidney related.

It turned out to be a pulled muscle.

Regardless it's always wise to check.

We'll be thinking good thoughts for you!

[quankanne]

... all the alcohol and pain killers kicked in spoken like a true Texan :laugh:

 

FL, definitely consult your doctor, even if turns out to be something simple like a back muscle problem. A couple of years ago, my girlfriend was having similar problems but kept putting off going to the doctor because she didn't have the time or money to be sick. When she finally did go in, turned out it was her gallbladder, and not kidney or diabetes-related problems that normally ran in her family, so she was VERY relieved.

 

hoping it's something relatively minor, in your case!

[Forever Learning]

Oh thank you Quankanne! Yes, I began to wonder if it could be gallbladder as well. I do plan to go to the doctor soon. I've been fine today, thank goodness - drank only water, and sodas are out of the question now. I didn't take my usual supplements and vitamins, just lots and lots of water. I think I will lay off the vitamins/supplements this week. I hope to never neglect drinking enough water again. I hope that's all it was. It scared me pretty good. And I am such a ninny about getting sick! My pain threshold is very low. And I don't have anyone to hold my hand when I'm down and out, which makes me even more of a ninny going it alone! I will keep you posted, thank you for the great insight and your concern! I appreciate it.

[quankanne]

*sticks out hand*

 

here's one to hold. Though if ANY cute cowboys pass by, I'm breaking the clasp ... unless it turns them on? :p:p

 

her symptoms did sound a lot like yours, freaked her out because her urine was coming out brown. My first thought was kidney problems, since my own mom was diabetic and those kinds of things are endemic (is this the word I want) to Hispanics, like she and I are. She was VERY relieved it was just her "gall-ball," as my mama put it!

[Forever Learning]

*sticks out hand*

 

here's one to hold. Though if ANY cute cowboys pass by, I'm breaking the clasp ... unless it turns them on? :p:p

 

her symptoms did sound a lot like yours, freaked her out because her urine was coming out brown. My first thought was kidney problems, since my own mom was diabetic and those kinds of things are endemic (is this the word I want) to Hispanics, like she and I are. She was VERY relieved it was just her "gall-ball," as my mama put it!

 

Thank you for the hand holding, just what I needed! And I've always got the other hand free for the cowboys LOL

 

The gall-ball!! Good old Mama!! I am happy to report, I've been drinking a ton of water, and haven't had a recurrence of the pain. So thankful for that. Haven't gotten to the doctor YET, but I will. Promise! Love you folks, my Love Shack family!!!

[Anela]

I've been eating a cranberry chew a day, for a few weeks now, because I was experiencing lower back pain, as well as pain in other areas... I found them in walmart. (I can't swallow tablets or capsules.)

 

There's also a supplement that I gave to one of my dogs (but it's for people), called UriCare.

[Forever Learning]

I've been eating a cranberry chew a day, for a few weeks now, because I was experiencing lower back pain, as well as pain in other areas... I found them in walmart. (I can't swallow tablets or capsules.)

 

There's also a supplement that I gave to one of my dogs (but it's for people), called UriCare.

 

Oh, thank you for mentioning that Anela! Yes, I was going to pick up some cranberry juice today, and I also have some cranberry supplement capsules in my vitamin collection. I am going to try that as well as have a look for the chew and UriCare you mentioned. It couldn't hurt. An ounce of prevention as they say. Thanks for reminding me!

[Forever Learning]

Ok my bladder is starting to ache, I am pretty sure I have a bladder or urinary tract infection. I never get these, very rarely, maybe once or twice in my life. I have to see the doctor tomorrow. This SUCKS. I am such a wuss. Painkillers for the next 12 hours until doctors office opens.

 

I saw something called "Azo" advertised over the counter for urinary tract infection pain. Has anyone tried this? They had it on the Target advertisement. It's like $5. I wonder how it's any different than Tylenol or Advil or whatever.

 

Ouchie ouch ouch. Vauge pain, dull ache, maybe some spasms.

 

I want my Mommy!!!!!

[cerridwen]

I've never tried Azo, FL, sorry.

And not to be a mother hen but you must see the doctor tomorrow.

 

Please describe all your symptoms stressing the kidney pain.

I've learned through a relative recently that a UTI can wreck havoc and (not to scare you) can become pretty serious.

 

Promise you'll go to the doctor.

You said you would the other day but didn't.

I know it's not fun but this kind of thing can get out of control.

 

Hear that?

That sound?

That's the sound of my finger wagging and my gums flapping so I'll shut up now.

 

Feel better soon.

(hug)

[whichwayisup]

Ok my bladder is starting to ache, I am pretty sure I have a bladder or urinary tract infection. I never get these, very rarely, maybe once or twice in my life. I have to see the doctor tomorrow. This SUCKS. I am such a wuss. Painkillers for the next 12 hours until doctors office opens.

 

I saw something called "Azo" advertised over the counter for urinary tract infection pain. Has anyone tried this? They had it on the Target advertisement. It's like $5. I wonder how it's any different than Tylenol or Advil or whatever.

 

Ouchie ouch ouch. Vauge pain, dull ache, maybe some spasms.

 

I want my Mommy!!!!!

 

You could be having a kidney stone attack too. See what your Dr says. He'll probably not only do the blood tests, but a pee test too and possibly an ultraound. don't take anything else other than pain killers until you talk to your Dr. And it's good you've stopped taking vitamins/minerals/tumerack for the time being. Put all that on hold until the Dr gives you the greenlight to continue them.

[Forever Learning]

Good ideas, thanks. I actually had an anti-biotic here in the pantry, I gobbled it down without thinking too much beforehand, just for the hell of it. Maybe that wasn't the best move but I thought if its a urinary infection, what the heck, I'm gonna get started on battling it now.

 

Then I googled and found the antibiotic I had isn't usually used for urinary stuff. Oh yay. Oh well.

 

I don't think this is a kidney stone, but you could be right. I'm in deep sh*t if it is. Thank God I have my mom to help watch the kids thru this nightmare. Ex husband working nightshifts, he sleeps during day and can't pitch in.

 

I shouldn't complain so much about the discomfort, I know so many folks have daily health issues so much worse. I am such a baby. Shame on me. I don't know how people in poor countries with no resources make it through life with all the troubles and pains and burdens they have. I just can't imagine. I feel ashamed to complain at all about this.

 

I think I will take a sleeping pill and try to knock myself out for the night.

 

Thanks for the input lady!!!

Edited August 15, 2012 by Forever Learning

[whichwayisup]

I had a bladder infection 3 years ago and got put on antibotics. That was my first one and I hope I never have another one again in my life!

 

Complain away! I'm a complainer too at times..lol When I am sick I become the biggest wimp..especially if I feel like throwing up (Have a barf phobia!), I freak out!

[Forever Learning]

I had a bladder infection 3 years ago and got put on antibotics. That was my first one and I hope I never have another one again in my life!

 

Complain away! I'm a complainer too at times..lol When I am sick I become the biggest wimp..especially if I feel like throwing up (Have a barf phobia!), I freak out!

 

 

Thanks for understanding!! I have a barf phobia too, the barfing when you get a throw up virus is extremely violent (having kids, that's gonna happen at least once a year). I hate that because I pull all my stomach muscles, ribcage muscles, neck muscles, you name it - my body isn't used to that forceful heaving and I end up beat and worn out. I can't imagine how someone in their 50's or beyond would deal with the trauma of that type barfing. It is seriously violent sometimes!

 

Well, good news. Something has kicked in, and diminished the pain a bit. I feel alot better. I took a little bit of everything, even a second antibiotic, I really didn't give a damn. Tylenol, Advil, aspirin, but no alcohol - the antibiotic strictly can not be used with alcohol. So that sucked but luckily whatever I took helped somehow. PLUS, I ran to the corner store and bought 5 bottles of cranberry juice, I'm chuggin it. A home remedy website said to chug it, to clean out the bladder. Vitamin C too. And lots of water to wash it all through.

 

I still feel guilty for complaining though. Thanks again for supporting this big ninny!!

[Chocolat]

FL, you are a smart lady. Too smart not to go to the doctor and to self-medicate.

 

Now GO!!!

[cerridwen]

How are you, dear?

Any news on the downstairs plumbing?

[ptp]

FL,

 

If you actually have an UTI, the infection can travel upwards into your bladder and make things worse. I swear I am not trying to scare you or anything, but taking random anti-biotics, Tylenol and advil isn't going to help matters if you actually have an infection.

 

Please take care of yourself and go see a Doctor.

[Star Gazer]

AZO won't cure a UTI/bladder/kidney infection or kidney stones.

 

You need to get to a doctor ASAP.

 

My mother had identical symptoms, and I wound up taking a week off work to be with her while she underwent kidney surgery.

 

Your urinary tracy, ESPECIALLY your kidneys, is nothing to mess around with.

[stillafool]

FL sorry you are in pain. Get 100% cranberry juice and drink as much of it as possible. You should feel relief until you see the doctor. Don't play around with it see your doc asap.

[Forever Learning]

Oh thank you everyone!!!!

 

Yes, I have a doctor appointment tomorrow at 11:30. They couldn't see me today, which was annoying.

 

But I did feel much better today, much less pain, very little actually. And I've not had a fever at all through any of this. It never burned when I pee'd, it was only an ache in my bladder and urethra now and then today. The pain up near the kidneys is completely gone.

 

I've been chugging huge amounts of water and cranberry juice, along with cranberry powdered supplements, and even a product I bought called:

 

"Cystex Plus- Urinary Pain Relief Tablets plus antibacterial protection" -

 

the box also says: "Only Cystex tablets help inhibit the progression of infection until you see the doctor. Cystex is not intended to replace a doctor's care".

 

The package says it is Methenamine 162 mg (antibacterial)

and Sodium Salicylate 162. 5 mg (analgesic)

 

 

Thank you for encouraging me to see a doctor. Since I am feeling better, I might not have, but I will for sure. I don't want to hurt my kidneys, I have kids to raise, that would be a disaster if I couldn't care for them. So for that reason alone, as a precaution, I will see the doctor tomorrow.

 

My mom also gave me a different type of anti-biotic, more geared for urinary infections. But it's 4 years old and might not be effective anymore. And, I hate to take it after having taken a different anti-biotic, don't want to somehow get my system overloaded and everything out of whack. I dunno. But I will see the doctor tomorrow.

 

Thanks again everyone for urging me to go ahead and go. I really didn't want to spend the money, but it's too much of a risk to self medicate. I see that now.

 

Cheers friends!