Unusual Kidney Discomfort?
Hello everyone! This marks my inaugural post on Reddit, so I hope I navigate this correctly. I am a 26-year-old woman without any significant health issues aside from some fractures in my hands and legs due to a car accident a while back, which has left me with continual knee discomfort. My only medication is Zoloft, which I’ve been taking for over four years now. For some context, I have experienced two confirmed kidney infections—one in 2020 and another in 2021. In 2023, a doctor indicated that I might have small kidney stones based on observing what he described as “crystals” in my urine, though he expressed some uncertainty about the diagnosis. Additionally, I tend to get urinary tract infections (UTIs) more often than average. I prioritize maintaining good hygiene, and so does my partner, especially prior to intimacy. The pain from previous kidney infections was excruciating, and I distinctly recall the sensations and location of that pain, which gives me confidence in stating that what I currently experience does not feel like muscle aches. Since early 2023, I’ve visited the emergency room approximately 3 to 5 times, feeling as though I encountered another kidney infection or perhaps stones. I displayed all the usual symptoms—intense upper back and flank pain, accompanied by nausea and vomiting, often alongside UTI signs just prior to symptom onset. Despite these symptoms, medical professionals have not identified any issues, finding no evidence of UTIs or other problems in my normal urine tests, lab results, CT scans, or ultrasounds. Each time, doctors express their bewilderment at my symptom presentation. A number of them have suggested that my discomfort may be muscular or possibly “anxiety-related,” implying that it could be psychosomatic. However, I do not struggle with significant anxiety. I recall the last time a doctor dismissed my pain as muscular or psychological—my appendix subsequently ruptured. Although I’ve sought emergency care a few times for these issues, the discomfort has flared up at least ten times over the last three years. I recognize that seeing a specialist is necessary, but I’m currently awaiting a referral, and I’m dealing with severe pain in my left flank again while having just ahead of UTI-like symptoms last week. The pain is not constant; however, its intensity can reach 8 out of 10, significantly hindering my ability to work. I dread returning to the ER only to be met with the same findings and suspicion that I’m seeking pain relief for non-genuine reasons (an accusation I faced from an ER doctor right before my appendix incident). I would genuinely appreciate any insights from those who have experienced similar symptoms, know why lab results are consistently normal, or may have suggestions about what could be causing this. Thank you for your input! EDIT: I believe it’s worth noting my dietary habits. I do indulge in fast food more often than advised, yet I also prepare a number of balanced home-cooked meals, stay well-hydrated, and avoid overeating. Although I’m slightly overweight at 5'3" and 150 pounds, I do not suffer from high blood pressure or elevated sugar levels, nor do I have diabetes or pre-diabetes. Every instance of basic lab work has shown my health metrics to be within the normal range.
Answers (1)
2/16/2026, 7:50:38 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable that you're feeling frustrated and concerned given your history of kidney issues and the current discomfort you are experiencing. Your ongoing symptoms, particularly the severe pain in your left flank and the recurrent urinary tract infection (UTI) symptoms, warrant further exploration. Here are some key points regarding your situation along with actionable steps you can take.
Key Points:
- Chronic Symptoms: Your history of kidney infections and current symptoms like flank pain and nausea are concerning, especially since you've experienced intense pain in the past.
- Normal Tests: It's not uncommon for tests like urinalysis or imaging to appear normal even when a person is in significant pain. This can be frustrating, particularly if you feel your symptoms are not being taken seriously.
- Possible Causes: Your ongoing discomfort may be due to a range of issues, such as kidney stones, muscular pain, or referred pain from another source, including anxiety or psychosomatic factors. You may also be experiencing a UTI that isn’t reflected strongly in lab results.
Actionable Steps:
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Symptom Diary: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, including the intensity of pain, any urinary symptoms, dietary habits, and activities leading up to episodes of pain. This can help your healthcare provider better understand your situation during your forthcoming specialist appointment.
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Hydration and Diet: Continue to prioritize hydration, as it can help prevent kidney stones. You may want to reduce your intake of salt, caffeine, and high-oxalate foods (like spinach and chocolates) that could contribute to crystal formation.
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Pain Management: For immediate pain relief, consider over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen, following the recommended dosages. Ensure you check for any interactions with your current medication (Zoloft).
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Stress Management: Although you don't feel significant anxiety, exploring relaxation techniques such as yoga, mindfulness, or deep breathing exercises may help reduce overall tension and could be beneficial if stress plays a role in your symptoms.
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Follow-Up: Once you receive your referral to a specialist, advocate for thorough investigations that may include specialized imaging or tests (like a 24-hour urine test) to identify any underlying conditions contributing to your pain.
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Emergency Care: If pain becomes unbearable or is accompanied by concerning symptoms (such as high fever, vomiting, or significant urinary changes), do not hesitate to seek emergency care again. Consider bringing your symptom diary to provide context for your visits.
Final Thoughts:
It is valid to seek a resolution to your pain and discomfort. Trust your body’s signals, and remember that advocating for your health, in collaboration with healthcare providers, is essential. If you need more support or specific advice on managing dietary choices, feel free to ask. Your health matters, and seeking answers is a courageous step.
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