Possible kidney problem

[rylek]

For several weeks now I've had this dull ache on the right lower side of my back and the culprit seems to be the kidney, though I'm not sure and would like to get feedback on what could be the problem and what I might be doing wrong in terms of diet/supplements.

I've been on the low-carb diet since summer and have benefited greatly: more energy, better digestion, boost to immune system etc. Several weeks ago I noticed a dull ache on the right side of my back which I attributed to a sprained muscle (I've moved about three weeks ago which involved carrying heavy stuff). The ache stayed though so I thought it might be the liver, that there might be inflamation, that I'm not taking enough digestive aids or some other issue. I've had liver issues in the past but nothing serious.

Along with the back ache for the past week I've been feeling low on energy. The discomfort comes and goes during the day. Usually is worse in the evenings though I just might not pay as much attention during the day. It's not sharp pain or even very pronounced. I've been thinking it might be inflamation. I have been increasing carbs lately, keeping to around 50g a day probably. There have been nuts (cashews mostly, soaked overnight and roasted) and coconut milk quite regularly but I didn't seem to have a problem with it before. Also re-introduced more veg; sweet potatoes, beetroot, those are the more carby ones. Other symptoms observed is twitching sensation in the area. Today the 'pain' migrated towards the front and side of my stomach, this got me thinking if it might be the start of pancreatitis but as far as I'm aware when that happens it goes fast.

Some of the concerns I have diet-wise. I have been eating quite a bit of lamb. Drinking water with salt during the day, wondering if it might have been too much. I do feel nauseous at times during the day/evenings.

Supplements that I take regularly: calcium ascorbate (recently switched to just vit C from now on), magnesium, vit D, omega 3, multivitamins, milk thistle. Recently started taking potassium citrate and zinc, occasionally NAC and MSM.

Probably I haven't included everything I should have but it should be a start, I'll appreciate any feedback/suggestions.

(Apologies for spelling, writing without spellchecker)

 

[truth seeker]

Hi rylek,

Have you been to a doctor? If not, I think you should definitely do so.

 

[anart]

Get to the doctor. If you've been eating too much protein, it can really tax your kidneys, causing all sorts of problems, which is why high fat is so important (this is not a high protein diet!). Get into a doctor as soon as you can, just in case - you don't want to mess around with kidneys.

 

[LQB]

... Today the 'pain' migrated towards the front and side of my stomach, this got me thinking if it might be the start of pancreatitis but as far as I'm aware when that happens it goes fast.

Some of the concerns I have diet-wise. I have been eating quite a bit of lamb. Drinking water with salt during the day, wondering if it might have been too much. I do feel nauseous at times during the day/evenings.

I had similar symptoms last summer when I was consuming much salt (associated with the diet and a lot of sweating). It was a deep dull ache that was mostly on the left side and migrated around over the pancreas region. Go2 mentioned the same and described it as a "core" pain. He related it to too much salt (possibly). Anyway, I cut back on the salt, and it went away. So the salt consumption may be it.
FWIW

Added: If you've had the pains that long, it seems the advice of TS and anart is wise.

 

[Nienna]

Also, you may want to go see a chiropractor. Since you had been moving, you could have thrown something out in your spine or hips.

I agree, that if you are not eating enough fat, this could cause kidney problems. You may also want to cut back a bit on the carbs. I used to get lower back pains eating certain veggies.


Added: I moved a few months ago, also. I didn't think I had pulled anything out of place, but my back was in very bad pain and, eventually, the pain moved around to the groin area, too. Went to the chiropractor, told him my problem and he knew from the description exactly what was wrong.

Also, having something in your back thrown out causes quite a bit of fatigue.

 

[mada85]

A couple of years ago when I was taking a protein shake every morning, I consumed too much protein and had aching kidneys. Also, my urine was dark brown no matter how much water I drank. What I found really helpful was a Chinese remedy called Six flavour tea pills. Here in the UK I was able to buy them from a local Chinese clinic under the name Radix RP. The ache disappeared and normal function was restored quite quickly – 2 or 3 weeks if I remember correctly.

I agree with others that you should get yourself checked out by a doctor.

 

[Z...]

I agree with Nienna, it is very hard to distinguish if your pain comes from the kidney or your back needs re aligning by chiropractor. The blood test is the best way to start checking what is going on with your organs.

 

[samii]

I also had pain like this last year. I went to a kidney specialist, did sonar check and found nothing , told me to check a back specialist. Went to another hospital, did xray, again found nothing . Did some research on my own and stumbled upon this Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome, took some adrenal health pills and the pain is gone but still feel discomfort sometimes.

Now I'm having these stings near my heart area, and sometimes wake up in the night breathless. Also my body shivered in bed. I'm reluctant to go to the hospital again

 

[David]

The older generation would say ‘to much salt is bad for you’, though also ‘to much of anything is bad’… The C’s something along the lines of: ‘balance, the great equaliser…’ though a little out of context but sure seems to apply on all levels.

Would it be a good idea, for somebody qualified in dietary matters to draw up a simple protocol for establishing a dietary protocol, maybe involving a doctor in taking some tests to ascertain the levels of mineral and protein, thus not overdoing it on mineral intake or other supplements that may not be required and maybe see a doctor even if one is feeling healthy just to keep tabs on the body, blood tests (cell counts), something like that.

(Though it may not be possible to see a doctor, due to isolated areas or cost)

Comments and warnings about Diets and Supplementation found here

http://cassiopaea.org/forum/index.php/topic,12266.msg87864.html#msg87864

“what might be good for the gander might not be good for the goose”

 

[mada85]

I also had pain like this last year. I went to a kidney specialist, did sonar check and found nothing , told me to check a back specialist. Went to another hospital, did xray, again found nothing . Did some research on my own and stumbled upon this Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome, took some adrenal health pills and the pain is gone but still feel discomfort sometimes.

Now I'm having these stings near my heart area, and sometimes wake up in the night breathless. Also my body shivered in bed. I'm reluctant to go to the hospital again

Samy, at the risk of diverting this thread slightly – I would really recommend that you get yourself checked out. Those symptoms you have don't sound good. Western doctors have access to the latest diagnostic technologies. Once you've got a result you can then decide how you want to treat the cause.

Also, how's your diet? Food allergies and sensitivities can trigger all sorts of weird and seemingly unrelated symptoms. Changing to a paleo diet has given many of us here really excellent results, but if you consider changing your diet you should read the forum thread Life Without Bread to find out more. You really need to know what you're doing when you change diets, and in that thread forum members have discussed their experiences extensively. You'll also find out about the recommended books about the paleo diet.

 

[RedFox]

I also had pain like this last year. I went to a kidney specialist, did sonar check and found nothing , told me to check a back specialist. Went to another hospital, did xray, again found nothing . Did some research on my own and stumbled upon this Adrenal Fatigue Syndrome, took some adrenal health pills and the pain is gone but still feel discomfort sometimes.

Now I'm having these stings near my heart area, and sometimes wake up in the night breathless. Also my body shivered in bed. I'm reluctant to go to the hospital again

Samy, at the risk of diverting this thread slightly – I would really recommend that you get yourself checked out. Those symptoms you have don't sound good. Western doctors have access to the latest diagnostic technologies. Once you've got a result you can then decide how you want to treat the cause.

I second going to the doctors. At least they could rule out most serious problems, whilst you search for possible causes/solutions yourself.

 

[rylek]

Hi rylek,

Have you been to a doctor? If not, I think you should definitely do so.

I'm going to see a doctor tomorrow and see what they say. I've been feeling a bit worse today, feels like inflamation on the right side of my body is spreading so yes definitely going to the doctor tomorrow. This is typical me leaving things until the last momen, partly due to high threshold for pain.

 

[rylek]

Get to the doctor. If you've been eating too much protein, it can really tax your kidneys, causing all sorts of problems, which is why high fat is so important (this is not a high protein diet!). Get into a doctor as soon as you can, just in case - you don't want to mess around with kidneys.

I should be getting enough fat during the day though the protein might be a possible issue. For breakfast it's usually meat patties, egg and lots of butter. The reference to lamb was having similar food for lunch as in left overs from the prevoius day. For dinner it's usually slowcooked meat - beef, lamp, pork - with plenty of fat.

In general I have a sensitive system so if I'm doing something wrong I'll know rather quickly. But definitely you're right Anart there's no messing around with kidneys.

 

[rylek]

Also, you may want to go see a chiropractor. Since you had been moving, you could have thrown something out in your spine or hips.

That's a good suggestion. I had seen a chiropractor in January when visiting my parents over the holidays. This has been an ongoing thing for years because of my crooked-back issues together with a dodgy right hip. I was thinking along the same lines as it was couple of weeks after the treatment when the move took place. Things might have shifted and only now the symtptoms are becoming more obvious.

I agree, that if you are not eating enough fat, this could cause kidney problems. You may also want to cut back a bit on the carbs. I used to get lower back pains eating certain veggies.

I'll definitely be cutting back on the carbs and going back to the basics, and again depends what the doctor says as well.

Added: I moved a few months ago, also. I didn't think I had pulled anything out of place, but my back was in very bad pain and, eventually, the pain moved around to the groin area, too. Went to the chiropractor, told him my problem and he knew from the description exactly what was wrong.

Also, having something in your back thrown out causes quite a bit of fatigue.

Might be good idea for me to go back for a check-up.

edit: clarification

 

[rylek]

Now I'm having these stings near my heart area, and sometimes wake up in the night breathless. Also my body shivered in bed. I'm reluctant to go to the hospital again

This does not sound good. I've had issues with cold feet as I haven't been taking care to keep warm (living in a cold house). During the visit to the chiropractor she commented that this has to do with the kidneys being weakened.