UPDATED! UTI/kidney infection

I know they are common during pregnancy. I think I have a kidney infection. I know that lower, dull aching back pain because after my DD was born, I had a horrific kidney infection that ended up with me being in the hospital for a week and then having surgery to correct a congential defect on my kidney.

Well, that feeling is back. That dull pain on my lower left side back. I have NO other symptoms. No frequent or painful urination, no chills, no fever, no nothing!

Of course it's the weekend now. What should I do? How do they determine if I have one? Should I wait until Tuesday morning when I see my OB for my regular visit? Should I go to a health clinic that is open on weekends? I know if I call my OB, he can't prescribe me anything based on my symptoms. Are there OTC tests (did I read that somewhere?)

Part of me just says to wait it out until Tuesday morning, the other part reminds me of how long it went and how bad it got years ago. I would rather start antibiotics now if that is what it is than wait a few more days, especially since I am pregnant.

Any advice? I've been drinking a ton of water. Now that I just typed that out, I hope it's not my kidney stone acting up (they discovered I had one years ago and said it was too small to do anything with it, so it was just hanging out in there. But I am not in horrific pain, just an annoying pain).

TIA



**updated in post below.

Message edited 10/29/2011 3:54:49 PM.

Re: UTI/kidney infection

Oh wow! I had no idea kidney infections are common during pregnancy. I also had a kidney infection after having DS, 6 weeks pp, and was also in the hospital for a week. I had all the other symptoms EXCEPT the back pain so they ruled out kidney infection till it was too late. I guess everyone is different.
Usually reocurring high fevers are a tell tell sign for me. Sorry I don't have any advice since u have no other symptoms. My dr told me to drink a lot of vitamin water. Good luck!

Re: UTI/kidney infection

crashing...my advice is to go to ER!!
I had a kidney infection when I was around 22 weeks pregnant
I had pain on my side and it hurt when I went to the bathroom (#1 that is)
I thought it was my sciatica acting up, and to my suprise, I was being admitted into the hospital with a kidney infection!! It got worse as the day progressed and by the time I was in the ER, I felt as if something exploded in me...it was one of the most painful things I have ever experienced...I had to be put on antibiotics and pain meds...I was in the hospital for 3 days...a kidney infection is very serious, (and you obviously know, because you had one!) especially in pregnancy, so if you are having this pain and believe something isn't right, you should go to the ER before it gets worse....good luck!!

Message edited 10/28/2011 10:41:48 PM.

Re: UTI/kidney infection

My sister had a kidney infection recently and she went to the ER! I would honestly go to the ER if I were you, and especially if you are experiencing pain with it. I wouldn't wait until MOnday or Tuesday because it could get much worse!

Or at least get to an urgent care place if you are able to!

Re: UTI/kidney infection

Do NOT wait it out. It can get bad, and fast. Go to urgent care (I think you'll wait too long at an ER). Good luck

Re: UTI/kidney infection

ER. I get UTIs frequently and my OB always says when I have them I need to be diligent b/c if it gets bad enough it can cause preterm labor. At the ER they can run a lab within an hour or two and get you started on some antibiotics.

Re: UTI/kidney infection

Thanks ladies! I know they are pretty serious, I was in bad shape with my last one. That's why any inkling of pain gets me wondering.

So, a great night sleep and I wake up and feel fine. No pain. I am so nervous about it, I am going to start imagining it! In any case, DH works Saturday's and I am with the kids all day myself. If for any reason I have the slightest feeling again, I am off to have it checked out. Probably see an urgent care place if I can avoid the ER. It's not a big deal, but my urologist works out of St. Francis and I don't want to trek there if I don't have to.

Thanks!

Re: UTI/kidney infection

Ok, so it's almost 1 pm. Going to the Stat Health clinic! I need to know and be sure! I'll update when I get back!

Update: 4 pm

Went to urgent care clinic. Was in and out. Urine test came back completely negative. So no infection (no white blood cells) and no blood in urine indicating irritation or anything.

So I am going to follow up with my OB and let him know this. And see my OB on Tuesday morning. I feel so much better knowing it's not an infection, yet... I will be keeping on eye on it very closely though.

Message edited 10/29/2011 3:54:19 PM.

Re: UPDATED! UTI/kidney infection

I've been thinking about you! Glad it is not a UTI/Kidney Infection...but...hope you figure out what is going on soon! Keep us posted!

Re: UPDATED! UTI/kidney infection

Re: UPDATED! UTI/kidney infection

Posted by chmlengr

Posted by Melbernai

I've been thinking about you! Glad it is not a UTI/Kidney Infection...but...hope you figure out what is going on soon! Keep us posted!

Still not sure and getting nervous. May call the OB tomorrow and head over to the ER to have a sono of the kidney. I think it's something and I am nervous!

Thanks!

Re: UPDATED! UTI/kidney infection

Glad you are doing well and not kidney infection or uti

Re: UPDATED! UTI/kidney infection

How are you feeling today?

Re: UPDATED! UTI/kidney infection

Re: UPDATED! UTI/kidney infection

Glad it's not an infection but I would call your OB just to be safe. It can't hurt to double check then wait another 2 days - especially if you're feeling stressed about it. I hope you feel better soon!!