Kidney Pain: Symptoms, Concerns, and Seeking Help

[Kidneys] Do you have any questions regarding the kidneys? Please help me, thank you?

I woke up on Tuesday morning (3/14) with sudden pain in both of my kidneys.
Since I had to go to work, I delayed going for a check-up until the afternoon.
The doctor performed a urinalysis and found blood and protein in my urine.
The doctor said it was kidney inflammation, but after seeing so many discussions online, I am worried about the possibility of developing kidney failure.
I started taking medication on Tuesday, but on Friday (3/17) at noon, I accidentally took an extra pill, which resulted in a headache that lasted all afternoon (actually, I had been feeling dizzy since Friday morning).
Strangely, the kidney pain stopped on Friday, but I started experiencing intermittent headaches that moved from the front to the back of my head and vice versa.
Now (Saturday evening), the headache has lessened, and the kidney pain is gone, but I am still very scared.
The doctor seemed dismissive, asking a few questions before sending me for a urinalysis, and when I asked him several questions, he was not patient in answering.
I am very concerned and hope that some kind-hearted doctors online can help me.
Can you recommend a caring doctor in Tainan City? Is there a doctor who can perform a complete ultrasound examination of my kidneys? What aspects should be checked to ensure that my kidneys are healthy? Also, if kidney inflammation persists, what could happen? Thank you to the kind doctors who can answer my questions.

P.S.
Since fifth grade, my urine screenings have shown issues, but nothing has happened in the past ten years.
Six years ago, I was told by a doctor that everything was fine, but now my kidneys suddenly hurt, and the doctor only mentioned inflammation.
P.S.
In the past, I had severe urinary retention, which has caused my urine stream to be inconsistent; it often flows rather than streams out.
Sometimes, I have to exert effort to urinate, but there is no burning sensation while urinating (the bladder does not feel uncomfortable).

Ms. Wei, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2006/03/18

Dr. Pan Zhenqin reply Urology

You mentioned that you have had issues with urine screening since the 5th grade.
Is it hematuria or proteinuria? This could be related to your current situation.
Additionally, based on your description, I cannot determine whether that episode was truly nephritis or just muscle and nerve pain, or possibly related to menstrual pain.
Fortunately, you are no longer in pain, congratulations! The next step is to assess your kidney function.
Why do you have to exert yourself to urinate? [Is your urine often completely clear?] This is a rather unusual description, so I recommend that you consult a urologist for a thorough examination of your kidney function.
If necessary, you may also need to undergo urodynamic testing.
You can make an appointment at our hospital's urology department, where excellent urologists are available for consultations from Monday to Saturday every morning.
Wishing you health and safety from the Urology Department of Tainan Hospital, Ministry of Health and Welfare!

Reply Date: 2006/03/18

More Info

Understanding kidney pain and its implications is crucial, especially when symptoms like hematuria (blood in urine) and proteinuria (protein in urine) are present. Your experience of sudden bilateral kidney pain, followed by a diagnosis of kidney inflammation, raises several important points that need to be addressed.

Firstly, the presence of blood and protein in your urine indicates that there may be an underlying issue affecting your kidneys. These symptoms can be associated with various conditions, including infections, inflammation, or even more serious issues like glomerulonephritis or kidney stones. It is understandable that you are concerned about the potential progression to kidney failure, especially given your history of urinary issues since elementary school.

The fact that your kidney pain subsided after starting medication is a positive sign, but it does not eliminate the need for further evaluation. The headaches and dizziness you experienced could be related to the medication, dehydration, or even stress and anxiety about your health. It’s essential to communicate these symptoms to your healthcare provider, as they can help determine if your medication needs adjustment or if further investigation is warranted.

Regarding your concern about kidney inflammation, chronic inflammation can lead to scarring and damage to the kidney tissue over time, which could potentially result in chronic kidney disease (CKD) if not managed properly. It is crucial to monitor your kidney function through regular blood tests (like serum creatinine and estimated glomerular filtration rate) and urine tests to assess for any ongoing issues.

To ensure a comprehensive evaluation of your kidney health, you should consider requesting a renal ultrasound. This imaging test can help visualize the kidneys and detect any abnormalities such as cysts, stones, or structural issues. Additionally, your doctor may recommend further blood tests to assess kidney function and rule out other conditions.

If you feel that your current healthcare provider is not addressing your concerns adequately, it may be beneficial to seek a second opinion. Look for a nephrologist (a kidney specialist) who can provide a more in-depth evaluation and treatment plan tailored to your specific needs. In Tainan, you can search for reputable hospitals or clinics specializing in nephrology, where you can receive thorough care and attention.

In summary, while your kidney pain has subsided, it is vital to continue monitoring your kidney health, especially given your history of urinary issues. Regular follow-ups, appropriate imaging, and blood tests are essential to ensure that any potential problems are identified early. Do not hesitate to advocate for your health and seek out healthcare providers who will take the time to address your concerns comprehensively. Your health is paramount, and understanding your condition is the first step toward effective management and prevention of future complications.

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