what are the symptoms of stone - #25237
I am trying to figure out if my recent issues are related to kidney stones or something else entirely. A few weeks back, I started feeling this really intense pain in my lower back, right where my kidneys are, and it would sometimes shoot around to my side. I was thinking maybe it was just muscle strain from working out, but then I also started noticing this weird burning sensation when I was peeing, ugh. It’s super uncomfortable. I looked online and wondered, what are the symptoms of stone? Because I know some people mention nausea and vomiting, but I haven’t really felt sick, just sort of off. The other day, I even had blood in my urine, which freaked me out. Like, if this is what are the symptoms of stone, then wow, that sounds serious. When I go to the bathroom, I feel like I’m straining a lot—sorry if that’s too graphic! Shouldn’t the symptoms be clearer? I’m a bit worried because I have a family history of kidney stones, and I really don't want to end up in the ER, especially since the pain comes and goes. Anyway, should I see a doctor right away, or can I wait it out to see if the watterworks settle down? Just really don’t know what to do! What are the symptoms of stone that I should look out for?
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Doctors' responses
Based on the symptoms you’re describing, it’s possible that you could be experiencing signs of a kidney stone, but let’s explore this a bit more. Typically, the symptoms of kidney stones include intense pain in your back or side (often described as a sharp, cramping pain) that can radiate to the lower abdomen and groin. This pain might come in waves and fluctuate in intensity. That burning sensation when urinating you mentioned, along with blood in the urine, can also be indicative of a stone irritating the ureter as it moves through your urinary tract. Nausea and vomiting are common with kidney stones, but not everyone experiences them. Also, if you notice frequent urination or a persistent urge to urinate, these can be associated too. Given your family history and these symptoms, seeing a doctor would be wise to confirm the diagnosis. It’s important not to delay it, especially with visible blood in your urine, as that should be addressed promptly to rule out any other causes. Your doctor will likely perform imaging studies or urinalysis to determine whether stones are present. If it turns out to be kidney stones, management often involves increasing fluid intake to help pass the stones, pain relief, and in some cases, medical procedures may be required if the stone is too large. While waiting to consult with your doctor, try to drink plenty of water to help the stone pass if possible, but avoid any over-the-counter medication without first checking with a healthcare professional. Remember, if you experience severe pain, fever, or difficulty in urination, seek medical attention immediately as these can be signs of complications.
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