Severe Right-Side Pain Following Kidney Infection Without Pain Relief
A 24-year-old female, standing 5'6" and weighing 125 pounds, recently experienced a urinary tract infection (UTI). Although I believed antibiotic treatment had resolved the issue, the symptoms persisted. On Saturday, I visited the emergency room due to debilitating flank pain accompanied by fever, chills, nausea, and significant fatigue. After undergoing several tests, medical staff diagnosed me with a kidney infection. I received an intramuscular injection of antibiotics in my shoulder and was also given oral antibiotic pills to take at home. Fast forward to today (Monday), and I've finally awakened without a fever or chills for the first time. However, since yesterday, I've developed a troubling new symptom: an intense pain localized only in my right side. It's so severe that lying on that side is impossible, I find it difficult to bend, taking deep breaths is painful, and moving around is a challenge. I've previously dealt with a kidney stone, so I'm fairly certain this is not the cause. Over-the-counter medications like muscle relaxers and Tylenol have proven ineffective against this pain. Feeling helpless is taking its toll; the agony was overwhelming enough yesterday that I shed tears. I'm left contemplating whether this level of discomfort is typical or if there are alternative remedies I should consider.
Answers (1)
7/7/2025, 2:10:52 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm really sorry to hear that you're going through such intense discomfort. The combination of recent kidney infection and the new severe pain on your right side can be quite distressing. Let's break this down.
Main Points:
- Current Symptoms: You have recently battled a kidney infection and are now experiencing severe right-sided pain, along with difficulties in movement and breathing.
- Potential Causes: The pain may be due to several factors, including muscle strain, inflammation related to the kidney infection, or complications that may arise post-infection.
- Next Steps: While waiting for medical guidance, there are important immediate actions you can take to manage your symptoms.
Explanation:
After having a kidney infection, it's not uncommon for residual pain to occur in the flank area, especially if there is ongoing inflammation or muscle strain from the infection itself. The pain can sometimes feel worse when you're moving or breathing deeply since those actions engage muscles in that area. It’s less common, but other possibilities like an abscess or collection of fluid may be present after an infection, which would require attention.
Prioritized Next Steps:
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Hydration: Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids, especially water. This helps support your kidneys and overall recovery.
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep a close eye on your symptoms. Record the intensity and nature of your pain, as well as any new symptoms that may arise, such as fever or changes in urine color.
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Pain Management: Since over-the-counter medications aren't providing relief, consider trying:
- Warm compresses on the painful area to help ease muscle tension.
- Gentle stretching or light movement, as tolerated, to prevent stiffness without exacerbating the pain.
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Rest: Prioritize rest to allow your body to recover from both the infection and any muscular strain.
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Seek Medical Attention: If the pain worsens, or if you develop additional symptoms such as difficulty urinating, increased fever, or if the pain becomes unbearable, please reach out for medical attention promptly. Given your history and the severity of your symptoms, this is important to rule out any complications.
Stay strong; recovery can take time, and seeking help should not feel like a burden, especially at a time like this. Let me know if you have more questions or need further strategies for symptom relief!
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