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Undiagnosed severe left flank pain for months - is this kidney related?

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stefxgx
stefxgx

I have had severe left flank pain for 3 months now and still not been able to get a diagnosis. I am a 24 year old usually fit female.

The pain started towards the end of April while i was in work (an office desk job). It was on my left side in between my hip and ribs, spreading down to my groin. The pain got worse over the next couple of hours, and it has been a constant dull ache since then. The pain is most strong on the back of my left side but i can also feel it from the front.

I went to the doctors with this pain where i done blood and urine tests and got put on antibiotics for a suspected kidney infection, as well as codeine to ease the pain. The results came back with an apparent slight kidney abnormality showing, but a week later, i was still in a lot of pain and unable to move much, so i went back to the doctors where i got referred into hospital. I spent the night in hospital where i had more blood and urine tests, as well as an ultra sound. The hospital told me my results showed a UTI, but the ultrasound was clear, so i got put on another course of antibiotics and sent home. A week later, i was still in a lot of pain so i went back to the doctors where i was put on another (stronger) course of antibiotics for 2 weeks. The pain eased slightly above the groin, but the main pain on my left side was still the same.

My doctor then referred me to gastroenterology at the hospital where i had to wait weeks for an appointment, only to be told that he didn't think it was bowel or stomach related (as i can still eat and pass stools normally) and that i should have been referred to urology.

My doctor referred me to urology where the waiting list was 2 months, so i decided to get a private consultation with a urologist. The consultant done a urine test, which confirmed i had blood present in it. He went over my symptoms and suggested a CT scan in case i had a small kidney stone stuck which had been missed by the ultrasound. He was also concerned at my frequency as passing urine (this is usually over 20 times a day with anywhere between 3 to 8 times through the night). He referred me back to the NHS for the CT scan which i had a few weeks ago.

The CT scan results came back clear of kidney stones. My consultant now thinks the issue could be musculoskeletal but he still wants to see me to do some bladder studies as he is concerned about the frequency of urination. I have an appointment with my urology consultant for a few weeks time, but to see someone to investigate if the pain could be musculoskeletal there is a 3 month waiting list.

I am still in a lot of pain, both when moving and sitting (it never eases), and it is effecting my every day life. I can't go into the office to work due to the amount of pain i am in, i can't drive with it, and i haven't left the house the past few month apart from doctor or hospital visits. I am constantly feeling down and tired, and often get spells of dizziness and my eyes blacking out when i stand up (i am unsure if the tiredness and dizziness is related or not). I had a breakdown the other weekend where i cried for 2 days straight with the pain, the frustration of not being able to get a diagnosis, and not being able to do anything. I am worried that depression is kicking in with how long this has dragged on for.

I had no injury or knock to the area before the pain started. My mums side of the family also has a history of nephritis (kidney disease) with 4 of my aunt and uncles having it, but my urology consultant doesn't think there is a connection.

Is anyone able to provide any help or suggestions on what they think this pain could be as well as how to help ease it (the codeine doesn't help)? I feel like i have been passed around so many different people who still have no idea what is causing this pain.

6 likes, 174 replies

174 Replies

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  • cheri6
    cheri6 stefxgx

    Posted

     I have been having severe left flank pain over the past 6 months.  After pushing for testing and results that make sense, I found out a I have two large uterine polyps that were causing my issues. And yes, the pain is extremely intense!  This information was revealed after a pelvic ultrasound & unterine biopsy that were previously performed came back negative.  The answer was in the sonohysterogram.  I got an immediate answer while the test was being performed.  I am now scheduled for surgery to have the polyps removed.  In the meanwhile, I am still experiencing the very intense pain.  I'm sick of the crackpots that told me it was all in my head!

    I wish you well in finding an answer soon, and will keep you in my prayers!  No, you're not crazy!

    • robin23051
      robin23051 cheri6

      Posted

      To those crackpots I want to say, "I wish it were pure fantasy. I really do."
  • rabiya45982
    rabiya45982 stefxgx

    Posted

    Hi 

    I think you should go for some special investigations or specific tests for your kidney, like kidney function test etc.

  • amanda33492
    amanda33492 stefxgx

    Posted

    Please do some research on "NEPHROPTOSIS" aka Floating Kidney ... I went 6.5 Years Singing Your Song and March 12th had the surgery to fix it. Life's NEVER Been Better!!!! My body is now "Rebooting" Since Both Kidneys are functioning right and My Finger Nails - Hair is Growing, My Horrible Skin problems are Fading, I'm Energetic and WAKING UP Is Not a Punishment!

    This Condition is Not Rare but Doctors Diagnosis Are!

    I hope this helps you,

    Amanda

    • amanda33492
      amanda33492 SheriD

      Posted

      Thank You!! 😂

      It has been a Heck of a Ride to say the least!! I am currently searching for a Physician in My Area that I can trust enough to share my story with... In Hopes of Creating a Network for those in the States that need a Physician to Rule Out this "FORGOTTEN DIAGNOSIS"

      It was a VERY Common diagnosis 50+ Years Ago. But Surgical Technology was limited and many died from the Surgery ... So they decided the "Discomfort" was Less Risky and Quit Diagnosing ***THIS LED MANY TO A DIAGNOSIS OF MENTAL ILLNESS (YES I Understand How This is Possible - I was on the Edge of a Mental Break when I stumbled upon the Diagnosis Myself! 😉) Now the Procedure *Nephropexy* is Easy Breezy Thanks to Lasers and Robots 😄 But the Medical Community Has Lost The "Tribal Knowledge" of their Elders and Medical SCHOOLS ARE NOT TEACHING THIS!!!

      My Surgeon is Doing His Best to Reintroduce his Findings (aka Success Stories) and with Any Luck This Will Become Acknowledged As A Debilitating - Isolating - Satan PAIN that it is!! 😉

    • lpanima
      lpanima amanda33492

      Posted

      Hi Amanda, so glad we found you post. My wife has been going through hell the last few years. We are exploring this route now. Do you mind me asking what treatment you had to fix your Nephroptosis condition?

    • amanda33492
      amanda33492 lpanima

      Posted

      Yes the Procedure is called NEPHROPEXY (Not to Confuse With Nephrectomy -That's Removal lol) ... If I can provide any details for my Surgeon (He's THE BEST and has had No Failures which is Unheard of!) Please let Me Know!

  • amy35534
    amy35534 stefxgx

    Posted

    I have been having the exact same problem just on the right side. Sometimes its so excrutiating I scream. Then other times its just like a cramp. I can't put any reason to it!! Having all kinds of tests tomorrow, hopefully getting some kind of answer - blood and urine all normal. I keep telling the doctor there is nothing NORMAL about this kind of pain. What has me curious is why sometimes so severe then tolerable??
    • mrspinkrat
      mrspinkrat amy35534

      Posted

      Hi Amy, just wondering how you got on with the tests and if you still have the pain?
    • lyn65518
      lyn65518 amy35534

      Posted

      I have had left side flank pain for over 2 years just recently had a ct scan have not heard back, not even my doctor but the consultant would not even listen to me, I still get irritated bladder dark urine trace blood as well, he said it was normal for woman to get blood in there urine, well so you have it ladies, my doctor asked how I got on with him I said he was about as useful as an ash tray on a motor bike , I guess I will have to just put up with it.....
    • amy35534
      amy35534 mrspinkrat

      Posted

      Actually this went on for over a year. It would have times of intolerable pain to a cramp feeling. I went for a OB/GYN yearly check up and was in surgery for a hysterectomy that same week. Turned out I had fibroids that had gone outside the uterus and were attached to a lot of tissue. He told my husband during the post op conference that he had to really do some cutting to get them out. I wouldn't wish that surgery on anyone!! On the up side I still get the flank pain from time to time but i would have to say it is 95% better. I encourage all women to get a check up with their OB/GYN just to make sure.

      Thank you so much for asking smile

  • lynne69494
    lynne69494 stefxgx

    Posted

    Yet another long complex story.  l had catheter in after csection, then felt l,d bacterial cystitus, eventually confirmed treated with anti bs, cleared typical cystitus symptoms, but never really well after, severe low back pain,

    soreness heat in low stomach, urethra,vagina, tiredness, just off and unfit a lot of time, clear urine samples, but frequent thrush, occassional bout of nausea and lost appetite for a day or so, when pain intense l,d lose pus or passing urine, l did have frquency also, but without pain in passing. After years of tests, d and c, gyny referrrals, hormone pills, phycalogical, l did get pyloenephritus, put on month anti bs, 2 pessaries a nt, passed masses of yellow crystal matter, finally got referral urologist, xray, scan, scope, intersticial cystitus diagnosed, put on amitrip, cimetidine, told l,d acid reflux, it settled slowly, and reasonably well a few year. Research then showed keflalexin daily prevented flare ups, on them, settled, but then started with chronic nausea, loss of appetite, but unlike ic nausea of a day it went on for weeks from waking to bedtime, horrendous debilitating, tired, sleepy, l asked to see urologists, but sent to gastroenterolosigst, scan and scope showed a bit of tum inflammation, given omprazole, hasnt helped much, nausea continues, occassionally settles for short times then as bad, lost weight,

    lve felt even more tired and sleepy, feel cold, chills, occassional night sweats wet hair, given a kidney bladder scan, showed small cyst left kidney and 2 ureters on right joining up, but neither considered a problem, then they put off the cystascope date due to bacterial infection and breathlessness, be it mostly due to severa nausea, l see gastro again next week, going to contact urologist again, and l dont know if cystascope will show problem anymore than scan did, me pushing for it due to having simular symptoms of nausea before i.c. diagnosis, but in more recent months, lve also been gettin more pain higher up the back and sides, whereas with i.c it was mostly lower back, hip and urethera pain, pelvic.  l also had sciatica few year back, xray showed disc degeneration, that has cleared up, couldnt cope with that also.  l read replies and see many with simular symptoms to me, and also going through endless appt,s tests, scans, often getting vague responses from gps, consultants, seems no urgency no matter how much pain, illness,  or how badly it affects your lifestyle, for me and others l guess, just about coping with daily essentials, youve got to, more so if on your own, as for social life or travel, l will go to gps tomorrow but presume results from scan show nothing to bother about or l,d have heard, So can just keep emphasising symptoms, and affect on lifestyle.  This also plays havoc with mental state, will take it further with trust if no help soon. 

    l read Amanda,s post and see simularities, but l dont really get worse pain on laying down, sleep often a shor escape,  Also read babyjess posts, hers also simular symptoms, but hers a calcified kidney, and both gone through samples, xrays, scans, and no diagnoses for a long time.

    l will battle on,as l hope all can and best wishes to all with chronic probs

    • amanda33492
      amanda33492 lynne69494

      Posted

      This Sounds like Floating Kidney! Pain Eases when Laying Down? ...If So, Beg for Xrays- Laying Down and Standing Up... That's all it takes to prove the kidney is dropping at least 5cm... 😃 ... Life Will be Awesome if you can get an Accurate Diagnosis ... I Promise!
    • amanda33492
      amanda33492 lynne69494

      Posted

      Hi Lynne,

      How Are You??

      I just noticed your comment "l read Amanda,s post and see simularities, but l dont really get worse pain on laying down, sleep often a shor escape"

      ... My pain DID go away when laying flat on my back - 😉 I Believe you might look into Nephroptosis as a possible Diagnosis...

      Continued Prayers for your Healing -

      Amanda

    • lynne69494
      lynne69494 amanda33492

      Posted

      Hi Amanda,  Thanks for enq, well l,m still battling on, l did have cystascope, not much found, pockets in the bladder, of all things, and urethra a bit narrow, but not thought to cause problems l have. The nausea has settled, big relief, whether the omprazole, or having a stricter diet, no longer have any ready meals or tinned, just small plain meal evening. But still get chronic pain in lower back hips under butt top of legs, and usual bladder probs, bit soreness, and usual tiredness, So still on treadmill, but not as debilitated now nausea gone, so its more blood tests, physio appt next, but after reading your post above, ditto,same in uk with many docs, often dont even get out of their chair to examine you, or ask you more questions on symtpoms, as if they cant or wont even try  think at length of cause diagnosis, or refer, so standard blood tests, maybe a scan, and thats your lot, but l know from these forums that many conditions do not show up in standard blood tests or even some scans. l think med schools are teaching them to rely on tech tests too much and not examine listen to patient and think, lts like youve to go in with suggestions to them following info you get on the net, or from other patients, at least were trying, then that adds to their phycalogical diagnosis, duh,grr, l know how many years it took me to get diagnosis of intersticial cystitus, anything a bit unusual and your struggling, but they should at least refer you to specialists, Lyn65 l also get dark and blood traces in urine at times, though must say my  urologist is ok, its gps l have probs with, nothing seems to activate or interest them, hit and miss who you get, but liked your diagnoses of gp, talk about dr patient relationships breaking down, think mine has also, seems if its not fatal, but debilitating chronic pain your left to it, restrictions on your lifestyle too bad, if there,s no choice youve to put up with it,  but when yuo dont even get diagnoses you dont know if it couldbe improved, so its just a battle that goes on.   Amanda, will check out your advice, but glad you got a diagnoses at last, be it still a battle with docs.  Good luck to all.
    • amanda33492
      amanda33492 lynne69494

      Posted

      Lynne, Have you noticed Cloudy Urine??

      For Me it was Occasional - Not All the Time... But since I've had the Nephropexy, I've noticed this Symptom has disappeared so it must be associated with Floating Kidney 😉 ...

    • KidneyPain
      KidneyPain amanda33492

      Posted

      Amanda- Thanks for your posts. I’ve been having similar pain for the last 2 months. Had a CT with and w/o contrast, ultrasound, they found blood in my urine that was not normal  from a strip test but urinalysis came back normal, they also found a 4 mm unobstucting Stone that they are insisting is not the problem (had that for 8 years now). They treated me with strong 10 day amoxiclav which helped for awhile but now symptoms are starting backup again. 6 weeks before this happened, I had what seems to be a successful partial hysterectomy in which they removed my uterus/tubes but kept ovaries. I also have 2 cycsts in ovaries show up on CT which they say is not the source of my pain. My pain also eventually gets better when laying down. A urologist did finally look at my CT scan and said it was dark around the uretor and recommended another one but then it looked like the antibiotics were helping so I never redid that.

      Did you seek a urologist for advice? Did your doctor ever write a paper on this? If so, could you share?  I’m definitely going to ask my urologist PA about your diagnosis but the more ammo the better. I hope you are well! Thanks for your advice!!

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