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:
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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.
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Pain Management: Consider over-the-counter pain relief options such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following the package instructions. These can help alleviate discomfort.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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