in pain here, maybe someone has answer?

[Shalai]

Hi all
Since the kidneys are related to the bladder, and I really didn't know where to put this anyway, this seemed like a good spot.

This a.m. I woke up with back pain, so I made appt with my chiro for an adjustment. This usually fixes me, and I can get on with my day. But today was different.

After being called back into the exam room, I explained to him I was having pain mostly to the left of my spine below my ribs, radiating around my left side, and that this pain has been on and off for 3 weeks or so.

Ok, so he suggests x-rays. After this is done, he calls me into the consult room, and points out an area on the film he believes is kidney stones (3 round spots below rib cage on left side, and another questionable spot below those). After much discussion, and a call to my uro, who happens to be out of town all this week, it's decided I should go to my primary doc, who quickly dismisses the stone theory, saying the spots are too large, and are not exactly in the right place anyway, and even though I'm in pain, I'm not doubled over in pain, which is usually the way typical kidney stone patients present. So he promptly has his nurse schedule me for an CT-IVP, just to be on the safe side, which is to be done this Thursday. He also said something about pinched nerves in my back in that area, and if the CTIVP didn't show anything, we would do an MRI.

I know there is something there...I saw it, and this pain in my back is unlike any other back pain I've ever had. Today is the first time since it started that it has hurt constantly all day. Sitting really irritates it, but I can walk around comfortably. The pain is still there, but not as bad. No, I'm not doubled over, but it feels like my muscles on the left side are stinging/burning. I had one night at work last week where it really bothered me, but until today, it's only been tender in the one area on the left of my spine.

I always drink plenty of water, and since IC began, I've all but given up soft drinks (maybe once in a while). So I know I'm not dehydrated.

Now, after all this (I tried to make it brief), what do ya'll think? Please share your (or someone you know) experiences with kidney stones, so I can get an idea if that's what I'm dealing with here. I'd really appreciate it. :)

Thanks!
Sherry

[dg2901]

The times i've dealt with moving kidney stones (when the stones drop from the kidney into the ureter and start to move is when the pain starts). I've been doubled over in pain, vomiting, nauseous, passing blood with urine; and the first time was convinced I was dying. I could not get to a hospital fast enough. Fortunately all three times the stones have passed on their own, and it was only with the first stone (i was 21) did I need to be admitted to the hospital.\
With that said, I guess everyone is different and I suppose you could possibly be suffering from a small stone (small was defined to me as being 2-3mm in size). I think though that if you're on good terms with your PCP you can probably trust his/her observation regarding the X-ray(s).
On the up-side, you'll definitely know after the IVP whether its a kidney stone, or if the pain is being caused by a urinary abnormality.

Good luck and keep us posted
:)
diana
PS--Meanwhile push the clear liquids, and if you can tolerate it, drink a beer or two--this helps with the force of the urine stream which in turn will help move the stone along (if thats what youre dealing with).

[icjen]

I have never experienced a kidney stone, (knock on wood), so I really can't help much with that. Just wanted to say I really hope you get some answers soon and get out of pain. :grouphug: :kissing:

[Shalai]

thank you! I did go back to my chiro Tuesday, and I asked him to repeat the x-rays, since my pain had improved. Whatever was there on Monday wasn't there on Tuesday, so either I passed them, or it was a false alarm due to my calcium supplement (he said if the capsules hadn't digested, they could show up). He also called my PCP to make him aware of what was going on. My PCP called me and said he would have his nurse cancel the CT-IVP, since it was not necessary to have it done at this time.

Sherry

[dg2901]

glad youre feeling better!

stay well
diana

[ICNDonna]

I've never had a stone either, but I have a good friend who has and his don't hurt until he is trying to pass one. Once the stone passes, he almost immediately feels better. It's possible that was what happened. If it happens again, I suggest you work with your doctor to find out exactly what's going on.

Donna