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severe side and back pain

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Chronic Pain
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Posted 3/10/2013 7:27 AM (GMT 0)
cry My pain started over a month ago on the right side, waist level. It radiated across my back and to my left side. The pain is so severe It hurts like hell to cough or have a bowel movement because of the pushing. I have been to the Er twice. The first time they told me it was a UTI, I have had 3 of those in my lifetime and never experienced this kind of pain. They did an ultra sound on my kidneys, blood work and urine analysis. I was given the antibiotic Cephalexin 500 mgs. I got no relief from the pain what so ever. I went back to the Er and had more blood work, urine analysis and xrays. They told me I had 2 old spinal injuries and gave me a low dose of Hydrocodone. The pain is unbearable, the meds don't even begin to touch it. I can't sleep because the pain is worst when I lye down. I can't bear this pain much longer, I don't know what to do. I haven't been able to get into see my Dr. because I go to a low income clinic and they only book 24 hours and the appointments go fast. Does anyone else have, or has had this and could shed some light on it? I am desperate!!
Posted 3/10/2013 9:01 AM (GMT 0)
Hi Sandmack and welcome to Healing Well. Sorry your having such a hard time. In the real world Im thinking the Er should have done more then say you had "old injuries" and not elaborate anymore then that,but sadly this isnt the real world for us.

Did they do xrays only? You should have been given an MRI but am assuming here when you mentioned the clinic that your probably one of millions that have no insurance or inadequate insurance? They rarely will cover the cost but it may be necessary for them to make a better or more accurate diagnosis.

Its likely it is spinal related as Im also assuming you have no rash and no burning pain right? Watch for either of those and return to the ER immediately.

Also kidney stones can cause pain as you describe and Im not sure if they saw blood or infection in your urine or they are using the old fall back when they just dont know and treating it as a kidney infection. They didnt do any kind of kidney scans or xrays either? It would have been possibly an IVP with contrast injected into an IV or without? Drinking something and taking a new xray every 15 mins or so?

If it is spine related and hydro is not helping you may have to somehow see a Neurologist or Orthopedics Doc at the least. Spine injuries old or new can and do cause nerve problems and disk degeneration and those are things that need to be followed closely and treated chronically.

ER will not do either of those and are probably the worst place to get help for pain associated with them.

Have you tried heat? Motrin in the upper range of 400-800mgs alternated with the hydro may add some relief. Rest as much as you can and dont do anything to add to the strain already on the area.

Without a Dr on board treating is difficult since most of the meds that can help have to be prescribed,muscle relaxers,anti-inflammatory's other then Motrin,and of course a more aggressive narcotic.

There is not alot of folks on this time of night other then the few of us that cant or dont sleep but hang in there as others will be helping as much as we can when they get up.

We are not Drs here only folks who have lived years with pain and struggled with the systems to get treatment that is helpful.

Again welcome
\Vickie
Posted 3/10/2013 7:21 PM (GMT 0)
What were the results of the blood and urine tests? Do/Did you have an infection or not?

I get a lot of UTI's. The first few I didnt know what they were at first and they started moving to my kidneys. When that happened I had the severe pain you're describing.

Sometimes it takes several courses of antibiotics to get it under control and alleviate the pain when it gets to that point.

If the tests came back negative for an infection, and its spine/nerve related, then I would try my best to get in to see your doc or look for another clinic.

As others have said the ER won't treat those types of injuries, and if you go to the ER repeatedly you could be labeled as a "seeker" (not saying you are by any means, thats just what happens) and then you'll be up a creek without a paddle.

Good luck! Keep us posted :)
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