Topic: kidney pain- what does it feel like? how do I know?
LisaK
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Member # 41384
posted
I had a terrible pain right where kidneys are. I get this often.
this morning it made me unable to walk or stand for about an hour.
I ate really bad food yesterday. would this make it happen? it feels better now, but still there a little. is there a good kidney flush or something?
I am not positive it IS my kidneys, but I know they are affected and it is in that area.
what else could it be?
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3558 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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randibear
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posted
hmmm gallbladder or pancreas. depends on which side.
-------------------- do not look back when the only course is forward Posts: 12262 | From texas | Registered: Mar 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
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posted
- A kidney "flush" can be too violent an act if kidneys are inflamed or stressed. Gentle support is best. IMO, a kidney "flush" is never a good idea. Ever.
Be sure bowels are not impinging upon nerves and that constipation is not confusing symptoms. Our colon can sure cause all kinds of pain - all over the mid / lower back and mid / lower belly when the works get stuck or stagnant.
1. Getting enough SEA salt (just the right amount, though, not too much)?
2. GREEN TEA - WATER
A good amount of water sipped throughout the day (not too little nor too much -- and never more than one glass at a time) is important and NOT COLD water, that can be too much work for the body and a bit of a shock. Water can't hurt and can help most of what ails us (for a start, anyway).
3. WARMTH - A warm heating pad on your mid-back may also be helpful. Unless it's just too hot where you are right now. Do not overheat.
4. MOVE - Gentle "yoga" can help if there is "stagnation" and your body tissue needs a little tweaking (as opposed to "twerking" 0 don't do THAT!! insert laugh!)
Beyond that, before any other attempts, it's best to figure out what's going on.
You can look up on the web symptoms / variations of "kidney pain" then you'll have a better idea.
Often starts radiating from the back, wrapping around the side and into the mid belly in a certain pattern that will likely be illustrated in a good kidney education site.
But just a kidney "ache" (though that's not what it's called) may be different from the pain of a kidney STONE -
[ 07-18-2014, 03:16 PM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
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LIVER & KIDNEY SUPPORT & and several HERXHEIMER support links, too. -
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LisaK
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 41384
posted
yes, it is more of an ache. like a big bruise or something. it is always the same spot.
right side on my back behind my pelvic bone. for years now comes and goes
I am kind of dehydrated right now. I forget to drink water all the time.
I will look up symptoms as you suggest Keebler. no twerking here, hahhahaaaa
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3558 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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Keebler
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- Backing up, you say that you " . . . ate really bad food yesterday. . . ." (end quote).
Definition of "bad" ? -- possible food poisoning should be taken very seriously.
If "bad" as in not healthful, the best remedy is good water, green tea, and GOOD food from here on. -
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Keebler
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. . . Sacroiliitis refers to inflammation of one or both sacroiliac joints, and is one cause of unilateral low back pain.
With sacroiliitis, the individual may experience pain in the low back, buttock or thigh, depending on the amount of inflammation. . . . -
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LisaK
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Member # 41384
posted
hmm, maybe that sacroiliac!
it hurts to push on it. It really really hurt today so that I couldn't take a step without feeling like crying.
bad food was sugar, wheat, sugar, candy, sugar.
I know... bad.
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3558 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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LisaK
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posted
it's behind pelvic bone at the top right under ribs, but not inbetween ribs and pelvis.
maybe it's both? like the pain in walking came down further it seemed at the time.
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3558 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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LisaK
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Member # 41384
posted
isn't it possible to have pain from lyme et al?
my llmd tested my organ function and kidneys were on the bad list for me.
I have other symptoms that come and go too- like cloudy urine and painful urination, frequent urge and going just a little.
this all comes and goes.
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3558 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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Keebler
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posted
- Indeed, it's possible to have pain "just" from lyme. Still, it's possible to figure out where that is and address inflammation & stressors there.
But you are trying to determine if there is a kidney attack of some sort and, if that could be, it would be time to make a phone call.
Otherwise, support measures come to mind.
After all I've been through with lyme, as painful as it may be, I don't find it alarming.
I'm a bit confused by the location description as I think my rib cage ends higher up than behind the pelvic bone (but I would need to consult a diagram as I may just not be aware of how low the ribs go) -- but the kidney attacks I've had originated higher up in MY case.
More like just a couple inches below bra line, for about the size of the palm of the hand downward. Clearly, still just above my waist . . . then radiated around to the front like lightning.
Also keep in mind the colon. That can cause pain in back, too.
And body mechanics.
Still, only you can determine if the pain warrants a doctor's advice - if it's urgent and there may be something structural in tissue or bone that would need prompt attention.
It's nearly 4 pm on a Friday in your time zone. If you think a call to your doctor's office is in order, do it now.
I assume your doctor has advised you on kidney support and yoga moves (gentle, gentle)?
And that you got instruction for magnesium (the right amount for YOUR body - 3 x a day, never all at once), too. Detail in the liver / kidney support thread should help for any kind of inflammation. -
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Carol in PA
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Member # 5338
posted
Here are links to pictures that show kidney location.
I am kind of dehydrated right now. I forget to drink water all the time.
This can affect how your joints feel AND your urinary tract including the kidneys. DRINK WATER!!!!
-------------------- sixgoofykids.blogspot.com Posts: 13449 | From Ohio | Registered: Feb 2007
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Keebler
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posted
- My eyes totally missed that huge key that sixgoofykids spotted. Indeed, that explains a LOT.
Dehydration due to lack of enough water is the main reason people wind up in the ER with kidney attacks during the summer.
Dehydration also sets the colon up for constipation.
We cannot ever afford to forget to drink water, any day, even if cool. You might measure out in the morning into some nice glass bottles or pitcher (never plastic, they emit toxins into water) how much you should drink for the day. Keep it "fresh" in fridge all but what you'll want for then coming hour or so.
When I had to start learning to drink water (image that!) . . . I got several very pretty glass bottles (able to lift and grab onto smaller ones). Counted it all out until I got into the groove. It became a moment of elegance to use pretty bottles / pitcher.
Be sure to work on that throughout the day, not all at once. Or keep a tally pad and at the top & bottom of each hour, enjoy a little drink.
Or some other kind of visual cue so that can keep on top of it and be certain. Hope you feel better.
So, often, when we feel "off" in many ways, it's dehydration related (even if lyme is a player). Like a plant that is all wilted, give the body a good drink and it will come back to life in a few hours. -
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LisaK
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posted
OK, I dranksome water. I will see how I feel tomorrow. I will drink better tonmorrow too.
thanks
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3558 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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Marnie
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Member # 773
posted
First, your doctor needs to R/O a kidney INFECTION.
If negative, a CT scan of the kidney will show if you have any kidney stones that are causing a problem.
Kidney stones are not uncommon in lyme disease.
I had a kidney stone attack (EXTREMELY painful and -> vomiting too) in December, 2013.
Most stones contain calcium.
I drink too much Pepsi and don't always add a lemon (which I should do - like they do in Europe).
Anyway, there is an herbal formula:
It is called Renavive - "Natural Kidney Cleanse".
Your life, your body, your choice - as it should be.
Do the research and decide whether or not you should try it.
LisaK
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Member # 41384
posted
wouldn't stones be more painful? stabbing?
I am trying to drink more today. husband is urging me too.
I feel so terrible today with fatigue and bad connection with others. I am a bear and I feel like growling at everyone. I don't think that has anything to do with this back pain though, jusst letting you all know how I feel today from overall lyme
and this makes me feel like I do not care one bit about anything, especially drinking water.
I get so confused I don't know if I really feel symptoms or only imagine them because I have had so many and every hour of every day it changes...... how does everyone deal with this???
ok, sorry , back to issue. I still have pain, but it is not as bad as yesterday. and I am not sure if I am imagining it there because I am so conscious of it
that is why I don't take it seriously. a)I have so many pains they all blend together sometimes
b)it comes and goes in intensity and if it were something bad, wouldn't it just get worse in a straight line?
c)sometimes I feel like a hypochondriac and I hear the old voices from over the years that it's in my head
d) a GP told me 10 years ago that it was a strained muscle, so I guess I keep straining my muscle?
e) I have no money and no insurance.
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3558 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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Keebler
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posted
- It is very important to take the kidneys very seriously.
It's also very important to stop, just stop, that voice from the past, from others or even yourself that condemns you to pain just because someone, somewhere in time (or many, various points in time) labeled your expressing your pain as behavior of a hypochondriac.
Many with lyme, and other illness have experienced this troublesome history with doctors, family, even friends and their verbal abuse. We can understand that - maybe - their ignorance led them to make judgments . . . still, we don't have to buy into that kind of destruction.
We must release those judgments. If you can't let them go, they will take you down. Cut the ribbon to their balloons and let them float away - for good. You can do that.
Assess yourself. If you have pain, you have pain and it deserves a voice (as do you). It's a sign from your body that you must take some kind of action to address it. Whether that be medical assessment -- or the best habits & support methods you can do, all things considered.
Your list for not taking this seriously is of great concern. But only you can decide if you will let others who labeled you in the past control your life today. You may need to talk with a LL therapist about this as it could become a self-destructive tendency.
Turn it around. Breathe in the light to banish the darkness (or whatever else will do this for you).
Why I say a LL therapist is that, IMO, unless they really understand lyme, and are ILADS aware, they may not really understand the depth and complexities of the pain & symptoms that go along with lyme . . . and how those patterns can change from day to day, hour to hour, even.
But, today, you can act for yourself in a positive way. It often starts with the basics. Humans require good food and clean water, for a start. There is so much we can do for ourselves, even as we know it can be a while for all this to resolve.
Unless an emergency arises, on Monday, call and make an appt. with your LL doctor (or one they recommend to address this matter) about this pain in your back, let THEM figure out the possibilities. In the meantime, just cover the bases.
Now, I just re-read that you have no money and no insurance. Sorry, I know that makes it much tougher. Still, you can make some inquires. Get up to speed on kidney support and the signs for when some kind of professional attention is required.
BTW, as you say you usually forget to drink water and tend to be dehydrated, that action can CAUSE formation and buildup of kidneys stones, too. So, it seems the first step is to get some water into the rivers and streams of your body's circulation. -
[ 07-20-2014, 02:16 AM: Message edited by: Keebler ]
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Keebler
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posted
- You ask: b)it comes and goes in intensity and if it were something bad, wouldn't it just get worse in a straight line? (end quote)
Not necessarily.
How many lightning strikes must there be before we go indoors during a storm? Just because it hadn't hit yet, does not mean that quiet in between is an all clear if you still hear rumbles here and there.
But, again, your body has not been given the water it needs. That could create a condition for which you would need medical attention, regardless of if it's dehydration or another cause.
Still, as you get back in the habit of slowly drinking a reasonable amount of water, consistency, every hour at least . . . your kidneys may respond in kindness and settle down.
AND consider Sacroiliac as a possible source for this pain. Learn what you can do about that with gentle yoga, proper body mechanics and support, inflammation, etc.
Good luck. Take care. -
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Keebler
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posted
- Recess time from your "studies": water, water everywhere - & a few good laughs.
Mr. Bean Goes to the Swimming Pool -
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Marnie
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Kidney stones are usually extremely painful (very small with rough edges) when they move - esp. when they go thru the VERY small ureters on their way to the bladder and then out the much larger urethra.
Bigger stones sitting in the kidneys usually don't cause symptoms.
I passed a small one (major ouch), but have a bigger one just sitting in my right kidney that is too big to pass (CT scan showed.)
Can the body dissolve this stone? Depends on what internet link you read. Most say no.
Swimming pools...salt water pools are generally preferred by those who have lyme for obvious reasons.
Recess time? Yipee! Last one out the door is a rotten egg.
Funny link! I'm betting many can relate to the high dive fears! Mr. Bean's face is so expressive.
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Keebler
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posted
- Lisa,
Are you feeling better today?
Glad Marnie could clarify some of what I wrote that had a "broad reach" regarding "wouldn't you KNOW?" . . . I guess I'd been talking more about when the kidneys are stressed, not so much a kidney stone. That would be different.
And, since we do have to just manage a lot of pain / discomfort all along the way and breathe though it - it can be hard to know sometimes if we need to do more or just make some simple changes in our self care to address whatever all areas are sounding some kind of attention alert.
Or, just acknowledge it as part of the deal for today - and move along, knowing we are doing all we can. Tricky, tricky.
Listening to our body not only tell us what is wrong but what it needs can take a while - and some readjustments in mind, body & spirit. Add fun where you can, however you can, no matter what. Start with the simple things. Sometimes, the simple things can make a fabulous difference. -
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LisaK
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I am feeling OK today. I have been drinking water.
The idea of a LL counselor is a good one.
I think I have an underlying yeast issue and it is making me crazy. or crazy not to know why I am feeling so many things I am feeling. I know yeast can really do a number on you.
I think Sacroiliac sounds like a likely reason for some of the pain.or maybe hip pain? when I get that pain it feels like a burning arthritis.
the other pain may be kidneys warning me? but I was thinking- wouldn't it be on both sides if it were kidneys?
thanks for all the info and support.
I am in a dark place. too much happening in my life. I am having trouble handling it all.
it ain't no picnic
and I worry so much about the people I love- my husband and kids. If they were well I would feel so much better.
dark.... that is a good way of putting it.
I used to sing in groups. mostly sacred music, choirs and such. I had good music in my head almost constantly. being sick took that away.
I find little enjoyment in any music now. I feel like Anakin Skywalker before he became Darth Vador.
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3558 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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LisaK
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Member # 41384
comparing lower back pain to kidney pain. It wold seem that most of my pain would probably be that sacroiliac perhaps.
or maybe some other arthritic inflammation?
I do get cloudy urine often though, and also dark color when I don't drink or when It's really hot here. I had a big problem with dehydration last summer right before I got dx with lyme.
although, I will keep a watch on the kidney stuff. I suspect I may have two separate things giong on. when I get the one dull achy pain I get nauseous and feel very sick.
-------------------- Be thankful in all things- even difficult times and sickness and trials - because there is something GOOD to be seen Posts: 3558 | From Eastern USA | Registered: Jul 2013
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