Seeking Insight on Lower Back Pain and Fever After Recent UTI Treatment
Hello everyone, I’m new here and I appreciate your patience as I navigate this! To give you some background: I experienced a urinary tract infection (UTI) approximately a week and a half to two weeks ago. I have dealt with several UTIs previously, so I recognized the symptoms—strong ammonia-like odor in my urine, pelvic discomfort, and mild lower back pain. Lacking health insurance at the time, I utilized GoodRx to obtain Macrobid antibiotics and completed the recommended five-day course, which initially resolved my symptoms. However, everything changed yesterday. I woke up feeling unwell, showing a mild fever that varied between 99.0°F and 101.8°F throughout the day, accompanied by a resurgence of lower back pain that intensified. It’s not incredibly debilitating—perhaps a 3.5 to 4 on a pain scale of 10—but it's certainly uncomfortable. Given how I was feeling, I decided to conduct some at-home tests for COVID-19, the flu, and of course, a quick check for a UTI. Both the COVID and flu tests returned negative results (with no congestion present), yet the urine test indicated positive Leukocytes and negative Nitrites. Now, fortunate enough to have health insurance through my new job, I decided to visit an urgent care facility. I expressed my concerns that I might have developed a kidney infection. Although I had never experienced a kidney infection prior, the combination of back pain coupled with my fever worried me—perhaps the antibiotics hadn’t fully eradicated all the bacteria. It’s important to note that my back pain is centralized rather than on the sides and manifests as a dull, persistent ache that varies in intensity. After providing a detailed history of my prior UTI and antibiotic use, the medical team conducted a dipstick test which fortunately turned out negative. They also measured my blood pressure, which was slightly elevated at 139/82 (I suspect my anxiety regarding this situation contributed). Fortunately, it didn’t raise any alarm. As a precaution, they sent my urine sample to a lab for comprehensive testing to look for anything that might not show on the dipstick. I received the lab results today, and astonishingly, everything came back negative. The only notable finding was trace Ketones, which is understandable as I’ve been in a caloric deficit for an extended period for dietary reasons. Regrettably, I’m still experiencing the fever (it hasn’t worsened but hasn’t improved either), the same persistent back pain, and some mild pressure behind my eyes that I also felt recently. Earlier today, I reached out to the clinic to see if further steps or other potential causes might need exploring. They promised to get back to me soon. The only advice I received when leaving yesterday was to increase my fluid intake, take Tylenol, and rest, although I must confess I haven’t been diligent about the fluids. For additional context, I’m a 22-year-old female, measuring 5’10” and weighing 163 pounds. I tend to lead a semi-active lifestyle; I used to work out regularly but now I occasionally rollerblade once or twice a week due to my new job's demands. Does anyone have insight into whether this might signal a more serious condition or if it could simply be an ordinary infection manifesting as acute lower back pain? I typically don’t experience back pain like this, and I’m not exhibiting my usual UTI symptoms (no strong urine odor or urgency). I’m urinating at my normal frequency, which is not very much since I often struggle to hydrate adequately. I apologize for the lengthy post, and I hope I provided sufficient detail! Any advice or thoughts you could share would mean a lot; I’m feeling quite anxious about the situation!
Answers (1)
9/3/2025, 6:11:15 PM
OpenHealth AI
Summary: Your recent symptoms, including fever and lower back pain following a UTI, can be concerning but do not directly indicate a serious condition based solely on your lab results. It's important to monitor your symptoms closely and maintain hydration and rest.
Explanation: After treating a UTI, the presence of a low-grade fever and back pain may suggest lingering inflammation or infection, but since your lab results were negative for bacteria, it might not be due to a kidney infection. The trace ketones recognized in your urine may also indicate mild dehydration, especially if you have not been drinking enough fluids, which can contribute to feelings of fatigue and discomfort. Persistent back pain can occur post-UTI due to muscular strain or other non-infectious causes, and the pressure behind your eyes might be related to your overall well-being, such as dehydration or fatigue.
Next Steps:
-
Increase Fluid Intake: Aim for at least 8-10 glasses of fluid daily. Adequate hydration will help your body recover and can alleviate back pain.
-
Rest and Monitor Symptoms: Ensure you are getting enough rest. Keep a close eye on your temperature and any changes in your symptoms.
-
Follow Up: Since you have already reached out to your clinic, keep this communication open. If your symptoms do not improve in a few days or worsen (higher fever, more intense pain, new symptoms), it's important to inform them to explore further testing and evaluation.
-
Pain Management: You can take over-the-counter pain relievers as advised (like Tylenol) to help manage your discomfort, but do not exceed the recommended dosage.
-
Nutritional Focus: Since you mentioned being in a caloric deficit, consider balancing your diet with nutritious foods to support your recovery.
It’s understandable to feel anxious about these symptoms, but with careful monitoring and self-care, you can better manage this situation. Please keep me updated on your progress and don't hesitate to reach out if you have further concerns!
Related Questions
Experiencing Hallucinations on Prednisone
During a period of distress, I developed a bizarre rash on my back, unlike anything I'd encountered before. Unsure of its origin, I captured a photo and sent it to my physician. She recommended a topical ointment, which unfortunately didn’t alleviate my discomfort. After reaching out again, she prescribed a week-long course of prednisone, a medication I had never taken prior. As someone who usually researches new prescriptions—considering my regimen includes antidepressants, medication for blood pressure, thyroid supplements, and occasionally things for anxiety or sleep—I quickly looked into prednisone. My heart sank when I noticed "insomnia" on the list of potential side effects, as that was already a prevalent issue for me. Taking the first dose, I found myself sleeping soundly for nearly 48 hours. I woke up to what I thought was the television playing in another room, only to discover that it wasn't turned on. I could distinctly hear a deep male voice reminiscent of vintage news broadcasts, perhaps like Walter Cronkite, but there was no one present. I dismissed it as mere building noises. Little did I know, this was the onset of my auditory hallucinations. Soon after, visual hallucinations began to take hold. Although I can’t precisely recall the sequence of what I saw, several moments stand out: In my bedroom, there are French doors with curtains that suddenly began to sway without any apparent cause. I searched for drafts or anything that could explain the movement, but found nothing. The curtains continued to billow for several days. At one point, I perceived a shoe lodged behind the sofa, which transformed into the leg of a whole person trapped underneath, straining to push free. The couch itself seemed to shift. While I felt a mix of fear and absurd amusement, I called my son for help. He assured me there was nothing there, and for reasons I can’t quite grasp, I accepted that my vision was misleading. I eventually came to understand that I was indeed experiencing hallucinations. One night, after a social outing—though I should note I was driving on busy highways while experiencing difficulties steering—I made my way down the stairs leading to my condo. At the base, I noticed heavy outdoor steps that drop down to a hallway leading to a crawlspace. This area felt slightly eerie, even when sane. As I descended, something scuttled across my foot, prompting a jolt of surprise; I couldn’t see what it was. Upon reaching the bottom, I was confronted by an enormous spider web, sprawling like a badminton net and teeming with spiders the size of my hand, all scurrying about with frantic energy. I told myself, "You are hallucinating. Go ahead and touch the web to confirm it’s not there." As I approached with my hand outstretched, tiny, shadowy figures—almost like hobbits—rushed from the back of the hallway towards me. Recognizing that they weren’t real, I quickly abandoned my plan and hurried inside my condo. One evening, while inspecting my back in the mirror—possibly to check on the rash—I noticed a familiar mole near my left shoulder blade. As I reached to touch it, I mistakenly identified it as a tick that began crawling away from me, its legs clear to see. It felt distressing to think it was buried beneath my skin, leading me to irrationally start digging at it with my nails. I briefly considered fetching tweezers but continued my frantic effort, even as I recognized I was misidentifying the mole. I rummaged through a bottle to store what I believed were remnants of the tick, even going so far as to collect small fragments in a tissue. When morning came, I excitedly planned to share my findings with my son, only to discover that both the fragments and the tissue had vanished from the bottle entirely. Eventually, I woke up one morning to find that the curtains were no longer moving. This realization confirmed that the hallucinations had ceased. Over the subsequent days, I struggled to succinctly convey my experiences in an email to my doctor, overwhelmed by the task of organizing my thoughts. My son and I researched prednisone to confirm side effects, and there it was in fine print—"hallucinations"—noted as an uncommon occurrence. When I shared my vivid experiences with my doctor during a follow-up, her nonchalant reaction left me feeling rather perplexed. Did she encounter such cases often? Did she believe me? In a twist of fate, my sister, who has rheumatoid arthritis, soon mentioned her doctor was prescribing her increased doses of prednisone due to inadequate pain relief. Alarmed, I recounted my own ordeal, but she countered that she would prefer to hallucinate than endure discomfort. I couldn’t genuinely argue with that logic. Remarkably, she hasn’t reported any complications thus far, which leads me to wonder if the adverse reactions are not inherently genetic. To this day, I sometimes hear whispers of that old newscaster's voice, lingering in my mind.
Discontinuing Klonopin (clonazepam) Use
Greetings, I'm a 37-year-old female, standing at 5'5", living a lifestyle free from smoking and drinking. I struggle with schizoaffective disorder and PTSD, and my current medication regimen includes Depakote, Zyprexa, Prazosin, Topamax, Clonidine, and 0.5 mg of Klonopin as needed. Over the last 13 days, I've been taking Klonopin 0.5 mg intermittently, with daily usage for most of this time, though I have skipped it on approximately four occasions. At this juncture, I no longer wish to continue with Klonopin, as it contributes to feelings of deep depression, emotional numbness, and dissociation. I'm curious about the best approach to discontinue this medication. Would it be advisable to taper off gradually, or is it feasible to cease taking it immediately? Given that I am on antiepileptic drugs, I suspect the risk of experiencing a seizure is low. I appreciate any insights you may have. Thank you!
Concerns about Blood Iron Levels and Health Indicators
Hello everyone! I’m a 28-year-old male, standing at 170 cm and weighing 60 kg (5’6", 132 lbs). I maintain an active lifestyle, do not use any substances or medications, and consume very little alcohol. **Background**: In April 2024, I experienced prolonged symptoms reminiscent of irritable bowel syndrome, such as diarrhea, mucus in stool, and inconsistent bowel movements. Despite undergoing various tests including those for inflammatory bowel disease, everything returned to normal. In August 2024, I consulted a gastroenterologist who recommended a colonoscopy and endoscopy. However, I decided to wait for the public healthcare system in Australia, where I am still in the queue but could opt to pay privately if necessary since I was managing most symptoms through dietary adjustments, only facing occasional flare-ups. **Current Situation**: In February and September 2025, I completed blood tests, both yielding similar findings. My iron studies revealed low transferrin levels and elevated ferritin levels, which increased in September. Additionally, alkaline phosphatase levels were also heightened and continued to rise in September; all three markers are now exceeding the reference range by approximately 20-30%. I am conscious that my health anxiety may be exacerbating some of my IBS-like symptoms, yet I remain alarmed by the surge in ferritin and alkaline phosphatase, despite them not being drastically high. Typically, these markers can indicate liver damage or serve as potential indicators of inflammation or cancer. While I generally feel fine, my flare-ups frequently accompany nausea, headaches, and fatigue. My doctor did not emphasize my test results but agreed to a test for the HFE gene. Are there specific tests I should discuss with my physician to exclude serious conditions? If the elevated results align with a potential inflammation in the gut or cancer, should I hasten the scheduling of the colonoscopy and endoscopy? From your experience, are these raised levels a matter for concern, or could they potentially be attributed to my anxiety? Thank you for any insights!
Strong and Unusual Odor in Urine for Two Weeks – Seeking Insights
Hello everyone, (I’m a 15-year-old female) For the past couple of weeks, I've noticed a remarkably strong and unpleasant odor every time I use the restroom. (Sorry, TMI) It has a scent reminiscent of a used tampon. This began shortly after my last menstrual cycle, though I can't pinpoint the precise day it started. I’ve conducted quite a bit of research and eliminated several possibilities: - I’m well-hydrated, consuming plenty of water each day, and my urine is often quite clear, yet the smell remains. - My dietary habits haven’t experienced any significant shifts over the last few months; I haven’t introduced foods typically linked with potent urine odors (like asparagus or coffee). - I am not sexually active (I’m still a virgin), so I don’t believe it pertains to any sexually transmitted infections. - In May, I underwent a comprehensive set of tests (including checks for bacterial vaginosis, yeast infections, UTIs, etc.), and the results came back negative. Of course, new issues could have arisen since then. Here are a few additional details that might be pertinent: - My vaginal discharge appears completely normal, without any unusual smells or colors. - I've been using the Nexplanon birth control implant since March. - I take Vyvanse; I took a break from it between May and August, and resumed on the 18th of August. - During my last menstrual period, I had severe cramps (among the worst I’ve ever experienced), which occurred just before this odor emerged. - I am not experiencing any pain, burning sensations, or additional symptoms—just the odor itself. - I’ve searched to see if there's any link between Nexplanon or Vyvanse and this issue, but didn’t find clear associations. Has anyone else had a similar experience? Or does anyone have any insights into what might be happening? I find myself quite confused and increasingly anxious about this. I’m considering scheduling a visit to the doctor to discuss my concerns soon. Thank you!
Is MPFL Reconstruction Surgery Necessary for Me?
At 21 years old, I experienced a dislocated kneecap in February 2025, and subsequent MRI results revealed a complete tear of my medial patellofemoral ligament (MPFL). Following this injury, my orthopedic specialist advised strict bed rest for a month and a half, after which I began physical therapy. Initially, I struggled even to bend my knee. My therapist assured me that surgery would not be necessary, promising that my condition could be managed solely through rehabilitation. After two months of therapy, I had regained some ability to bend my knee, yet a sharp, pinching pain remained when squatting, particularly in the upper range of motion. When I inquired about this persistent pain during our sessions, I often received unsatisfactory and vague responses. Feeling frustrated and suspicious about the therapy's efficacy—especially considering the daily fee of 500 rupees—I decided to discontinue. Being a powerlifter, my primary goal is to return to lifting weights. To achieve this, I enlisted a powerlifting coach with knowledge of rehabilitation. I have been training with him for the past two months and have started to lift weights closer to what I used to handle, although the pain is still present, albeit less intense. He advised me that in rehabilitation, it’s not about completely eliminating pain but rather learning to train with it. Nonetheless, exercises like leg extensions remain particularly challenging for me. While the discomfort has decreased during gym workouts such as squats and deadlifts, my love for football and basketball complicates things. Whenever I perform explosive maneuvers with my left leg, the resulting pain in my knee can reach a level of 10 out of 10. Essentially, I find it difficult to execute any dynamic, explosive movements. Given my circumstances, do I require surgery to achieve a state free of pain? What steps should I take next? I find myself nearing the end of my rehabilitation, and my finances are quite strained, making it tough to consult doctors or seek further rehabilitation services.