Navigating the Challenges of Kidney Stones
My history with kidney stones dates back a decade, but the specifics of my past experiences are a bit foggy. Recently, however, I have been dealing with some concerning abdominal issues. For the past few weeks, I've been experiencing pain on the right side of my abdomen. Almost two weeks ago, I saw significant blood in my urine, prompting me to believe I had passed a kidney stone. Following this incident, I sought immediate medical attention, where the blood tests returned normal results, and the analysis of my urine seemed to be fine as well. A CT scan revealed no presence of kidney stones. Shortly after, I began to notice persistent discomfort. A few days later, I woke up with severe pain in my flank and lower abdomen on the right side. I returned to the hospital, where the doctors suspected a urinary tract infection or a kidney infection, possibly related to the undetected stone. Consequently, they prescribed antibiotics, specifically nitrofurantoin, which I've been taking for the past three and a half days at a dosage of four 100mg tablets daily. While I find myself battling exhaustion and occasional nausea—common side effects of the medication—I am still managing some flank and lower abdominal pain. If I did indeed pass a stone as I suspected a week ago, it has now been several days since that event. If what I am experiencing is merely a post-stone discomfort, I'm prepared to handle it. However, I can't shake the concern that I might be developing another stone or some other condition. I have already scheduled a consultation with a urologist to explore this further. To give you a bit of background, I am 36 years old, female, reside in the UK, do not smoke, abstain from alcohol, and do not regularly take any medications.
Answers (1)
2/13/2026, 4:00:58 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about your ongoing discomfort after having a recent episode of kidney stones and the associated complications. Given your symptoms and medical history, it sounds like you’re experiencing a combination of post-stone effects and possibly another issue with your urinary tract.
Main Points:
- Your symptoms could be a result of post-stone irritation, an ongoing urinary tract infection (UTI), or even the development of a new stone.
- It's crucial to manage your pain and monitor your symptoms while you await your urologist appointment.
Explanation:
You mentioned seeing blood in your urine which can occur with kidney stones or UTIs. The subsequent CT scan showing no stones is reassuring but the ongoing flank pain and abdominal discomfort suggest that something else may be affecting you. Antibiotics are the right course of action if an infection is suspected, but side effects like nausea and exhaustion can sometimes muddy the recovery process.
Next Steps:
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Continue Your Antibiotics: Ensure you complete the full course of nitrofurantoin as prescribed, even if you experience side effects. If the side effects become too bothersome, note these to mention to your urologist.
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Hydration: Drink plenty of fluids (water is best). Staying hydrated can help flush out your urinary system and may alleviate some discomfort. Aim for at least 2-3 liters of water a day, unless directed otherwise by your doctor.
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Pain Management: Over-the-counter pain relief, like paracetamol (acetaminophen), can help manage discomfort. Follow the recommended dosage instructions, and consult a pharmacist if you're unsure.
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Symptom Diary: Consider keeping a record of your pain levels, urinary symptoms, and any changes in your condition. This will be useful for your urologist to better understand your situation.
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Follow-Up: Since you have a urologist consultation scheduled, prepare any questions you may have. Discuss your pain, concerns about new stones, and the recent symptoms thoroughly.
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Report Worsening Symptoms: If you experience severe pain, significant changes in urine color, fever, or any worsening symptoms, seek immediate medical attention.
Your proactive approach in seeking further evaluation is a key step in managing your health effectively. I hope you find relief soon and that your consultation provides clarity and a path forward.
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