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My 25 year old son is a wounded veteran with a Traumatic Brain Injury, severe PTSD and for more than two years he has undiagnosed left flank pain. He states that it is severe and keeps him up every night. He explains that the pain is constant and radiates in his left flank to left side of his back. The VA has told him that it is the dye from a tattoo that he has on his left side. The VA doctor stated that he read an article on the web that said red dye from a tattoo could cause this. We do not believe this to be true and the pain has really complicated his life, he doe snot interact with the family and feels he cannot work as a result of his condition. Any thoughts?
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice.
Left sided flank pain which radiates to the back can be a symptom of renal stone and needs further investigation. I would advise you to get him checked by a surgeon and also get an USG abdomen done as soon as possible. If the diagnosis is confirmed he may need surgical intervention depending on the size and location of the stone. If the stone is small in size then it may resolve with medical therapy. Meanwhile he can take an over the counter painkiller like Advil to relieve the pain.
Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.
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What Causes Left Sided Flank Pain?
Hello and Welcome to ‘Ask A Doctor’ service. I have reviewed your query and here is my advice. Left sided flank pain which radiates to the back can be a symptom of renal stone and needs further investigation. I would advise you to get him checked by a surgeon and also get an USG abdomen done as soon as possible. If the diagnosis is confirmed he may need surgical intervention depending on the size and location of the stone. If the stone is small in size then it may resolve with medical therapy. Meanwhile he can take an over the counter painkiller like Advil to relieve the pain. Hope I have answered your query. Let me know if I can assist you further.