Advice on Kidney Infections
As a regular at the gym six days a week, I'm nearing the end of my antibiotic treatment for a kidney infection that I initially overlooked, and the agony was quite severe. The symptoms I experienced included: - Nausea and vomiting - Decreased appetite - Pain in my right side - Persistent headaches - Chills and fever - Muscular discomfort - Swelling in my abdomen Currently, I can say I'm feeling a bit better, but I'm still encountering some troubling symptoms: - Profound fatigue and weakness - Unquenchable thirst - Continuing discomfort in my right flank While preparing dinner, I find myself needing to sit frequently, and even a leisurely ten-minute walk leaves me drained for hours. Is this normal? I'm scheduled to return to the doctor tomorrow for another dipstick test, but I would appreciate hearing from others who may have experienced similar issues. Thank you in advance for your insights!
Answers (1)
3/18/2025, 7:30:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's great to hear you're nearing the end of your antibiotic treatment, but I understand that the ongoing symptoms can be concerning. Your experience with a kidney infection must have been quite challenging, and the symptoms you're currently facing can be part of the recovery process, especially after an infection that caused significant discomfort.
Explanation:
After a kidney infection (also known as pyelonephritis), it’s normal to feel fatigue and weakness. The body uses a lot of energy to fight off infections, which can leave you feeling run down for some time, even after the acute symptoms have improved. Dehydration, a common result of infections and not eating well, can also cause thirst and contribute to feelings of weakness. The discomfort you feel in your right flank and abdomen can result from the residual effects of inflammation or irritation.
Next Steps:
-
Hydrate: Focus on drinking plenty of fluids, especially water. This can help flush out any remaining bacteria and support your kidneys as they recover. Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of water a day unless otherwise directed by your healthcare provider.
-
Rest: It's important to allow your body time to heal. If certain activities, including fitness routines, lead to exhaustion, it's okay to cut back for now. Listen to your body and prioritize rest when feeling fatigued.
-
Nutrition: Try to eat small, nutritious meals that include plenty of fruits, vegetables, and lean proteins. This can help support your recovery and restore energy levels.
-
Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on your symptoms, especially the flank pain and weakness. Make a note of any changes and discuss them with your doctor during your appointment.
-
Seek Support: Engage in gentle, restorative activities like stretching or light walking if you feel up to it, but don't push yourself too hard.
Since you have a follow-up appointment soon, be prepared to share all your current symptoms, including the fatigue, thirst, and flank discomfort. Your doctor can address these concerns and may perform additional tests if needed.
Feel assured that recovery takes time, and it's important to give yourself grace during this process. If things don't improve in the next few days or if symptoms worsen, continue to seek medical advice.
Related Questions
The Silent Threat: H. Pylori and Its Impact on Gallbladder Health
Let me summarize a lengthy experience into a more manageable account. During the summer of 2019, I started experiencing tachycardia and a range of other health complications. At that time, I was a dedicated athlete—having completed an Ironman and excelled in powerlifting—truly representing peak health for a 27-year-old. After enduring multiple health crises and grappling with the overwhelming confusion surrounding my symptoms, particularly during the chaotic COVID period, I discovered I had significant levels of H. pylori bacteria in my system. Fast forward to August 2025, I underwent quadruple therapy to eradicate the infection, which was a grueling experience—one I would not recommend lightly, though it was unfortunately necessary. Now, six months after completing that therapy, I found that my body had not fully returned to its previous state of wellness. After undergoing a special scan, I learned that my gallbladder is functioning at a mere 17% ejection fraction. My doctor was quick to refer me to a surgeon, but I requested a moment to reconsider. Given that there were no stones or sludge present, I postulated that my gallbladder's underperformance might be due to a disruption in nerve signaling stemming from years of vagal nerve issues related to my bacterial infection. To my relief, my doctor concurred and agreed to take a watchful approach. This leads me to wonder about the potential for recovery in gallbladder function. Currently, I’m supplementing with 100 mg of TUDCA and utilizing hydrochloric acid for digestion, as the quadruple therapy diminished my stomach acid levels. I’m curious to know others' experiences or insights regarding the possibility of my gallbladder regaining normal functionality. I’ve read contrasting opinions on the necessity of having a gallbladder, as many consider it dispensable, yet my research indicates otherwise. I aim to avoid surgery, if at all possible, and would appreciate any advice or perspectives you could share on this situation.
Seeking Advice on 9mm Kidney Stone Treatment Without Stenting
Hello everyone! I'm a 29-year-old female who discovered a 9mm kidney stone in my right kidney following a CT scan conducted for an unrelated issue. Fortunately, I'm not experiencing any symptoms at the moment. When I was 21, I successfully passed smaller stones. I’m curious why my doctor isn’t recommending the use of a stent, as most sources I've read suggest it's a common part of the treatment process. Is it standard procedure to forgo a stent in this case? I have some concerns about potential complications arising from not having one, despite my preference to avoid using a stent altogether. Additionally, I have a trip scheduled about a month and a half after the treatment. Do you think I will be fit to travel by then?
Exploring the Use of Tadalafil in Combination with Flomax for Kidney Stones
I came across research indicating that Tadalafil showcases a superior expulsion rate for kidney stones compared to Flomax. Interestingly, findings suggest that administering both Tadalafil and Flomax together may yield even more beneficial outcomes since each medication operates through different mechanisms. I'm considering reaching out to my urologist for his insights, but given that I reside in a rural area with limited access to medical professionals, appointments tend to be rushed. I might need to explore self-management options. As for my situation: - I am dealing with a 5mm kidney stone located in my distal ureter. - I do not smoke or consume alcohol. - Generally, my health is stable aside from GERD, and I've had my gallbladder surgically removed. - Lately, I've been experiencing persistent bladder pressure and discomfort daily, likely due to the stone being lodged near the bladder. - Thankfully, I am not running a fever, can still urinate, and feel relatively okay overall. - The stone has been in the distal ureter for about a month, during which time I have only consumed water, lemon water, and taken renal stone dissolution pills. - I weigh approximately 210 pounds.
Experiencing Unexplained Urinary Discomfort
To provide some background, I’m quite young, just 16 years old. I've undergone multiple tests for urinary tract infections, all of which have returned negative results. Despite receiving a course of antibiotics and consulting a gynecologist, I have not found relief; in fact, my symptoms have intensified. I’m not sexually active, and I’m currently awaiting an appointment with a pediatric urologist, but I thought I’d reach out here for any advice or insights you might have. Symptoms began about a year ago during the summer. I started to feel sharp discomfort whenever I urinated, coupled with a strong urge to go and increased frequency. After visiting the physician, who confirmed no UTI, I was advised to increase my water intake. This provided slight relief for a brief period. However, while traveling, my symptoms escalated significantly. I even experienced involuntary soiling for the first time in over a decade. My pain transitioned from only occurring during urination to happening before, after, and sporadically throughout the day. As it stands now, I'm grappling with urgency, frequent trips to the restroom, and intense pain, which sometimes comes with itching. The pain intensity fluctuates between a dull ache rated at 1 and severe stabbing sensations reaching 7 or 8 on the pain scale. Any thoughts or possible explanations would be greatly appreciated. The discomfort seems to have a pattern of coming and going, potentially disappearing for several days, only to return even stronger. At times, the pain feels as if it is linked to vaginal issues, other times purely urinary. It is challenging to pinpoint the exact problem, and I look forward to insights until I can consult with a pediatric urologist. If anyone has experienced something similar or has suggestions, please feel free to share your thoughts!
Nocturnal Urinary Issues: A Young Man's Concern
A young man, recently turned 20 this January, who does not smoke or consume alcohol, stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 65 kilograms. He is not currently taking any medications. This issue predominantly occurs at night. As he attempts to fall asleep, he experiences a strong urge to urinate, which compels him to get up and relieve himself. It’s not merely an urge; he actually needs to go. This recurring problem interferes with his ability to drift off into sleep. Occasionally, he finds that his urination seems concentrated, leading him to believe that it may be urine mixed with semen. He has noticed that these occurrences are intensified during the two to three days following masturbation. Additionally, he experiences unusual sensations in his left testicle. There is a worry in his mind regarding the necessity of surgery and a growing fear of prostate cancer. These nocturnal issues have persisted for quite some time—around seven to eight months—fluctuating in severity. A few months back, he experienced slight pain in his left testicle and consulted a pharmacist, who also practiced medicine. This acquaintance, known to him through his father, examined the testicle and prescribed medication for epididymitis, advising that he undergo an X-ray if symptoms did not improve. Although the pain subsided, the urinary problems returned just weeks later and have persisted consistently for the last five to six months.