Pain in lower back

i have had what i assumed were kidney stones about once per year for the past two or three years.

when i have had one of these episodes, i have had moderately uncomfortable feelings in my lower back, followed by what feels like cramping in my lower abdomen, then sharp, brief pain accompanied with some blood during urination. meaning actual blood, not just blood in urine.

nearly a week ago, i had one of these episodes. the following day, everything was normal. and the day after that, i had mild discomfort and pain in my lower back. a nurse has told me that i have kidney stones, but i haven't had xrays or anything.

these symptoms in my lower back have lasted for 4 days now. when i wake up in the morning, i don't notice anything at all, but by the end of the day, i'm sore in my lower back especially when seated, it doesn't bother me so much when i'm standing up or laying on my stomach.

can someone please tell me if this sounds like kidney stones?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,

How are you? Kidney stones are most often asymptomatic. If with symptom, a person feels a sharp, cramping pain in the back and side in the area of the kidney or in the lower abdomen. If the stone is too large to pass easily, pain as well as blood may appear in the urine.  Your symptoms highly suggest kidney stones but I recommend that you have this evaluated further by your doctor. Diagnosis is through an x ray or ultrasound. The results of  these tests help determine the proper treatment. Furthermore, the chance of recurring stones is high. That is why it is also important to determine which type of stone is formed to prevent the formation.  Drinking plenty of fluids will also helps.

Take care and do keep us posted.  

[fallingapartnow]

thanks for your reply doc

all things considered i think im doing good. teh pain is bareable but i just want to know what this is,

my question is is it possible that kidney stones would have lasted this long

i mean i have heard of people having pain and passing stones within a few hours or a day. but this has been going on for several days now. is this normal or common?

[fallingapartnow]

during the morning, i feel great, normally i feel bad in the afternoon until i lay down

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
Even if you pass the stones,there is still a chance of forming new stones. This depends on the  type of stone you have. There are certain foods that promote stone formation such as those high in oxalate: peanuts, chocolates, spinach, and sweet potatoes to name a few.  Furthermore, not all stones can pass though in the urine. There bigger stones can stay silent and become symptomatic.  This link may be helpful:http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/Kudiseases/pubs/stonesadults/#cause
Take care and regards.

[fallingapartnow]

Over the past few days, I have felt good in the morning and had episodes in the afternoon.

Yesterday around lunch time and today around dinner.

Today, i felt very bloated after eating and felt better immediately after peeing about a liter. my urine was extremely clear and did not burn during urination.

[fallingapartnow]

this pain in my back has been going on for nearly a week now. with the swollen lymph nodes and fatigue, i'm starting to think that these are not kidney stones, it's a kidney infection.

what should i do?

[Dr Santos]

Hi,
Since there was no laboratory tests or urinalysis done last week, I recommend that you have one to rule out any infection. Aside from kidney or urinary tract infection, lower back pain may also be due to musculoskeletal issues, trauma or even gynecological issues. Over-the-counter pain medications and warm compress may help provide relief. However, further evaluation by your doctor is needed for proper diagnosis. Direct clinical examination is very important.

[fallingapartnow]

Today I had a urinalysis. Everything turned out good.

I have a follow-up appointment to get an ultrasound next week.

[Dr Santos]

Hello,
It is good that the urinalysis is fine. This rules out infection. Make sure that you bring the urinalysis and ultrasound results to your doctor when you check with him or her.
Take care and do keep us posted.