OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Stomach and Kidney Discomfort

9/14/2025, 4:01:01 PMMale25-34

Age: 36 Height, weight, and gender are not applicable. Current medications: None Smoking habits: Occasional user Prior and existing health conditions: None Details of symptoms: outlined below. For the past few days, I have experienced a persistent dull ache in my kidney area and stomach, which I initially mistaken for back discomfort. I woke up feeling relatively well, but as the day progresses, the discomfort returns. It's more of a weary sensation that makes me want to rest rather than sharp pain. After conducting some research online, I suspect it might be a mild kidney infection. I have a routine medical check-up scheduled for Thursday. If my condition doesn’t worsen, would it be acceptable to wait until that appointment? Or should I consider visiting urgent care sooner?

Kidney StonesUTIKidney Pain

Answers (1)

Cony

9/14/2025, 4:01:43 PM

OpenHealth AI

It sounds like you are experiencing some discomfort in your kidney and stomach areas, which could have several causes. Given your symptoms and concerns, it’s understandable to wonder whether to wait for your upcoming check-up or seek more immediate care.

Key Points:

  • Your dull ache in the kidney and stomach area is concerning but isn't showing red flags of severe conditions right now.
  • It's good that you have a routine medical check-up scheduled soon, but it's important to monitor your symptoms closely.

Explanation:

The sensation you describe could be related to a number of issues, including kidney-related problems (like a mild infection or stones), gastrointestinal problems, or even muscle strain. The fact that it’s a dull ache rather than sharp pain is somewhat reassuring, but your ongoing discomfort should not be ignored.

Next Steps:

  1. Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of your discomfort. Note any changes in severity, duration, or new symptoms such as fever, nausea, or changes in urination. If you notice worsening symptoms like sharp pain, fever, or blood in urine, seek urgent care sooner.

  2. Hydration: Drink plenty of water. Staying well-hydrated can help flush out potential irritants or infections and may relieve some discomfort.

  3. Rest: Allow your body to rest and avoid strenuous activities until your symptoms improve.

  4. Pain Management: If needed, consider over-the-counter pain relief (like ibuprofen or acetaminophen) to help manage discomfort. Make sure to follow dosage recommendations.

  5. Evaluate Before Your Appointment: If your symptoms do not improve or worsen before your scheduled check-up on Thursday, consider visiting urgent care. It’s better to err on the side of caution, especially if your symptoms change.

You’re doing the right thing by paying attention to your health, and these steps should help you manage your symptoms until your appointment. Let me know if you have further questions or need additional assistance!

Related Questions

The Silent Threat: H. Pylori and Its Impact on Gallbladder Health

Let me summarize a lengthy experience into a more manageable account. During the summer of 2019, I started experiencing tachycardia and a range of other health complications. At that time, I was a dedicated athlete—having completed an Ironman and excelled in powerlifting—truly representing peak health for a 27-year-old. After enduring multiple health crises and grappling with the overwhelming confusion surrounding my symptoms, particularly during the chaotic COVID period, I discovered I had significant levels of H. pylori bacteria in my system. Fast forward to August 2025, I underwent quadruple therapy to eradicate the infection, which was a grueling experience—one I would not recommend lightly, though it was unfortunately necessary. Now, six months after completing that therapy, I found that my body had not fully returned to its previous state of wellness. After undergoing a special scan, I learned that my gallbladder is functioning at a mere 17% ejection fraction. My doctor was quick to refer me to a surgeon, but I requested a moment to reconsider. Given that there were no stones or sludge present, I postulated that my gallbladder's underperformance might be due to a disruption in nerve signaling stemming from years of vagal nerve issues related to my bacterial infection. To my relief, my doctor concurred and agreed to take a watchful approach. This leads me to wonder about the potential for recovery in gallbladder function. Currently, I’m supplementing with 100 mg of TUDCA and utilizing hydrochloric acid for digestion, as the quadruple therapy diminished my stomach acid levels. I’m curious to know others' experiences or insights regarding the possibility of my gallbladder regaining normal functionality. I’ve read contrasting opinions on the necessity of having a gallbladder, as many consider it dispensable, yet my research indicates otherwise. I aim to avoid surgery, if at all possible, and would appreciate any advice or perspectives you could share on this situation.

UTIBladder PainUrology
Male25-34
20 hours ago

Seeking Advice on 9mm Kidney Stone Treatment Without Stenting

Hello everyone! I'm a 29-year-old female who discovered a 9mm kidney stone in my right kidney following a CT scan conducted for an unrelated issue. Fortunately, I'm not experiencing any symptoms at the moment. When I was 21, I successfully passed smaller stones. I’m curious why my doctor isn’t recommending the use of a stent, as most sources I've read suggest it's a common part of the treatment process. Is it standard procedure to forgo a stent in this case? I have some concerns about potential complications arising from not having one, despite my preference to avoid using a stent altogether. Additionally, I have a trip scheduled about a month and a half after the treatment. Do you think I will be fit to travel by then?

Kidney StonesKidney PainUrology
Male25-34
21 hours ago

Exploring the Use of Tadalafil in Combination with Flomax for Kidney Stones

I came across research indicating that Tadalafil showcases a superior expulsion rate for kidney stones compared to Flomax. Interestingly, findings suggest that administering both Tadalafil and Flomax together may yield even more beneficial outcomes since each medication operates through different mechanisms. I'm considering reaching out to my urologist for his insights, but given that I reside in a rural area with limited access to medical professionals, appointments tend to be rushed. I might need to explore self-management options. As for my situation: - I am dealing with a 5mm kidney stone located in my distal ureter. - I do not smoke or consume alcohol. - Generally, my health is stable aside from GERD, and I've had my gallbladder surgically removed. - Lately, I've been experiencing persistent bladder pressure and discomfort daily, likely due to the stone being lodged near the bladder. - Thankfully, I am not running a fever, can still urinate, and feel relatively okay overall. - The stone has been in the distal ureter for about a month, during which time I have only consumed water, lemon water, and taken renal stone dissolution pills. - I weigh approximately 210 pounds.

Kidney StonesUrologyInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 day ago

Experiencing Unexplained Urinary Discomfort

To provide some background, I’m quite young, just 16 years old. I've undergone multiple tests for urinary tract infections, all of which have returned negative results. Despite receiving a course of antibiotics and consulting a gynecologist, I have not found relief; in fact, my symptoms have intensified. I’m not sexually active, and I’m currently awaiting an appointment with a pediatric urologist, but I thought I’d reach out here for any advice or insights you might have. Symptoms began about a year ago during the summer. I started to feel sharp discomfort whenever I urinated, coupled with a strong urge to go and increased frequency. After visiting the physician, who confirmed no UTI, I was advised to increase my water intake. This provided slight relief for a brief period. However, while traveling, my symptoms escalated significantly. I even experienced involuntary soiling for the first time in over a decade. My pain transitioned from only occurring during urination to happening before, after, and sporadically throughout the day. As it stands now, I'm grappling with urgency, frequent trips to the restroom, and intense pain, which sometimes comes with itching. The pain intensity fluctuates between a dull ache rated at 1 and severe stabbing sensations reaching 7 or 8 on the pain scale. Any thoughts or possible explanations would be greatly appreciated. The discomfort seems to have a pattern of coming and going, potentially disappearing for several days, only to return even stronger. At times, the pain feels as if it is linked to vaginal issues, other times purely urinary. It is challenging to pinpoint the exact problem, and I look forward to insights until I can consult with a pediatric urologist. If anyone has experienced something similar or has suggestions, please feel free to share your thoughts!

UTIIncontinenceBladder Pain
Male25-34
1 day ago

Nocturnal Urinary Issues: A Young Man's Concern

A young man, recently turned 20 this January, who does not smoke or consume alcohol, stands at approximately 5 feet 7 inches tall and weighs 65 kilograms. He is not currently taking any medications. This issue predominantly occurs at night. As he attempts to fall asleep, he experiences a strong urge to urinate, which compels him to get up and relieve himself. It’s not merely an urge; he actually needs to go. This recurring problem interferes with his ability to drift off into sleep. Occasionally, he finds that his urination seems concentrated, leading him to believe that it may be urine mixed with semen. He has noticed that these occurrences are intensified during the two to three days following masturbation. Additionally, he experiences unusual sensations in his left testicle. There is a worry in his mind regarding the necessity of surgery and a growing fear of prostate cancer. These nocturnal issues have persisted for quite some time—around seven to eight months—fluctuating in severity. A few months back, he experienced slight pain in his left testicle and consulted a pharmacist, who also practiced medicine. This acquaintance, known to him through his father, examined the testicle and prescribed medication for epididymitis, advising that he undergo an X-ray if symptoms did not improve. Although the pain subsided, the urinary problems returned just weeks later and have persisted consistently for the last five to six months.

UTIIncontinenceProstate Issues
Male25-34
1 day ago