Kidney problem or fibro?

[charlie9]

Hi there, I wanted to ask a question to fibro sufferers. I have fibro and at the moment I have excruciating back pain in an area that is not normally so bad. Now, I slept on a blow up bed on the floor on monday night (stupid i know -one of those I'm fine moments) and felt the pain the next day, it improved the day after that but came back with vengeance after that! I associated it with fibro and sleeping on the floor but the friday before that monday i felt I might have a UTI, hurts a little when I pee but there is no urgency or other typical signs. I have no fever. My whole body hurts like a flare and this back pain is really really bad. It is around the area of my right kidney. Now it is probably very likely to be fibro... but of course I have not gone to dr because i hate going and assumed it was fibro. Had i not had fibro I would have gone. Has anyone else had a kidney problem (stones, infection etc) and how (if they did) did they tell it apart from the fibro. We are so used to being in pain it is probably quite dangerous to assume everything is fibro! I was just looking for other people's experiences with telling a new problem from the fibro. And whether any one else had a similar experience and what the outcome was.

[realsorelady]

I tend to get similar symptoms, I was so dehydrated too and spent 3 days on the couch, to avoid hospital, I had to continuously drink water until I was rehydrated. If you have recently been on antibiotics, I always get an infection after and make sure you eat has on some of meds we have they can make you feel ill. If you are in doubt, see your GP. Always best to check x

[charlie9 in reply to realsorelady]

It is sad isn't it how we avoid seeking help, we avoid feeling a burden or avoid GPs looking at us like we're making it up. You can't win, when I've been seen and burst out crying and was in a state I got told I was just depressed and that was causing pain. I normally go in well dressed, make up on with a positive vibe and of course then it's assumed I'm not really that bad. You can never win! Thank you for sharing your experience

[Nita7 in reply to charlie9]

Hi Charlie,

You have a good head on your shoulders, so make sure it is not something more than fibro by visiting a gp that is 'fibro friendly'. Later on in life you learn how to 'read' your body. There is a website 'somewhere', I saw it once, with names of surgeries and gp's that understand the whole situation. Keep taking care of yourself and look as well as possible, I do the same because this makes me feel better.

With kindness and regards

Nita7

[charlie9]

Thank you for your advice. I think it depends on how big the stone is etc but I have been in agony and to be honest was very close to calling an ambulance (I've become stubborn, I would have driven anyone else to hospital but for myself I avoid as much as possible). You can pass a stone yourself by keeping very hydrated. Again if the stone is small enough and you don't end up with an infection too.

I think you're right, I think I was very dehydrated and it might be a mixture of fibro and perhaps a little stone or mild infection. I haven't been taking my pain killers due to TTC but I obviously had to. (cocodamol only though). I actually have had some relief at times. I have not left the house all week (luckily had a week holiday anyway). I actually just rolled on a muscle knot remover type thing which killed but may have helped something (also took painkillers just before so not a good test although I often don't get much relief if any from painkillers) but I do feel better than I have for a few days which is interesting if that roller has helped. Never used it before today. Hopefully it is just the stupid fibro and I'm not ignoring a kidney problem! I am drinking lots will keep taking painkillers regularly and resting as I have been and keep monitoring.

Sorry you get kidney infections, no one needs more pain. Thank you for your advice x

[Fibro_rocker]

Hi charlie9,

Totally agree with arymretep😊also had many kidney infections and water infections, you don't want to leave it too long to get advice...

All the best Steve

[Hartleyhare2]

I think it's time to see Doctor if it is causing that much pain over and above normal or what passes for normal for one of us! Lol

Because we have rundown auto immune systems we can pick up other nasties along the way. Mine is pnumonia and I am hospitalised about every other year and I hate hospitals !

You can't deal with it until you know what you are up against so I recommend getting to the Drs or A&E as soon as you can.

We have to remember to look after our whole health not just the Fibro.

Best of luck

Patrick.

[TheAuthor]

I am so genuinely sorry to read this, and I sincerely hope that you can find the answers that you are looking for. I know that you do not like going to the doctors but this is one of those things that it may be bets to get checked just to rule other conditions out of the equation. I want to sincerely wish you all the best of luck.

All my hopes and dreams for you

Ken

[BaffledKaffy]

Hey, charlie9! you need to get in!

I have had what you describe, and both times (twice, now) have had kidney stones. However I did pass blood & clots ... (Sorry if TMI, guys!). Both followed w/UTI & bladder infection, so given antibiotics. First time went to ER (was on holiday and called my home doc who advised me to go right in to Hospital/Emergency Room); second time only went to Emergency Clinic, bc I knew the symptoms.

Never had a bladder infection before ...( I take Topiramate, for migraines, which can cause kidney stones.)

I think you should seek medical attention ~ if they see it's serious at doc's office or clinic, they will send you on to emergency!

[BaffledKaffy in reply to BaffledKaffy]

Only just saw your post my late evening in US ... If this has gone on this long, "waxing and waning" as we say here, I think you should see someone. If it isn't anything but Fibro, , the fact that you are having that severe and unusual and different type pain deserves attention. Do NOT feel guilty!

And I put on nice clothes and make-up, too, even if it takes a couple hours to do so! (I've had to lay down in waiting rooms w/a migraine killing me, but I look great doing it!)

So get yourself in, girl!

[pudofmylife]

I recently had same problem and I did go to my PCP. She said best bet to go to emergency room to have all tests done for kidney stones and gall bladder. Dr, said I have neither but as been dealing with bronchitis that what I was feeling was more than likely pleurisy. My PCP was surprised by the diagnosis and wants me to come back to see her to go over issues to see where to go to next.

[Crys21]

I have fibro and yes I get kidney infection all the time go to your doctor

[snugasabug]

I have noticed 3 things. First I have suffered from early morning swollen ankles, feet and face since my thirties. Second I had a very small kidney stone about a year ago which got stuck and caused me to need 2 operations - the pain was worse than childbirth. Thirdly I have suffered achy joints and muscles for the last few years which sometimes can be so painful I am hobbling. I was wondering recently if I might be starting to get fibromyalgia. Then I wondered if it could be related to my kidneys, because if the kidneys aren't functioning properly surely that would cause the build up of waste crystals (which rub the muscle fibres during movement) in the muscles and joints - a bit like the day after a big workout when your muscles ache or like gout when waste accumulates in the joints.

I know I still don't drink enough (because I forget) Maybe drinking a lot more might help

[1124]

Hey Charlie just wanted to share that i am having same problem with pain in my kidney. I have tried drinking lots of water and finally went to Doctor. He tested my urine and blood and showed nothing My pain has continued for 3 1/2 months. I thought it was related to fibro in the beginning also so just went to Doctor 5 weeks ago. He gave me shot in case of infection, medicine to help break up a stone and another medicine to open my uretha so stone could pass. My swelling went down and little pressure but that inside paon is still there. CT scan showed nothing. I know this is not fibro, it is a different kind of pain. After trying lots of water you should go to doctor. It could be any of the things I mentioned above or not but dont want to wait for too long. I go back to doctor next week for more testing. I wish you very much luck with your pain and i hope you get better with doctors help and dont have to go through as much as I have. Good luck and i will give you an update whenever my testing is done.

[Ryemurless in reply to 1124]

May I ask 1124 how are you know?

As I have read your story & I can relate.

Kind regards.

[1124]

Hey Charlie. Just noticed this was 2 yrs ago so maybe you could let me know how yours turned out. I would appreciate it. Thank you so much

[Sagitarius3]

Hello, I have had kidney stones and although everything you’re saying here is a clear symptom of it there are a few things to know. Go to the Er if you have blood in the urine, pain so severe you might even get sick, or fever! The pain worsens to an unbearable degree and no relief no matter what position you try! If stone passes pain completely subsided but crystals can linger and cause uti for a couple of days before and after! Try to catch stones to test them! Hope this helped, your post is older but I joined to let you know I’m with Fibro and have had kidney stones every 2-3 years since my 30’s! Good luck and drink tons of water they pass quicker!