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What Causes Lower Left Back Pain?
Question: My wife has been in the hospital for 2 days with lower left flank back pain that wraps around to her abdomen. A CT scan is negative for kidney stones. Urine and Gyno tests are negative for infection. Sonogram shows no abnormalities. The doctors here at Holmes Regional, are far and few between....showing up once a day and running away. My wife is in pain and just being treated for her symptoms...ie..pain killers....which work for a an hour or 2....but are administered every 4 hours...only. They have not administered any antibiotic. She is now showing green in her vomit. I think she should be referred to a Urologist. Unfortunately, we'll have to wait till a doctor shows up at 4pm to make any decisions about referral or testing. My question is, What tests can be run at this point? Could she have a stone that wouldn't show up on the CT scan? Could she have a Urinary tract infection that wouldn't show up? Should she be tested for Diverticulitis? I came across a condition known as "floating kidney"....Nephroptosis (also called floating kidney or renal ptosis) When she changes from sitting to standing, and vice versa, this seems to relieve the pain. Thanks for any input. XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
As detailed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query about your wife.
Noted the history and understood the concerns.
To answer the queries:
What tests can be run at this point?
CT, Ultrasound, urine and Gyno tests are already done.
Tests for blood and mat be an MRI of the spine may help if there is no evidence of urinary tract infection, no stones
Could she have a stone that wouldn't show up on the CT scan?
Usually CT scan shows the stone and the sequel like hydronephrosis, hydroureter and so on indicating some form of obstruction if present, the size, corticomedulary differentiation and so on.
Could she have a Urinary tract infection that wouldn't show up?
Urine Tests will always show infection unless the kidney infection is trapped by obstruction above.
Should she be tested for Diverticulitis
CT scan shows diverticulitis.
Floating kidney too will be seen on CT scan and Ultrasound.
Since the pain is in the lower left flank region and the back that wraps around to the abdomen I would put the following differential diagnosis.
- Since there is associated green vomiting with severe pain, intestinal obstruction is one possibility.
- Nerve root compression at the spinal level causing neuropathy pain should also be considered if all other tests are normal and an MRI of the spine may show the causative factor.
Please give additional information:
Is the pain spasmodic?
Any associated symptoms related top gastrointestinal tract lice bloating, constipation and inability to pass gas?
Any urinary symptoms like frequency, burning,
Any backache or referred pain to the lower limb?
Any other history you would like to share.
Awaiting.
With regards.
As detailed.
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query about your wife.
Noted the history and understood the concerns.
To answer the queries:
What tests can be run at this point?
CT, Ultrasound, urine and Gyno tests are already done.
Tests for blood and mat be an MRI of the spine may help if there is no evidence of urinary tract infection, no stones
Could she have a stone that wouldn't show up on the CT scan?
Usually CT scan shows the stone and the sequel like hydronephrosis, hydroureter and so on indicating some form of obstruction if present, the size, corticomedulary differentiation and so on.
Could she have a Urinary tract infection that wouldn't show up?
Urine Tests will always show infection unless the kidney infection is trapped by obstruction above.
Should she be tested for Diverticulitis
CT scan shows diverticulitis.
Floating kidney too will be seen on CT scan and Ultrasound.
Since the pain is in the lower left flank region and the back that wraps around to the abdomen I would put the following differential diagnosis.
- Since there is associated green vomiting with severe pain, intestinal obstruction is one possibility.
- Nerve root compression at the spinal level causing neuropathy pain should also be considered if all other tests are normal and an MRI of the spine may show the causative factor.
Please give additional information:
Is the pain spasmodic?
Any associated symptoms related top gastrointestinal tract lice bloating, constipation and inability to pass gas?
Any urinary symptoms like frequency, burning,
Any backache or referred pain to the lower limb?
Any other history you would like to share.
Awaiting.
With regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Is the pain spasmodic?
Yes. Sharp pain coming in waves. It is now more in the abdomen than in the lower left back.
Any associated symptoms related top gastrointestinal tract lice bloating, constipation and inability to pass gas?
No. And no hardness felt in abdomen.
Any urinary symptoms like frequency, burning,
No.
Any backache or referred pain to the lower limb?
No. There is a history of osteoporosis
They are now running a CT with contrast. At least something is now happening. I'm sure it has to do with me calling the patient advocate. The Patient advocate is also consulting with the doctor about the green coloration in her vomit and continuing urine testing. thanks
Yes. Sharp pain coming in waves. It is now more in the abdomen than in the lower left back.
Any associated symptoms related top gastrointestinal tract lice bloating, constipation and inability to pass gas?
No. And no hardness felt in abdomen.
Any urinary symptoms like frequency, burning,
No.
Any backache or referred pain to the lower limb?
No. There is a history of osteoporosis
They are now running a CT with contrast. At least something is now happening. I'm sure it has to do with me calling the patient advocate. The Patient advocate is also consulting with the doctor about the green coloration in her vomit and continuing urine testing. thanks
Brief Answer:
Please post the reports.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
Looks to be related to the intestines as discussed above.
can be twisted ovarian cyst or Salpingitis.
I an hopeful that the CT scan with contrast helps to get the probable diagnosis.
Waiting to see the reports.
Please post the reports.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your feedback.
Looks to be related to the intestines as discussed above.
can be twisted ovarian cyst or Salpingitis.
I an hopeful that the CT scan with contrast helps to get the probable diagnosis.
Waiting to see the reports.
Note: Revert back with your health reports to get further guidance on your gastric problems. Click here.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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