Can sharp pain in region of right kidney be associated with lupus

[Lizziequink]

Hi all. For the past couple of days I've had a sharp, stabbing pain in my back directly in line with my right kidney but no change in urine colour or frequency. I just wondered about the experiences of other people on this site as I'm aware that auto-immune conditions can cause kidney damage.

[Lupiknits]

This is best checked by a doctor. It might be connected, or might not be, but in the meantime please see a doctor.

I do hope you get some help.

[Lizziequink in reply to Lupiknits]

Thank you Lupiknits

[Lizziequink in reply to Lupiknits]

Hi Lupiknits. I've managed to get a GP appt for first thing tomorrow morning

[Lupiknits in reply to Lizziequink]

Good! Please let us know how it goes x

[Lizziequink in reply to Lupiknits]

Will do Lupiknits

[Lizziequink in reply to Lupiknits]

Hi Lupiknits. GP appt was reassuring. By the time I saw him it was more obvious the pain was radiating from my hip rather than my kidney. Still very painful but as long as I know what's causing it I can deal with it x

[Lupiknits in reply to Lizziequink]

I’m sorry about the pain, but understand very well how reassuring it is to know the cause isn’t what you feared!

Thank you for letting me know 💐

[Melba1]

Best to get it checked out. I’ve had kidney problems for the last year and sometimes they say it’s from the lupus and sometimes from a kidney infection but we find it hard to tell the difference! I saw an infectious disease specialist a couple of weeks ago and she said the kidney pain is very much more likely to be infection yet the protein and swollen face/ fingers/ ankles is more lupus nephritis. I think lupus affecting the kidneys is more likely to be pain free but not always.

You should get your bloods tested for creatinine and GFR which will tell you how well your kidneys are functioning, a urine test for infection, blood, protein etc. My nephrologist says you’ll almost always have protein in your urine if it’s lupus nephritis.

Some of us on here have ordered our own urine dipsticks from Amazon but only when we know what’s going on and can monitor ourselves. At your stage of not knowing it’s definitely best to get properly checked out by your GP or rheumy.

Do you feel poorly with it too? I’ve had kidney infections several times this year and I feel really ill with them - a sort of different type to lupus ill, much more pain and nausea but always so hard to tell and we’re all different.

Good luck, hope you get some answers and it improves x

[Lizziequink in reply to Melba1]

Hi Melba, thanks for your reply. The sharp pain is just below rib cage and directly over right kidney and has been there for 3 days now. I've managed to get a GP appt for first thing tomorrow morning so we'll see what he suggests x

[Lizziequink]

Hi Jacky. Apart from sharp pain below ribcage and directly on top of right kidney I've had none of the other symptoms you mention (apart from extreme tiredness and frequent nausea, but I'm used to that). I've managed to get a GP appt for tomorrow morning so hopefully will get some answers from him. Thanks for your advice

[KatieRL]

When I was diagnosed with SLE I had no pain at all, my kidneys failed over 25/30years and honestly I had no pain in that area. Pain in the kidney area should be investigated by a professional. I wish you well xxx

[Lizziequink in reply to KatieRL]

Thanks Katie. Have appointment with GP in the morning so fingers crossed all ok

[Lizziequink]

Thanks again Jackie. Have had a number of bone biopsies in the past so have no great concern about the process. Just want to get it sorted. I also have bronchiectasis so although my chest feels clear at the moment, it could be linked to that I suppose. Will let you know what's said tomorrow. Keep well, Liz