[29F] Experiencing lower back and abdominal pain with chills

Patient Description

A 29-year-old female presents with a 10-day history of lower back pain, pain in the sides and lower abdomen, rated as 5-6 on a pain scale, with sudden onset and constant presence. The patient has been treated for a UTI with antibiotics and pyridium starting on the 10th day of symptoms, but without relief. Accompanying symptoms include chills, general malaise, fatigue, nausea without vomiting, and discomfort during urination. The patient also reports a small amount of blood in the stool and blood after urination for the past two days, which is atypical as she has a Mirena IUD and does not usually have periods. Her medical history includes a diagnosed connective tissue disorder (autoimmune), SVT, migraines, and high blood pressure, with a diagnosis timeline ranging from 1 to 8 years ago. She is currently taking Adderall, Topiramate, Xanax, Celebrex, Atorvastatin, Low Dose Aspirin, and Emgality, along with over-the-counter Tylenol for the pain. She has allergies to Mucinex, NyQuil, DayQuil, and Chantix.

Show More

Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, there are several possibilities:

  • Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause severe pain in your back, sides, and lower abdomen. Other symptoms can include blood in urine, nausea, and chills.

    • Treatment typically involves pain relievers and drinking lots of water to help pass the stone. In some cases, medical procedures may be needed to remove or break up larger stones.
  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): This is an infection in any part of your urinary system — your kidneys, bladder, ureters, and urethra. While you mentioned you were treated for a UTI, it's possible that the infection has not fully cleared, or has spread to your kidneys (pyelonephritis).

    • Treatment usually involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
  • Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID): This is an infection of the female reproductive organs. It's usually caused by a sexually transmitted bacteria but can also result from other infections, like a UTI. PID can cause pain in your lower abdomen and can lead to serious complications, like infertility, if not treated.

    • Treatment usually involves antibiotics to kill the bacteria causing the infection.
  • Endometriosis: This is a disorder in which tissue similar to the tissue that forms the lining of your uterus grows outside of your uterine cavity. It can cause pain in your lower abdomen, especially during your menstrual cycle.

    • Treatment options include pain relievers, hormone therapy, and in severe cases, surgery.

What you can do

You should seek medical attention as soon as possible. Your symptoms are concerning and require further evaluation by a healthcare professional. They can perform tests to determine the exact cause of your symptoms and prescribe the appropriate treatment.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your pain becomes severe or unbearable
  • You develop a high fever
  • You start vomiting
  • You notice a significant amount of blood in your urine or stool

Remember, while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor. Always consult with a healthcare professional for a formal diagnosis and treatment.

Show More

1
 Hugs
0
 Comments

Save

11 mo ago

People Also Ask


What are the common symptoms of kidney stones?

Common symptoms of kidney stones include severe pain in the back, sides, and lower abdomen, blood in urine, nausea, vomiting, and chills. The pain often comes in waves and can vary in intensity.


How can a urinary tract infection lead to more serious conditions?

A urinary tract infection can lead to more serious conditions if it spreads to the kidneys, causing pyelonephritis, which can result in severe back pain, fever, and chills. If left untreated, it can lead to kidney damage or sepsis.


What are the potential causes of blood in urine and stool?

Blood in urine can be caused by kidney stones, urinary tract infections, or more serious conditions like kidney disease or cancer. Blood in stool can be due to hemorrhoids, gastrointestinal bleeding, or other digestive tract issues. Both symptoms warrant medical evaluation.


How does an autoimmune connective tissue disorder affect overall health?

An autoimmune connective tissue disorder can affect overall health by causing chronic pain, fatigue, and inflammation. It can also lead to complications in various organs and systems, requiring ongoing management and treatment to control symptoms and prevent further damage.


Preview

Post

No comments yet

Be the first one to comment

Share your feedback