kidney 'gravel' cause ongoing pain?

[MindyQ]

I’m 30 years old, female, healthy, active, vegetarian.  Two months ago I began to have some discomfort in my lower left pelvis (right near my pelvic bone) and left lower back pain followed just two days later.  I couldn't tell if it was muscle or nerve pain. My doctor (a naturopath) thought it a muscular-skeletal issue, so I began stretching more, Epsom salt baths, some vitamin and mineral supplements, occasional massage, etc. However, over the next few weeks the pain and discomfort did not get better, but worse, spreading down to my left buttock, outer hip, inner thigh, and up to flank (side).  At times this was quite severe and I was unable to walk well.  The discomfort in my left flank and pelvis worsened when I had to sit still, like at my computer.  My doctor ordered pelvic, abdominal and transvaginal ultrasounds – all were normal.  He checked my urine and there was a trace of blood in it.  He ordered a CT scan to check for kidney stones.  This was three weeks ago.  No STONE was found, but there were calcium deposits (like sand) in my left kidney, sitting on the bottom.  Other than that, my kidney, and everything else, was normal.   I also had complete blood work done and everything looked normal, no signs of infection.  Urine culture showed no bacteria. My doctor thinks my pain has been nerve irritation caused by ongoing passage of the kidney "sand" or "gravel."  Is this possible?  I have been unable to find any literature on such a possibility.  The pain has gotten better (I can walk fine now, my hip hurts less) but I still have discomfort frequently in my left flank (a little more in the front than the side) and periodically in the back and pelvis. For treatment, I have been drinking tons and tons of water.  Incidentally since that initial trace of blood, all urine samples (5 or 6) have come back with no blood since.  Medical history: 1 mild UTI (last year, treated with antibiotics), cervical LEEP procedure in 2001, migraines and neck pain, recent MRI of my head was normal (ordered because of migraines), first routine colonoscopy in mid-2003 (early because of familiy history of colon cancer). Thanks!

[Kevin Pho, MD]

You have had a pretty comprehensive evaluation.  The negative ultrasounds would make a gynecological etiology less likely.  

It is possible that the calcium deposits in the kidney can be causing the discomfort.  There would be no specific treatment for this, aside from hydration as you are doing.  

A musculoskeletal cause is also possible.  If this continues to be suspected, a physical therapy referral can be consider for further evaluation and treatment.

You can 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

[tootie1949]

A related discussion, gravel was started.