Enigmatic Discomfort in the Kidneys
I’m a 23-year-old woman who generally enjoys good health, but things took a turn last December during my vacation in Mexico. While at the beach, I suddenly doubled over in pain on my side. I quickly downed a large amount of water, believing that perhaps I was experiencing a kidney stone episode. It felt as if the discomfort shifted from my back down to my thigh and groin. About a week later, I expelled what I thought were fragments of a kidney stone, with both large and small particles appearing in the toilet. Ever since then, I've continued to pass a similar sediment, albeit in smaller quantities, occasionally mixed with blood. The pain persisted, and I started to notice a strange gurgling sensation coming from my kidney, prompting me to seek medical advice. Tests indicated that I had a minor kidney infection, which was effectively treated with antibiotics; however, the sediment, the bleeding, and the pain endured. Recently, my discomfort has escalated significantly. Nausea has rendered me unable to eat, and I feel physically drained while struggling to find restful sleep. I've consulted two different doctors, both of whom suggested a visit to the emergency room. Unfortunately, my concerns were dismissed as mere muscle strain there. I'm growing increasingly frustrated as nobody seems able to provide clarity or even a hypothesis about my condition, leading me to question my own sanity. - A CT scan without contrast revealed no signs of kidney stones. - An X-ray of the kidney did not show any abnormalities. - Several blood tests returned normal results.
Answers (1)
3/18/2025, 4:10:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’ve been through a difficult and frustrating experience with your kidney-related symptoms. Your ongoing issues of pain, sediment in urine, and bleeding following a kidney infection are concerning, and it's understandable to seek answers and relief. Here’s a structured way to approach your situation.
Main Points
- Continued discomfort after a kidney infection can indicate unresolved issues.
- The presence of sediment and blood in urine should be evaluated further.
- It's crucial to advocate for thorough follow-up care to identify the root cause.
Explanation
Following a kidney infection, some individuals may experience lingering symptoms, such as sediment in urine, blood, or pain. While tests like CT scans and X-rays can rule out kidney stones and major abnormalities, they may not always detect less common conditions affecting the kidneys or urinary tract. Possible causes could range from lingering infection to irritation or another underlying condition.
Your symptoms of nausea, inability to eat, and fatigue suggest that your body is stressed, which can happen if an infection or irritation isn't completely resolved. The sensations you're experiencing, such as gurgling in the kidney area, may be related to muscle strain or something affecting your kidneys, but further investigation is warranted.
Next Steps
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Document Your Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including pain levels, frequency of sediment and bleeding, and any other new symptoms (like nausea). Note when these occur in relation to meals or activities.
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Consider Seeking a Specialist: Request a referral to a urologist or a nephrologist, who specializes in urinary and kidney disorders. They may have further insights into less common conditions or complications.
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Follow-up Testing: Ask if further tests may be appropriate at this stage, such as a urine culture to check for persistent infection or other specific tests, like an ultrasound to evaluate kidney structures.
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Hydration & Diet: Maintain adequate hydration, but if nausea persists, focus on clear fluids (like broth) and gradually introduce bland foods as tolerated. Small, frequent meals can sometimes help alleviate nausea.
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Pain Management: Discuss pain management strategies that may provide relief, including over-the-counter medications (like acetaminophen) unless contraindicated due to underlying issues.
Your feelings of frustration and concern are entirely valid, and persisting with medical care until you find clarity and relief is crucial. It's important not to dismiss your concerns—ensuring that you receive the appropriate care and answers is your right.
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