OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns About Potential Acute Kidney Injury

Hey there, I'm a 17-year-old girl, standing at 5'8" and weighing around 133 pounds. I recently posted about my worries regarding urinary retention during a road trip due to a shy bladder. I have additional thoughts to share and I'm beginning to worry that I might be experiencing acute kidney injury (AKI) and could really use some guidance. For those who might have missed my earlier message, I apologize for the repetition, but it really provides necessary context. Typically, my family breaks our long road trips into two days, stopping at budget motels for the night. This summer, we traveled from Illinois to Myrtle Beach. During our initial drive towards Myrtle Beach a week ago, I lost track of how long I held my urine, though I doubt it was the exaggerated 13 hours I mentioned earlier. Out of fear of needing to go, I've consciously reduced my fluid intake during these trips. When we finally arrived at our Airbnb on the second day—maybe even the next day, which was our first full day of vacation—I was puzzled by the significant drop in my urge to urinate and the minimal amount I was able to pass. It felt like trying to squeeze droplets from a lemon. This situation sent me into a panic as I feared I might need IV hydration (my anxiety about health isn’t helping). However, after that scare, I forced myself to hydrate a lot the next day, which resulted in excessive urination. What's been troubling is that subsequently, I was not drinking much yet continued to pee frequently, and it seemed to stabilize only on our departure day—the last day of the trip about a week later. Now, regarding our return journey: Two days ago when we left the hotel, I had a pressing need to relieve myself during the trip. However, we made an unplanned stop because my dad wanted to explore another city, allowing me to finally empty my bladder. The following day (yesterday), we started our drive back. Since our previous day’s journey was short due to proximity to Myrtle Beach, we had a long 13-hour drive ahead since my parents preferred not to stay at another hotel. That day was particularly difficult—I held my urge for too long, resulting in a loss of the feeling altogether until I finally relieved myself, although I felt somewhat dehydrated. The most concerning aspect came today. It’s currently 11 PM, and I've only used the restroom three times since waking up at 9 AM, with two of those instances amounting to very little. I did manage to urinate approximately thirty minutes ago, which felt somewhat normal, but I’m anxious about what tomorrow might bring. I’ve done some research online (I know, not always advisable), and it outlined a pattern of AKI—varying between small amounts of urine one day and significantly more the next. Considering I've had two injuries happening in quick succession, I feel my risk for lasting kidney damage could be higher. I trust that actual medical professionals have deeper insights. My family, including my grandmother, who is a retired doctor from the former Soviet Union (so I’m skeptical of her advice), keeps reminding me that this might just be dehydration. Regardless, I’m adamant about visiting a physician, since my parents think I'm only experiencing anxiety. I would appreciate any insights from doctors here regarding: - Could this indeed be indicative of acute kidney injury? - What is my likelihood of enduring permanent damage? Thanks for patiently reading through my lengthy post!

Answers (1)

8/9/2025, 4:31:06 AM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to be concerned about your urinary issues during your recent road trip, especially since you're trying to figure out if they might relate to acute kidney injury (AKI). While the symptoms you describe can be alarming, it’s important to consider them in context.

Key Points:

1. Urinary Patterns: Your experiences of limited urination, fluctuating amounts of urine, and specific trip situations likely relate to hydration levels and anxiety rather than an immediate indication of AKI.
2. Dehydration vs. Kidney Injury: Reducing fluid intake can lead to dehydration, which might explain the decreased urinary output. Severe dehydration can stress the kidneys, but mild to moderate dehydration typically doesn’t cause long-lasting damage.
3. Frequent Urination Post-Hydration: The excess urination following hydration is your body’s way of catching up, which is a healthy response.

Explanation:

When you hold urine for long periods, especially if you are drinking less, it can lead to temporary retention issues. Your urinary frequency is affected not just by hydration but also by anxiety and perhaps discomfort during long trips. While AKI is a serious condition, it usually presents with additional signs like swelling, fatigue, nausea, and changes in your overall health.

Next Steps:

1. Hydration: Ensure you are drinking enough water regularly. Aim for at least 8 cups of water daily, but adjust based on your activity level and climate. Avoid excessively restricting fluid intake, especially during travel.

2. Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of your urination patterns. If you notice any severe changes such as dark urine, blood in your urine, extreme fatigue, or swelling, note these and raise them with a healthcare provider.

3. Anxiety Management: Find techniques to handle anxiety, such as relaxation exercises, mindfulness, or discussing your worries with someone you trust.

4. Consult a Healthcare Provider: It's reasonable to see a doctor, especially since you have concerns that persist. They can evaluate your symptoms, potentially perform blood tests, and check kidney function to provide you with reassurance.

Finally, it's great that you're taking this seriously and considering how it impacts your health. Keeping an open line of communication with your family and healthcare providers about your concerns and symptoms can help you feel more at ease moving forward.