[43F] Experiencing lower back and pelvic pain with urinary symptoms

Patient Description

A 43-year-old female presents with a week-long history of lower back and pelvic pain, rated as 8 out of 10 in severity, described as a dull, constant pain. Additionally, she reports experiencing nausea that comes and goes, not worsened by any specific activities but somewhat alleviated by drinking water. Urinary symptoms include cloudy, darker-colored urine with a foul smell and a persistent need to urinate, though it's unclear if there's blood present. She also mentions experiencing chills and fatigue. No recent injuries, changes in bowel or bladder habits, or significant past medical history were reported. The patient does not take any medications and has no family history of kidney stones or urinary tract issues. No substance use was reported.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the symptoms you've described, here are a few possibilities:

  • Urinary Tract Infection (UTI): UTIs are common and can cause lower pelvic pain, frequent urination, and changes in urine such as a strong smell or cloudiness. The fatigue and chills you're experiencing could be related to your body fighting off an infection.

    • Treatment typically involves antibiotics prescribed by a doctor.

  • Kidney Stones: These are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. They can cause severe pain in your back or side, changes in urine, and nausea.

    • Treatment can range from pain management and drinking lots of water to pass the stone, to medical procedures to remove or break up larger stones.

  • Interstitial Cystitis: This is a chronic condition causing bladder pressure, bladder pain and sometimes pelvic pain. The pain ranges from mild discomfort to severe.

    • Treatment typically involves medications to help manage symptoms.

What you can do

You should definitely see a healthcare professional as soon as possible. They can perform tests to determine the exact cause of your symptoms and prescribe appropriate treatment. In the meantime, here are a few things you can do:

  1. Drink plenty of water: This can help flush bacteria out of your urinary system, which can be helpful if you have a UTI.
  2. Avoid caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods: These can irritate your bladder and worsen your symptoms.
  3. Use a heating pad: This might help alleviate some of the pain you're experiencing.

What you should look out for

You should seek immediate medical attention if:

  • Your pain becomes severe or unbearable
  • You start to see blood in your urine
  • You develop a high fever or severe chills
  • You start vomiting or can't keep fluids down

Please remember that while I strive to provide accurate information, I'm not a doctor and this advice should not replace a consultation with a healthcare professional.

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8 mo ago

People Also Ask

What are the common symptoms of a urinary tract infection (UTI)?

Common symptoms of a UTI include a strong, persistent urge to urinate, a burning sensation when urinating, cloudy or strong-smelling urine, pelvic pain, and sometimes fever or chills.

How can kidney stones be diagnosed and treated?

Kidney stones can be diagnosed through imaging tests such as an ultrasound or CT scan. Treatment may include drinking plenty of water to help pass the stone, pain relievers, and in some cases, medical procedures to break up or remove larger stones.

What lifestyle changes can help manage interstitial cystitis?

Lifestyle changes that can help manage interstitial cystitis include avoiding foods and drinks that irritate the bladder, such as caffeine, alcohol, and spicy foods, staying hydrated, and practicing stress-reduction techniques.

When should I seek immediate medical attention for urinary symptoms?

You should seek immediate medical attention if you experience severe or unbearable pain, see blood in your urine, develop a high fever or severe chills, or if you start vomiting and cannot keep fluids down.

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1 Comments

Jasmine#4037

8 mo ago

Sounds a lot like a UTI that might have gone up to your kidney! You should get checked right away and get antibiotics. Sounds similar to symptoms I had a few years ago, although I was more convinced I had blood in my urine because it was pretty red

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