left flank pain

[Mainemom]

Hi all,
I am still trying to find a happ medium with my doctor. I can't afford the DMSO treaments and they say just watch your diet and take ibuprofen and moist heat for the pain.
I began having the worst pain yesterday at work it was like someone was taking a knife and jabbing it in my side. I couldn't breathe and it was awful.
I was just wondering if this is something that is related to IC or is this a whole new thing.
I also was wondering if anyone took depekote for IC, I was diagnosed with something else 7 years and took depakote for 6 years and the pain from IC was never as bad as when i stopped taking those meds about a year and 1/2 ago.
Any help would be great.
Thank you,
Kirsten

[Kathi]

Sorry about the pain. I had pain in my lower right side, that's what finally sent me to the docs. I thought it was my ovary but it was IC. Back pain & sometimes even leg pain are common, but as always it should be checked out to make sure it isn't something other then IC. Sorry about the DMSO. I think if you talk to Jill or maybe Dixie they can help find a way to pay for it.
Don't give up on yourself. As far as that med goes I don't know what it is, but I do know that my small amount of xanax helps my IC, so it is possible.:) :hi: Kathi

[amethyst79]

Hi Kirsten,

Flank pain is one of my worst symptoms. I describe it as being smacked in the side of my back with a baseball bat during the day, then sharp stabbing pains at night. Dr has put me on general pain meds (Lortab :biglaugh: ) but no real relief has been found. I have a friend with End Stage Renal Disease who suggested lots of ice for kidney area pain/swelling. I have yet to try.

Hope you find something that can help yours!

Michelle

[Mainemom]

Thank you for our replies I really appreciate it. I am not sure what the deal is but I have friday off from work so I need to try to get in and see a doctor about it
thanks again
Kirsten

[Audrey Rose]

Kirsten,
There are many types of "normal" IC pain that can develop in the back, flank, pelvis and legs. But any pain that is new to you, should be checked out with your doctor. Because all these types of pain can also mean something more serious. You don't want to ignore your body's call for help and just blame it on IC.

If your current medication is not adequately controlling your pain, I would definitely discuss this with your doctor. And check out all the really great info Dixiefireball has gathered. I am sure there is something out there that is affordable and effective. I am sure you and your doctor can find something that will work for you. You deserve to be as comfortable as possible. Don't settle for less. :tsk: YOU DESERVE BETTER THAN THAT!!!

MY :pray: and best wishes!!

[ljl765]

I agree, it doesn't pay to suffer and be a "nice PT".. Some MD's are not going to do anything to help w/the pain until you make enough noise to wake them up on a weekend.. Then, and only then would mine finally fix the pain once and for all.. But I had to be adament about the pain I suffered. I kept a pain log, ect. This helps them too.
If your MD doesn't listen, fire them..You deserve better then this!
See below, and feel better soon, demand better care. You owe it to yourself to assist your body in not suffering. I think the stress of suffering makes the IC worse. .:toosh:

One pain management person told me that "once the pain starts it's harder to stop, so stay on top of it"..Try this. Any MD who would let you suffer needs to be fired. Good luck, and best wishes for a better day.

[ljl765]

Sorry about that!! Every time I hit that bug eyes one it does the butt shot.. I didn';t mean for that to be up there. a clitch??? Does that happen to anyone else when they use the smiles??:mad:

[kelly McC]

I agree with all the advice given. I have had right side kidney and flank pain for about 4 years now. I have bouts with kidney stones but even without the stones my flank pain and lower back area cause my most pain. I often describe the pain to my doctor has a horses hoof kickin me in my back .I use a heating pad and take my meds. I hope your doctor can help you so you can get some relief . Best wishes
Kelly

[ICNDonna]

One thing you might discuss with your doctor is trying a low dose anti-depressant. That can be very helpful to help control pain. Or possibly learn to do self instillations, which can be a huge savings.

I hope you feel better very soon.

Sending gentle hugs,
Donna

[blue]

Where exactly is flank pain?

[ljl765]

Flank pain.. is lower back, towards the lower back side..not the butt necessarily. I believe..I get it a lot. There have been times when this meant I had yet another cyst or clog in the tubes...which requires surgery for me I've had several now... I'd have it checked, scanned just to be certain it's nothing serious.. Good luck

[SharonA]

ljl...the behind goes with the bug eyes...they are a set...he is responding to the "moon shot"....:D

[Dixiefireball]

ibuprofen most ic pat can't take it. but i do well on aleve but no other type of ibuprofen.

depekote is used for seizures. my sister in law has to take that medicine for her's i have never heard of them being taking for IC.

it sounds to me like you may have hunners on your bladder if the stapping pain is in the front. i have the same feeling.

can you get on medicaid?? that will pay for your dmso treatments or if you have some type of inc that will pay for medicine and you can just some how get in to see your doctor one time they can show you how to do them at home.
just a thought but if you would like help on getting on medicaid please give me a pm and i would be happy to help you if income is the problem
sending you hugs and prayers
Rhonda

[blue]

That sounds like my lower back pain.