Kidney Infection

[shyjane]

I think I have a kidney infection. I started off with pain in my upper back, both sides and pain under my right rib and left middle side. I couldn't get warm and was really shivering yesterday. I have had this in the past so think it is a kidney infection but I haven't really had any type of cystitis, burning sensation or urges to go to the loo constantly. I did notice on Sunday that my water was cloudy and yesterday too.
I have self medicated by taking flucloxacillin which I had been given recently as a fall back after a very minor op, which I didn't use. It says to take them 4 times a day so I had one at 9 last night then when I woke at 1am then about 9 again this morning and about to have another one. I still have some pain in my upper back but it hurts moreso now on the right under my rib. I feel really weak and headachey like too much sleep and have slept on and off today, waking up ringing wet. I have also been taking 500mg of paracetamol and 400mg of ibuprofen. I have drunk lots of water and am wondering now what I can eat. I have had a Snickers bar and a banana as I fancied them and am about to get some cranberry juice. So am I doing the right thing re medication and what should or shouldn't I be eating? I have an 18th birthday low key celebration to go to at a relative's house tomorrow and have to feel better for that.

[woofgang]

You silly girl go to the doctor.

[cupotee]

Exactly, as woofgang says get to the Doctor immediately. Self medication is ok for some things but not these symptoms.

[shyjane]

I know you may think I am silly but I think it is definitely a kidney infection and hate my doctor, I will only be given more antibiotics if I go there and really don't feel like trekking out in the freezing cold. That's why I am just asking for your advice on here, isn't it Squad who is a doctor. Can he please confirm my symptoms and advise accordingly?

[slaney]

See or ring your GP.
Flucloxacillin is not an antibiotic which is likely to be effective for a urinary tract infection which is usually caused by a gram negative organism.

[shyjane]

It says on the instructions that the antibiotics can be used for urinary infections.

[Mamyalynne]

If you are happy to self diagnose and self medicate, am not sure what you are asking.

[bednobs]

flucloxacillin is more commonly used for skin infections rather than kidney infections. You are an idiot. Go to your GP

[slaney]

It (Flucloxacillin) can be used if the organism is sensitive to it, but most urinary tract infections are not sensitive. It is certainly not the antibiotic of choice.
My advice would be to see your GP, so a sample can be taken for confirmation, and he/she can examine you and start you on a more appropriate antibiotic.

[shyjane]

I am just wanting someone to confirm my symptoms please. I will consider going to docs if I don't get better. I feel better than earlier though still some shivering in my back.

[Sqad]

Flucloxacillin "could " be the antibiotic for a urinary tract infection, but by the sounds of your bilateral symptoms, i would not be so sure.

I am not a fan of Cranberry Juice for urinary infections.

Your diet is not important....eat what you fell like eating.

If your symptoms have not subsided by tomorrow morning, then see your GP.

[shyjane]

ok, thanks I will. I just haven't got the energy to get ready and then drive, as it started late last night, thought I would try and help myself first.

[bednobs]

if you want someone to confirm your symptoms, get your GP to do it (ya know, someone who can actually see you) I don't really get how ANYONE can confirm your symptoms - only you are getting them, so only you can confirm them. Does it help for me to say "yes, you DO have right sided back pain" does that confirm it for you?

[shyjane]

By the way Sqad, will the shivering subside, that's the thing that's still ongoing?

[Sqad]

shyjane......it should, if the diagnosis is correct and if it is the correct antibiotic.
Tomorrow morning will bring forth some answers one way or another.

[Prudie]

I have had exactly that since weekend before last - thought I'd pulled a
back muscle lower right side above and below waist, feeling unwell, slightly raised temperature (which could explain your shivering) and got worse daily. No cystitis but needing painkillers all the time. I even had to take a hot water bottle to work to sit against at my desk. I grudgingly went to GP on Thursday who confirmed an infection and put me on Trimethoprim - only telling you this as he made quite a point of picking the right antibiotic. It's taken at least 3 days to subside and is still not painfree.
Don't mess with your kidneys, get to the docs before it's Christmas and you can't.

[foodluva]

Fluclox is unlikely to help you if it is a kidney infection. You will need Trimethoprim or Ciprofloxacin. HOWEVER, in the absence of any urinary symptoms your pain may not be coming from your kidneys. As everyone else says, SEE YOUR GP. If it IS a kidney infection, you will need proper medication or you risk becoming seriously unwell. As a Urology nurse, I've seen people go to ITU because they've not sought the correct help.

[shyjane]

Well, I managed to get to see a doctor Wednesday lunchtime and she thought it was a kidney infection, prescribing me Tremethroprim. As of yesterday afternoon, the shivering has finally subsided but I still feel constantly tired and have a sort of 'thick' head, off balance feeling. I just cannot seem to get a clear head back. The doctor said my head was probably banging because I had a temperature of nearly 39 but now that has gone down, I really do not know what is causing my head to feel this way. It does hurt to put it on the pillow at night and I toss and turn and have fights with my pillows. Any ideas if this head thing is linked?

[foodluva]

Yes it's probably symptomatic of your infection. Drink plenty of water!

[woofgang]

and REST!!

[owdhamer]

GO TO THE DOCTORS