Question: I am having mid-lower left back pain (kidney-bladder area). I have been urinating frequently through the night. I have been having mid-lower belly pain as well. Have been dealing with one month+ of loose stools. Had diverticulitis back in 2008, that followed food poisoning a month earlier. Diverticulosis in the past two years- took Flagyl. Around that time Dr. said I had interstitial cystitis and took a 7 day course of Bactrim. I don't have now, the lower left quadrant pain that I had with diverticulosis, but more lower mid-belly pain. If I stand for a long time, it will hurt. I did have a complete hysterectomy and bladder suspension in 1987. I don't know if I may have prolapse of the bladder or not - it was done abdominally. This past week I had blood tests and urine test/culture. The urine tests (done in Drs. office) was negative for both tests. My blood tests done this week at hospital lab, showed mild anemia (Hgb/ll.5 and Hct/35.7) and elevated monocytes - AutoLymphs - 13.5, AbsLymphs - 0.8 AutoMono High- ll.16.
Dr. is ordering more tests based on the elevated monocytes. Norms for thyroid and liver. I have not had alcohol and in many weeks (not a drinker anyway) and no coffee for weeks (1-2 c/day if I drink)
I have lost about 18 lbs in the last 6 wks. due mainly to not wanting to eat foods that will trigger gut pain and loose stools..especially at beginning of day. My occult blood stool samples showed no blood in stools...even though I do show some tinges of blood in beginning of elimination.
This seems like an epistle. I don't know after my MD visit this past Wed. that I should have had
an ultra sound and maybe tests done for parasites and Hphylori. Not trying to be a Dr., but
I have worked with many Drs. (Barnes-Jewish) in the past so that helps me be more aware. I would love to have your input, as I am ready to go the the Urgent Care here in XXXXXXX MO. and would like your input before I do...not real happy about that but my Dr. is out of town and it's the weekend.
I am 76 yrs. old and a very energetic woman. So these issues are definiately not helping my energy level or having a healthy mindset...I just want some answers and to feel good again. I seldom take medications unless really necessary and do believe in integrated medicine. Thank you for your expertise, whomever may give the advise. MJ Green

1. What is Omeprazole treating. Is this an antibiotic and need a prescription?

2. I take a good Probiotic 2x/day AM-PM.

3. The lemon-barley water. What is the purpose? Is this to improve alkalinity? Do you use fresh lemons squeezed and fresh barley...what is preparation for this?

4. What indicators makes you say it might be a Kidney Stone? Never thought about that. I went to an Urgent Care clinic yesterday and PA said my leukocytes were elevated indicating a UTI. Prescribed Macrobid 2x/day - 7 day. She also is doing a culture - (Petri dish)...to see if this is the right antibiotic. No sides effects so far.

5. Do you feel that the intestinal inflammation contributes to bladder/kidney problems?

6. I have been following the protocol in a book, DIVERTICULITIS
by XXXXXXX Hohlweg, (he does not claim to be an MD). It deals with food combining and enzymes that help proper digestion. It is on XXXXXXX This has helped me immensely with clearing up the lower gut pain. I still have loose bowels.

7. You have suggested soft diet etc., but what is your suggestion for getting my
loose motions back to normal movements?

8. My MD here said it may be an infection or virus. I know that takes time to clear up. Do you think that it could be a viral inflammation?

9. I also drink a blended Coconut Milk (I do no dairy) with Dr. XXXXXXX Axes Bone Broth Powder. This has helped intestinal pain and has many attributes. -have worked with Naturopath Phd, at Health Food Store.

10. I have been doing a soft diet - liquids - organic applesauce- broth soups,
and when I have felt better, I followed food combining (i.e., no meat & bread together) and have been able to eat some solid foods in last 4 days and been ok. Drink Rachaels Tea (listed in Book), also been good.

11. I know these are more questions...but when you have felt bad for several weeks I am pursuing all avenues. If we as patients are not proactive, you cannot get better and stay that way, and you know as an Internist, taking a pill is not always the answer, and you have approached it with some outside the box answers. So I thank you for all of your input and will see what further information you have from questions I asked.
Thank you.