Kidney Infection Concern
Hello everyone! I'm reaching out for some guidance since I'm feeling a bit overwhelmed and don't have a lot of support right now. I could really use any tips or insights you might have. So, last week on Monday (July 21), I visited my primary care physician due to experiencing intense burning sensations while urinating. After testing my urine, they diagnosed me with a urinary tract infection—something I had never encountered before. They prescribed me an antibiotic; however, I can't remember its name. I started taking it that very day and continued through Tuesday. Come Wednesday (July 23), I woke up with an awful pain in my lower back, along with nausea and a slight fever. Given the severe discomfort I was in, I contacted my doctor, who suggested I go to the emergency room. In the ER, they conducted blood tests, a urinalysis, and provided fluids through an IV. A CT scan was performed, revealing no kidney stones, but it confirmed that the infection had spread to my kidneys. I was discharged on Levofloxacin 750 mg, but rather than improving, I felt worse than before. I endured nausea, vomiting, and extreme fatigue until Sunday (July 27), when I sought help at an urgent care clinic. They tested my urine and informed me that neither of the two antibiotics I had taken were effective against the infection, which explained my ongoing symptoms. They then switched my medication to Macrobid 100 mg to be taken twice daily. It's now Tuesday, and I've been on the new medication since Sunday. Unfortunately, I still feel the same. Each morning, I wake up feeling nauseous to the point of vomiting. I also have significant stomach pain and have been dealing with constipation since last Tuesday, which I suspect may be related to the medications—but I'm unsure. To top it off, my lower back pain has returned, and I'm feeling quite lost about what to do next. Has anyone else experienced something similar? It feels as if nothing is working effectively. Should I consider going to see a doctor again? Am I being too impatient with the Macrobid? I would really appreciate any advice or support during this frustrating time!
Answers (1)
7/29/2025, 3:40:49 PM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you're experiencing such a challenging time with your kidney infection. It's understandable to feel overwhelmed given your ongoing symptoms and the difficulties you're facing. Let's break down what's happening and outline some steps you can take.
Main Points:
- Persistent Symptoms: You have ongoing nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and lower back pain despite changing antibiotics.
- Medication Effects: Your current antibiotic may be causing side effects such as nausea and constipation, which need to be addressed.
- Next Steps Needed: It's important to monitor your symptoms closely and consider further medical attention.
Explanation:
You were initially treated for a urinary tract infection that unfortunately progressed to a kidney infection. It appears that the antibiotics prescribed didn't clear the infection, which is why you've experienced worsening symptoms. Macrobid (Nitrofurantoin) is effective for certain types of urinary infections, but if the infection is more severe or caused by a resistant strain, it may not provide relief.
The nausea, vomiting, and constipation you're experiencing could be side effects of the antibiotics or related to the infection itself. Given that your symptoms have not improved after a few days on Macrobid, it’s important to take action.
Next Steps:
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Contact Your Doctor: Given the persistence of your symptoms, I recommend reaching out to your healthcare provider as soon as possible. They need to know you're not feeling better despite the new medication.
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Symptom Tracking: Keep a diary of your symptoms, noting when they occur and their severity. This information can help your doctor understand the situation better.
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Hydration and Diet: Focus on staying hydrated. If you're very nauseous, try sipping clear liquids (like water, broth, or electrolyte solutions) throughout the day. Eating bland foods such as toast, crackers, or bananas when you can might help settle your stomach.
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Consider Over-the-Counter Solutions: Talk to your pharmacy about safe options for managing nausea. For constipation, consider over-the-counter remedies like fiber supplements or stool softeners, but please check with your doctor first since you're on antibiotics.
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Follow-up Appointment: If your symptoms do not improve within the next couple of days, or if they worsen (like increasing pain, fever, or difficulty keeping fluids down), seek medical attention immediately.
Your situation is understandably frustrating, but being proactive in communicating with your healthcare provider is key. You're not alone in this, and there are avenues for further help. Let me know if you need more specific information!
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