Can I have pain without an infection?

I have a history of diverticular problems. On June 30 2004 I had a sharp pain in my left side at the waist. Also had a dull ache around my back. I was put on antibiotic and the symptoms went away...until yesterday when the sharp pain returned. I was sent to the ER by my doctor and a CT scan was done. The CT scan showed no problems with my colon so now it is thought I might have a kidney infection although they are taking a culture of my urine since no blood showed up in the urinalysis. Is it possible for me to have pain without a "condition"?

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Abdominal pain can sometimes be frustrating to treat when all the tests come back negative.  Possible causes in that area would indeed be diverticulitis, inflammatory bowel disease, irritable bowel disease or a kidney infection.  If you are female, a variety of gynecological diseases can also result in pain.

If the CT is negative, and kidney infection has been ruled out, then I would suggest a colonoscopy to ensure there is no further inflammation or polyps that can be causing the symptoms.  If you are female, a transvaginal ultrasound can evaluate the ovaries for possible cysts.  

If all the tests are negative, irritable bowel disease may be considered, and antispasmodic agents may help.

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.
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