Seeking Answers: Lower Back Pain and Urinary Protein Concerns
I am a 31-year-old female, weighing 100 lbs and standing at 5 feet tall. I identify as White Caucasian and describe myself as agnostic. Diagnosed with celiac disease, I am currently grappling with persistent lower left back pain and an unusual amount of protein found in my urine. I'm reaching out for assistance and insights! Recent tests revealed vitamin D, folate, and iron deficiencies. Additionally, I am experiencing lower left back discomfort along with elevated protein levels in my urine, but thankfully, there are no signs of a urinary tract infection. Could my back pain be due to a kidney stone or something more serious? Here are my recent lab results: - PH: 6 - Specific gravity: 1035 - Protein: 2+ - Ketone: trace - Leukocyte esterase: trace - Epithelial cells: 21-50 - Bacteria: 3+ - Calcium oxalate crystals: present - Hyaline casts: many These results prompted a culture test, which returned negative. On the day of my appointment, I had walked there and was sweating profusely, likely leading to concentrated urine. Additionally, I did not use any antibacterial wipes before providing the sample. My ongoing treatment for anemia isn't yielding positive results, as it appears I'm becoming more anemic. Various parameters, including the distribution of red blood cells, are declining, while other blood cells, like neutrophils and eosinophils, are also lower than normal. There has been a slight increase in immature granulocytes, but despite this, my liver enzymes and platelets are within high normal limits. Other parameters also remain normal, although my red blood cell count is decreasing. I suspect I may have inadvertently consumed gluten recently. On a lighter note, I’ve observed that my cat enjoys lying on my lower left back, a region that has been hurting intermittently for about a month. Interestingly, this feline tends to rest there only when I’m in pain, and I wonder if it's sensing a temperature change or something similar. Of my two cats, only one exhibits this caring behavior, the other seems completely unaware.
Answers (1)
4/4/2025, 2:00:59 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you're dealing with a few interconnected health issues: persistent lower back pain, protein in your urine, and deficiencies in certain vitamins and minerals. These concerns can understandably be quite distressing, especially given your celiac disease diagnosis. Let's break this down into manageable parts.
Main Points
- Back Pain Evaluation: Your lower left back pain could potentially be related to kidney issues, but it could also stem from musculoskeletal causes.
- Proteinuria Concerns: The presence of protein in your urine, along with your other symptoms, requires careful monitoring.
- Nutritional Deficiencies: Ongoing anemia and nutritional deficiencies need addressing.
Explanation
Back Pain: While kidney stones may cause pain in the lower back or side, your negative culture results and the presence of calcium oxalate crystals suggest that might not be the sole cause. Other possibilities include muscle strain or issues with spinal alignment, given that this has been ongoing for a month.
Protein in Urine: Protein in urine can indicate several things, ranging from benign conditions to kidney-related issues. Your elevated protein levels, along with the trace bacteria, might warrant further attention, even if your urinary tract culture came back negative.
Nutritional Deficiencies: Your treatment for anemia is important, particularly since you have identifiers suggesting possible malabsorption (common in celiac disease). Deficiencies in vitamin D, folate, and iron can indeed contribute to fatigue and malaise. Additionally, gluten exposure could exacerbate these issues.
Next Steps
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Track Symptoms: Keep a detailed log of your back pain, including its intensity, duration, and any activities that worsen or alleviate it. This will be helpful in addressing the pain effectively.
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Hydration: Ensure you are well-hydrated to help with any potential urinary issues. Dehydration can concentrate urine and affect test results.
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Nutritional Support: Given your anemia and deficiencies:
- Consider incorporating iron-rich foods (like lean meats, beans, and spinach) into your diet, unless gluten-sensitive.
- A multivitamin focusing on folate and vitamin D might be beneficial.
- Consult a dietitian experienced in celiac disease for tailored advice.
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Monitor Dietary Intake: Double-check your food intake for gluten, as accidental consumption can hinder your recovery from both the back pain and anemia.
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Gentle Stretching and Strengthening: Engage in gentle back exercises or stretching routines to alleviate discomfort. Yoga or physiotherapy can be helpful once you have consulted a professional.
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Watch for Worsening Symptoms: If your back pain worsens or if you start having symptoms such as blood in your urine, increased urinary frequency, severe pain, or any swelling in your abdomen, seek medical evaluation swiftly.
Your cat's behavior highlights a unique insight! Cats can often be sensitive to changes in body temperature or pain, and their presence may provide comfort during challenging times.
Remember to take care of yourself and seek assistance if your symptoms continue to escalate. You are doing the right thing by seeking answers. Please keep track of your symptoms and let me know if you have any further questions!
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