Waiting is lame.

Hi, guys!  It's been a while.  Hope everyone is doing well. 

While I'm usually not suffering from terrible health anxiety anymore, I still have my moments.  Naturally, this is the first place I go. 

I was having some symptoms of a UTI--some irritation and urinary frequency, even some pain in my kidney area, so I got treated, as this is not all that uncommon for me.  Went on antibiotics, and the symptoms persisted.  Went back to the doctor, got some new antibiotics (also for a chronic sinus infection), and I'm in the middle of that cycle right now.  However, the culture didn't show any bacterial growth even though the initial test did show a UTI.  The doctor told me to finish the round of antibiotics and if symptoms persisted, to go back. 

While some symptoms have lessened, I'm still having kidney pain that seems to be worsening and I'm trying so hard not to just freak out and start researching on the internet. I do weight training at the gym now and went back yesterday after a week off, so I keep trying to convince myself it's just taxation of the muscles, or dehydration.  It seems to radiate between both sides, and I don't have any other symptoms like fever or anything of that nature.  GAH.  I want to wait it out and hope that the antibiotics will make the pain go away eventually, but it's so hard not to immediately jump to the worst possible conclusion.  Since there was no growth, I keep thinking maybe something like interstitial cystitis or something, but I don't know if that would cause any sort of kidney/flank pain. 

I could use some of your magical words to help me calm down.  Heh.  I don't want to start researching because naturally the first things that I'll see will be things like kidney failure and stuff like that.  I just want some peace so I can wait it out with a level head. 

:(

Hi Risa and welcome back!

It is good to hear from you again, although I am sorry to hear of your recent UTI and sinus issues.

I am sure that given a couple more days, this should clear up completely. The reason your test came out clean is due to taking the first round of antibiotics...but that doesn't mean that the inflamation and irritation is completely cleared up...and that could account for your continued discomfort.

Also like you said, this could be muscle strain, or possibly fibro pain, so it is good that you are not googling and jumping to any worst case senario thinking.

Remember all of the past worries that had you thinking the worst, and the fact that everything came out just fine.:) It will surely be the same in this situation.

How have things been otherwise? Work going well? How's hubby/family?

Keep posting with us...we have missed you and are glad to have you back!

S.C.

Risa, I am so glad to hear from you but sorry it is under these circumstances.  I am going to help you out so you can find some peace and know you are OK. With a kidney infection you will most likely have all the same sx you have with a UTI along with a fever, back, side (flank) or groin pain and abdominal pain.  You do not have to have all the symptoms. You're being treated for a urinary tract infection, but your signs and symptoms aren't improving so it is time to consider making another appointment with your Dr. You made need some other testing but in the end I know you will turn out to be OK. SC is right, if you have started on an antibiotic when a second culture was done you may not get an accurate result. Our Drs. were looking for our heads on a platter if they admitted a patient with kidney infection and we started IV antibiotics before we obtain the urine for culture.  I still have my head so I did not commit this sin. LOL To the best of my knowledge, to have IC you have to have supra-pubic pain, along with pressure or discomfort in the bladder. You may be correct in thinking you have possibly strained a muscle at the gym. Keep on talking with us and we will help you over this bump in the road. I have some magical words for you " I have always been delighted at the prospect of a new day, a fresh try, one more start, with perhaps a bit of magic waiting somewhere behind the morning. " ~ J. B. Priestley  

RisaA, what are the possibilities that it's nothing but pain, I pump iron also and pain is a way of life.

Larry ***

Morning Risa,
Flank pain is the classic presenting symptom of urinary calculi (kidney stone) and is the predominant cause of flank pain that occurs in the absence of fever. Acute onset of severe constant flank pain that radiates to the groin is generally a kidney stone. I think we can rule that out as you would not be talking with us when it started, you would be in the ER needing pain medication.

Pyelonephritis is a common cause of flank pain, but its discomfort is usually described as a relatively mild dull ache. Fever, chills, nausea, and vomiting are the most common symptoms, along with headache and a stiff neck. Flank and costovertebral angle tenderness are present. I mentioned this one yesterday so you most likely are going to be ok and it is that old Health Anxiety trying to take over.

Muscle pain from a strain or other injury of the back or flank can lead to a dull aching discomfort in the thoracolumbar area. The discomfort is exacerbated by lifting and bending.

Do finish all of your antibiotic and if your sx change call your Dr. Did your Dr. ask to see you once you have completed the medication?

Push fluids and the best is water. The average intake of water per day for women is 2.2 liters (about 9 cups) of total beverages a day. If you exercise or engage in any activity that makes you sweat, you need to drink extra water to compensate for the fluid loss. You may need increased fluid intake if you develop certain conditions, including bladder infections. Keep on drinking

I am posting you the link to the pain assessment scale as it often helps to see what your pain scale number is.

I am thinking of you and please remember, I am not a Dr. so all this info is from my own personal knowledge base. Your Dr. is the person to advise you what to do if your needing medical help.

I missed you here, Risa, and hope your problems will all resolve quickly.

I am doing good and will be on maintenance
chemo for a long time. I have been doing some traveling and spending time with my family whom I love to the moon and back. Thanks you for asking.

Gentle Hugs,
Kitt

Well, I decided I couldn't wait any longer. I'm in the waiting room at my doc's office now.

I can't tell what's real and what's being exacerbated by anxiety at this point. Right now the pain isn't bad, but I'm a little dizzy and think I may be getting a fever. Granted, it was at 98.5 today, but I usually sit at a cool 97.6 or so most of the time.

I'm here alone since my husband had to work, and I've convinced myself I'm going to be sent off to the ER. I even packed some overnight stuff and stowed it in my car just in case.

Hopefully I'll be seen soon. I just want to know I'll be okay.