1. Community
  2. Genito-urinary/Kidney
  3. Kidney Problems

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

Posted , 120 users are following.

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

Prev Next
  • sara90580
    sara90580 stefxgx

    Posted

    Hi

    I had a severe kidney infection 18 months ago. It went incorrectly diagnosed for six weeks - in which time the infection was so bad I had a massive lump on my side which turned out to be pockets of pus developing along the muscles.

    The infection had killed my pancreas as well. By the time I was finally admitted my blood had turned acidotic as well.

    I spent a month in hospital then a further three months with drains hanging out of me

    Unfortunately this has somehow left me with chronic pain in my left flank. I can't sleep - when I try or if I accidentally roll on to that side by morning I in agony and it feels like my insides have been compresses.

    I have had ultrasounds, blood tests

    The kidney function is normal, not floating, no stones, no infection anywhere. Continual tests show blood in urine sometimes - not all

    I take tramadol and more recently been prescribed nortryptaline but it isn't having much effect.

    Pain varies - sometimes it feels like needles of blades going in, other times like tearing.

    Even a tag from clothes sometimes feels sharp.

    Can't wear proper clothes, can't sit for more than an hour.

    When the pain is really bad I have to pee every hour as well

    My gp claims he has done everything he can and is now referring me to urologist - he doesn't doubt there is a problem but the standard tests can't come up with anything conclusive.

    Meanwhile more months of pain, no sleep etc while I wait for an appointment

  • ana90342
    ana90342 stefxgx

    Posted

    Hi,

    I am also having back pain for 2 months now. According to my blood test and ultrasound everything seems clear and the doctor told me I might have an ulcer and gave me ulcer medicine and antibiotics. I took all  pills but the pain remains the same. It hurts every sing day and night but it is not severe and it just makes me nervous and panicking. I even pain even in my sleep. I don't have any other symptoms besides lots of headaches and mood swings. So I thought it might be from contraceptive pills (Yaz). I have been taking it for a year. What do you think can Yaz be a reason for such constant pain?

    Thank you!

  • taylor1996
    taylor1996 stefxgx

    Posted

    Hey I was in the same pain situation you are in and I had a renal autotransplantation of the kidney from Dr. Campsen and Dr. Hamilton down at Utah University Hospital they go in and sever the connection of the nerves sending the pain signal so that you will no longer get those false signals of pain. There is a test though that you have to pass but It helped me so much I was to the point i wanted to end my life because of how much pain i was in, but please look them up! it is still a case study and he is they are the only ones in this world to do this kind of surgery this is the number for Dr. Hamilton's office 801-213-7200 and here is the one for Dr. Campsen's office 801-585-2708 

  • TiffoneyGreene
    TiffoneyGreene stefxgx

    Posted

    I am extremely sorry you are experiencing such a prolonged and painful problem. Currently, I am going through the pain. Throughout my life, I have had several occurrences of kidney stones as they are definitely not uncommon to me. Two years ago, I was hospitalized for a kidney stone blockage, where the placed a stint in my bladder to help me place the stones. Last year, I was hurting in my kidney area, finally went to the hospital, where I had ecoli in my bloodstream and spent 3 weeks alone in the hospital. A few months passed, I started having kidney pain or flank pain again, went to urgent care, I had an upper UTI infection. Now, for the past five days have been experiencing pain again in that left kidney, it always seems to start in that particular kidney, awaiting for a CT scan in pain, as usual. If it get worse, I'm going to the hospital because after having ecoli in my blood steam I am not playing around with my health.

    I am so Thankful that God blesses these doctors with the brilliance to figure out what's really going on in our bodies. They could prescribe me pain medication, while I wait for results in my PJs. smile

    I am so not feeling good right now, left flank pain, nauseous, I can't stay out of the bathroom (frequent urination) and feel like I have to go all the time, I'm dizzy and drained feeling. Just yucky all the way around. sad

  • lindy32573
    lindy32573 stefxgx

    Posted

    I read your post and this sounds like almost the exact same thing I have been going through for the past year and a half- left sided flank pain with no relief. I was wondering if you were able to find an answer to your pain and/or relief?
  • stella8888
    stella8888 stefxgx

    Posted

    Write me soon .how are you doing now?in los Angeles there a doc that can help. He's on a Christian radio on Sunday about health and a team of docs. The radio station is 98.3 KDAR in ventura. Suggestion ..i hope you find relief.

  • nannette53389
    nannette53389 stefxgx

    Posted

    Went to the E.R. on the 25th of Sept. 2017 with pain in my Left back and left stomach. Found blood in urine, also white blood cell also. Dr. Said I have a urinary track infection and a kidney stone tryn to past. Size 5.5 mm.also the Ct. Scan found 3 more just floating around in my right kidney. The medicine that was provided are: Tamsulosin...ciprofloxacin. Also oxycodone. Pain when I walk pain at night. Can't work..waitn for the stone to past. Frustrate..pls help with more in put. Ms. Servidio

  • chris51203
    chris51203 stefxgx

    Posted

    What your are experiencing I am suffering the exact same but I get massive pain in the spine and lower back do u get the same 
  • a07153
    a07153 stefxgx

    Posted

    Hi Ollie,

    I know it’s been 3 years since your post but my husband is going through something very similar to what you were going through and I was wondering how you’ve been since and if you were given any answers?

    Thank you!

  • djarvis
    djarvis stefxgx

    Posted

    Did u ever find out what was going on with your flank pain..??? 
    • djarvis
      djarvis taylarubowen

      Posted

      I was told that I have several liver love cysts.. I don’t know if this is the cause of my left flank pain.. I don’t drink nor ever was a drinker.. don’t know how liver lobe cycsts form or what their caused from.. I googled it and read these are normal and many get them.. sometimes they need to drain them..  ugh!! I hope that is never ever anything I need to have done..  

      Do u have liver lobe cysts? If so, have u asked your Dr if this could be the cause of your pain? My Dr said hmmmm I’m not sure... Ekkkks!!! I may need a new Dr.. if mine doesn’t have answers.. 

  • ray4370
    ray4370 stefxgx

    Posted

    I am a very fit 69 yr old and have been suffering in much the same way for four months, although, it has intensified over the past few weeks. It hurts when I cough, or simply reach for the floor. A hot bath will ease matters but not for much than an hour, or so. Codine has some effect but not enough to reduce the pain by more than 50%. I am currently about to undergo tests for myeloma although only related symptoms are this pain and slightly increased Ca blood levels but, in-line with my age.My urine is clear. An over vigorous chiropractor made matters much worse, early on, and I’m convinced this has not helped matters at all. Lack of escape from the pain is the most depressing issue. I hope you find a resolution and I will post my updates as they occur.
    • djarvis
      djarvis ray4370

      Posted

      I to have had this pain for many years. I recently had a ct scan and i have had MRI in the past. I was told i have small cysts in my liver lobe.. They didn't say weather this was the cause of this pain, but i am assuming this is what is causing the pain. After looking through the patient portal where i had my MRI and CT scans and reviewing these scans and what the pathologists wrote that i have had these cysts for several years and was never told of them from my DR.. I googled it and it appears they are normal and can go away on their own... But, sometimes if they are large and cause problems they can go in and drain them of which says can be painful. Google liver lobe cysts ... This maybe what you have. 

Back to top
Prev Next

Report or request deletion

Thanks for your help!

We want the community to be a useful resource for our users but it is important to remember that the community are not moderated or reviewed by doctors and so you should not rely on opinions or advice given by other users in respect of any healthcare matters. Always speak to your doctor before acting and in cases of emergency seek appropriate medical assistance immediately. Use of the community is subject to our Terms of Use and Privacy Policy and steps will be taken to remove posts identified as being in breach of those terms.