Persistent Discomfort Ten Months Post-Pyelonephritis
Hello everyone! I'm a 27-year-old female who experienced pyelonephritis back in February of this year. It hit me quite hard for a couple of days, but fortunately, the antibiotics I received proved effective, and I recovered fairly quickly. Fast forward to now, in December, I’m still dealing with a persistent dull pain in my lower back near the kidney area. Additionally, I feel sharp discomfort under my right ribs. Curiously, this pain doesn’t seem to correlate with physical activity; it also occurs while I am lying down or simply seated. I’m reaching out to see if anyone has insight into how long such symptoms like these might persist or if they are typical after this condition? Initially, the pain did diminish over the first few months, but it has since plateaued and doesn’t appear to be fading. For context, I’ve undergone medical checks, and both blood and urine tests returned normal results, so there’s no indication of a recurrence. Thanks for any feedback!
Answers (1)
12/16/2025, 2:01:07 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable to be concerned about persistent discomfort following pyelonephritis, especially with symptoms that linger for months. While it's positive that your recent medical tests returned normal results, ongoing pain should still be carefully considered.
Main Points:
- Persistent dull pain after pyelonephritis can happen, but your current symptoms should be monitored.
- Symptoms may stem from various causes including muscle strain, nerve irritation, or other post-infection effects.
- Self-care strategies can help manage the discomfort and improve your condition.
Explanation:
After an infection like pyelonephritis, some individuals may experience lingering discomfort in the lower back or abdominal area. This can be due to inflammation, muscle tightness, or even psychological factors like stress, especially if the infection caused significant distress. Since your blood and urine tests are normal, this is a reassuring indication that there isn’t an active infection. However, the lingering pain is worth addressing.
Next Steps:
-
Track Your Symptoms: Keep a journal of your discomfort. Note when the pain occurs, its intensity, and any activities that alleviate or worsen it. This information can be valuable for future discussions with a healthcare provider.
-
Pain Management: Consider over-the-counter pain relief options such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following the package instructions. These can help alleviate discomfort.
-
Gentle Stretching and Exercise: Engage in gentle stretching or low-impact activities like walking or yoga if comfortable. This can help improve flexibility and reduce muscle tension.
-
Monitor Lifestyle Habits: Ensure that you're staying well-hydrated and managing stress through relaxation techniques. Adequate hydration can support kidney health, and managing stress can sometimes alleviate physical symptoms.
-
Evaluate Your Posture: Be mindful of your seating and lying positions. Proper posture can significantly reduce back pain.
If your symptoms do not improve or worsen, or if you develop new symptoms such as fever or severe pain, further assessment by a healthcare provider may become necessary. This is particularly important to explore other potential causes of your discomfort. Remember, patience is key, and it’s okay to seek help as needed.
Related Questions
Chronic Foot Pain: Seeking Insights on Possible Causes
I'm reaching out to gather thoughts on a perplexing issue I'm facing. Since my first pregnancy back in 2020, I've been dealing with intense foot pain that appears unpredictably. It all started when I was about seven months along while working long shifts in a busy kitchen, four days a week, for eight hours each day. At the time, I dismissed the discomfort as something typical for pregnancy, but it fortunately subsided about six months after giving birth to my first child. Fast forward to late 2024, when I became pregnant with my second child. By now, I had transitioned to being a stay-at-home mother, with none of the rigorous demands of my previous job. However, around three months into this new pregnancy, the foot pain reemerged and has persisted ever since. My youngest is turning two this month, which helps frame this timeline. The pain has oscillated between being severe and manageable, but the previous six months have marked a significant decline into debilitating territory. When I am at rest, I feel sharp pains in my metatarsals that radiate up to my knees. To alleviate some discomfort, I’ve been altering my walking style to shift weight more onto my heels instead of the balls of my feet. However, this adjustment has introduced a new level of discomfort in my heels. Ironically, the only relief I find is while walking. Nonetheless, excessive walking—even something as simple as taking my oldest to school for a brief ten-minute journey—leaves me nearly immobilized the following day. Currently, I’m on a regimen of 50 mg of APO-Diclofenac DR, taken twice daily, yet I’ve found no relief. Previously, I also tried 500 mg of naproxen twice a day without any positive outcomes. I've experimented with various footwear, but none have alleviated the pain. My primary care physician has arranged for bilateral x-rays and blood tests to check for conditions like gout and markers for osteoarthritis and rheumatoid arthritis, among other things. So far, all tests have returned normal. There have been occasions where I’ve had to keep my oldest child at home from school simply because I’m unable to walk even a short distance, such as the fifty steps from my bedroom to the kitchen. Standing causes distress, and even elevating my feet while resting feels unbearable. Additionally, any gentle touch to my feet triggers intense pain that shoots up my shins. The only feedback I’ve received from my doctor so far is that it likely stems from inflammation, along with a recommendation to expedite weight loss. I had a chiropractor assess my condition, and they noted that I am hypermobile, but I’m unsure how significant that could be to my situation. If you have any questions for clarification, I’d be more than willing to respond. I’m enduring considerable pain and would greatly appreciate any suggestions on possible avenues for finding relief.
Managing Pain with Lidocaine Patches and Heating Pads
Hello everyone! I need to share something quite personal: I have been diagnosed with cancer. I realize that’s a heavy way to start, but it’s important context. Currently, I am using a lidocaine patch as a method for pain relief. However, I’ve found that my heating pad provides more comfort than the patch does. Is it advisable to remove the patch and switch to the heating pad instead? Should I clean my back prior to using the pad, even though it’s not a day I usually shower? Also, once I take off the patch, how long should I wait before applying the heating pad again? I appreciate any advice you have! For reference, I’m approximately 5 feet 5 inches tall and weigh around 250 pounds.
Discomfort Under My Big Toe – Seeking Diagnosis
I’m a 22-year-old male. About a week ago, I noticed a minor ache in my big toe, which didn’t bother me too much at the time, so I decided to brush it off. However, by yesterday, the discomfort had intensified significantly. I also observed some swelling and a bit of discoloration, but I'm unsure whether this issue stems from a corn, a blister, or something else entirely. I would greatly appreciate any assistance in identifying what might be going on.
Understanding Limited Finger Mobility and Associated Discomfort
I’ve noticed that my right hand struggles with having individual finger movement. To illustrate this challenge, I recently recorded a brief video showcasing my hand's limitations. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with persistent neck and shoulder pain for several years now. Despite consulting multiple healthcare professionals, I’ve yet to receive any conclusive answers regarding my condition. I’m currently attending physical therapy, but even my therapist seems puzzled by the situation. An MRI of my neck returned results indicating only mild issues, and the same goes for my shoulder, with nothing alarming detected. I would be immensely grateful for any insights or suggestions, particularly since the discomfort has forced me to halt my weightlifting training.
Experiencing Neck Pain for Almost a Week: Is It a Cause for Concern?
I want to be open about my situation, as I've shared my concerns in a few places without much input, so I’m hoping for more engagement here. Last Saturday, January 30, I finished a lengthy car journey and felt completely fine upon returning home. However, on January 31, I woke up to excruciating pain in my neck, particularly at the junction of my cervical and thoracic spine. The discomfort made any movement difficult, and tilting my head back was particularly painful, making it challenging to drink fluids or take medication. On a pain scale, it settled at a constant 6, with episodes rising to 8 or 9. Interestingly, I hadn’t sustained any injury that could explain this sudden pain, nor had I felt discomfort while resting. By the following day, I experienced a slight reduction in pain and regained some range of motion, but the sharpness remained. Any attempt to move my neck beyond its current limits was still extremely painful. I noticed that when I tilted my head side to side and then brought it back to center, I felt additional pressure midway, almost as if my vertebrae were struggling to move over a disc. Currently, I'm still feeling the effects of this issue. The area is stiff and sensitive. While the muscles surrounding it don’t ache, the joint itself is quite painful. Although I can move my neck now, it remains uncomfortable, leaving me uncertain about whether to wait it out or consult a doctor. I have a chiropractor appointment scheduled for this upcoming Tuesday, but I’m hesitant about whether I should allow them to adjust my neck. I plan to inform them about my condition, as I want them to make an informed decision regarding adjustments, but I’m unsure if I should proactively refuse any neck manipulation if it’s suggested. Additionally, I’m concerned about the possibility of a serious issue with my disc. Although I am trying to keep my worries in check, I can’t help but feel anxious about it. Another consideration is that my hips and lower back also feel misaligned, and I haven’t been able to correct that myself. If possible, I would still prefer to go to the chiropractor to address those areas. The only feedback I received from my previous post was advice against any adjustments, and when I inquired about my lower back and hips, I didn’t receive any clarification—just downvotes instead. Any insights or experiences you can share would be greatly appreciated!