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Gastroenterology (Expert Forum)
Could this be kidney stones?
Answered by
Kevin Pho, MD - Internal Medicine
Kevin Pho, MD
Boston - MA
This forum is for questions regarding Gastroenterology issues such as Acid Reflux (GERD), Barretts Esophagus, Colitis, Colon/Bowel Disorders, Crohn's Disease, Diverticulitis/ Diverticulosis, Digestive Disorders, IBS, Stomach Pain.
Could this be kidney stones?
by 4matilda, Sep 22, 2004 12:00AM
For approximately one week, I have experienced abdominal and low back pain associated with gas and bloating. The pain gets worse at night, the last two nights I have been unable to sleep due to the severity of the pain. The pain is worse when lying on my side; it lessens slightly when lying on my stomach. It feels like back labor at times. My stools are loose, with a lot of clear mucus.
I went to the doctor, and he took a urine specimen. He diagnosed a bladder infection and possible intestinal virus. He prescribed a barbituate and an antibiotic.
I have no pain or burning with urinating nor frequency in urination. I have had urinary tract infections several times and I know what they feel like. This is nothing like what I have experienced in the past.
I have a high treshhold of pain. I have undergone back surgery and I have chronic back pain. The lower back pain associated with this illness is not the same. Could this possibly be kidney stones?
I went to the doctor, and he took a urine specimen. He diagnosed a bladder infection and possible intestinal virus. He prescribed a barbituate and an antibiotic.
I have no pain or burning with urinating nor frequency in urination. I have had urinary tract infections several times and I know what they feel like. This is nothing like what I have experienced in the past.
I have a high treshhold of pain. I have undergone back surgery and I have chronic back pain. The lower back pain associated with this illness is not the same. Could this possibly be kidney stones?
Doctor's Answer
by Kevin Pho, MD, Sep 23, 2004 12:00AM
, Sep 23, 2004 12:00AM
Kidney stones are certainly a possibility. This is more likely if there was blood on the urinalysis. The best test to evaluate for stones would be a non-contrast CT scan, and this certainly can be considered.
Regarding the abdominal pain and gas, a contrast CT scan of the abdomen can be considered, looking at the appendix or diverticulitis. I would also consider a lower endoscopy (i.e. colonoscopy) looking for inflammatory bowel disease, or any masses. Stool tests can also be considered to rule out infection.
If all the tests are negative, you may want to consider irritable bowel disease - but this is normally considered after ruling out more serious causes.
You may want to discuss these options with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
Regarding the abdominal pain and gas, a contrast CT scan of the abdomen can be considered, looking at the appendix or diverticulitis. I would also consider a lower endoscopy (i.e. colonoscopy) looking for inflammatory bowel disease, or any masses. Stool tests can also be considered to rule out infection.
If all the tests are negative, you may want to consider irritable bowel disease - but this is normally considered after ruling out more serious causes.
You may want to discuss these options with your personal physician.
Followup with your personal physician is essential.
This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.
Kevin, M.D.
Medical Weblog:
kevinmd_b
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