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kidney pain? or back pain?

ive had pain in my back for the last few days and someone at work said it sounded like my it was my kidneys that were hurting and ever since then I've been getting worried.
But I looked it up and read about kidney pain and stuff, but it said that kidney infection occurs after a bout of cystitis... which I haven't had.
has anyone ever had a kidney infection or anything wrong with their kidneys that can tell me what it feels like just to reassure me that this is just a strained back and not something more serious!
thanks

Reply 1

XK-louX

hmm well i guess im the expert! Ive had kidney infections ever sice I was 5...so i know exactly how it feels! the doctors don't even need 2 test me anymore cos i know when i have 1!
it would be your lower back just under your ribs on either 1 side or both and it hurts more when you go to the toilet...usually settles down a bit after but sometimes doesnt. It's usualy a dull ache...but then it might be more noticeable 4 u as I'm really used to it so don't feel it as much!
I suggest you drink lots and lots of water and going to the doctor won't do any harm. If it is your kidneys they'll just ask you 4 a urine test and they'll know from that, then if its an infection they'll give you anti-biotics for a week or possibly 2. If its really bad they might refer you to hospital 4 a few days but thats quite unlikey...I've only been in hospital twice for bad infections, apart from operations., so I wouldn't worry I'm sure you'll be fine :smile:

let me know what happens..

Reply 2

Sarky

Its not always easy to tell, the pain can feel just like back pain but more to the sides than where your spine is. But it really depends on the person. I've been in hospital 4 times in the last 18 months with kidney problems and the pain is characteristic for me, but thats because i'm so used to it i know what to expect.

For me its usually dull, sometimes sharp stabbing pains. I don't always get any of the cysitis like pains either.

Reply 3

CheesyBeans

Last time I had a kidney infection I didnt have any syptoms of Cystitis. I left it for weeks before I went to the doctors and was told when I did go that if I'd left it any longer it could have been really serious.

For me at first the pain felt a bit like trapped wind and gradually got worse and worse. At first it was on one side of my stomach/ribs and then moved to the other. It got so bad that I couldn't even yawn without being in total pain and I spent days in bed. My parents eventually persuaded me to go the doctors and I'm glad because I felt loads better just after taking antibotics for about 2 days.

Reply 4

always + forever

when I had it, I didn't have they symptoms of cystitis first. It was like a stabbing pain on the lower left side of my back, just left of my spine. mine (I've only ever had one) really bloody hurt: I remember not being able to sleep and having to fold over a pillow, then lie on my side with the pillow underneath me, which seemed to dull the pain quite well. Also, and I'm not sure if this is just me cos no one else has mentioned it, I needed to pee much more than usual. Then I went to the NHS walk in centre and got some antibotics and they cleared it up really quick. Go to the doctors if you are worried - you only have to pee on a stick, it's not that bad. :biggrin:

hope you feel better soon

Reply 5

XK-louX

yeh mine is like Sarky described..but I've been diagnosed, (after about 10 yrs of consultations and specialists) with reflux. Although its getting better now as I've had 2 operations! and yeah i do have 2 pee alot too! so its not just you! (the person above this)
but seriously go to the doctor and then you can stop worrying!

Reply 6

redshoes4

it could just be a strained back, i kept getting stabbing like pains on one side of my lower back and had conviced myself that it was my kidneys but i had infact just strained my back- but going to the doc put my mind at rest. also be warned if it is a strained back you may get other symtons which are also quite scary- i lost all feeling in one of my legs for about a week due to swelling-m wierd thing was this was after my back had stoped hurting, though was apparently linked to a strained back.
i'd go to the doc if i were you- better to be safe than sorry!

Reply 7

bewithoutyou

Do you feel at all unwell? The first time I had a kidney infection I mistook it for a strained back for a few days (I didn't get cystitis first and had no other symptoms). However, I very quickly lost my appetite, got a high temperature and got very sick/dizzy etc., and ended up at the doctor (and only mentioned my back pain when he asked as I really thought I'd pulled a muscle!). The pain is different for everyone; my second kidney infection felt like stomach pain rather than back pain, so no two occurrences are necessarily the same. If you have any other symptoms at all or feel remotely under the weather then go to the doctor, but if you feel as right as rain then it's probably more likely to be muscular.

Reply 8

CheesyBeans

I noticed I was VERY thirsty when I had my kidney infection and also I completly lost my appetite and felt sick but that could have just been the pain.

Reply 9

Tofficer1

I've just been diagnosed with a kidney infection. The pain in my lower right back was constant but every now and again it feels like someone's squeezing my kidney and I experience a sharp pain. It sstarted with flu type symptoms as well. I was shivering as I felt really cold and later that night started throwing up. The next day I also got the runs. I couldn't keep any liquids down the first day but managed to the 2nd. I'm now on anti biotics but feel super thirsty all the time although I'm currently not peeing very often which I guess is down to dehydration. overall not a nice experience :frown:

Reply 10

MarcusHeinz

it's hard to answer your question, when I had a backache, I bought myself a mattress for back pain but a week later I went to the doctor, and he said it was just a pain in the muscles. Therefore, I advise you to go first to the doctor, so that he diagnoses.

(edited 6 years ago)

Reply 11

Adrian Fawcett

You'd better go to a doctor. When I had a back pain, the doctor advised me to read about the mattresses that will help me. I was helped Eve Mattress, I would advise reading an article on inexpensive mattresses https://happysleepyhead.com/best-mattress-for-the-money/

(edited 6 years ago)

Reply 12

Kindred

I'm closing this thread cos it's old and that gets confusing. If anybody wants to discuss something similar please feel free to make anew thread. :smile: