I had a period of a few years there where I was having very frequent UTIs. During that time, I developed the only kidney stone I've ever had that actually put me in the hospital. I've had some since, but they passed on their own without unbearable pain.

During this time, I tried Cipro, but didn't react well to it. Actually, I find I can't take *any* of the antibiotics that begin with the letter C. The urologist put me on a daily maintenance dose of Macrobid, which I stayed on for about a year. Haven't really had any UTI issues since then. If you are concerned about Cipro, there's no harm in talking to your doc about it to see if there is a specific reason s/he chose that drug.

Wishing you the very best on your CT tomorrow. Kidney stones and kidney infections are hella painful and I am so sorry for what you're going through, but don't hesitate to let your care providers know what you're feeling. This is a type of pain that can usually be very effectively managed.

Let us know how it goes? I'm keeping you in my thoughts...

Thank you! I did ask and the main reason was that I responded well to the Cipro before, and that it does a good job against kidney infections. She seemed pretty convinced by the amount of pain I am in that I at least have a kidney infection. And I'm really hoping that's it. I have a very high pain tolerance, so hopefully if I do have a stone/stones I'll be able to pass them with out the help of anything more than Vicodin.
I guess I'm just feeling defeated. It's one thing after another with this damn condition (IIH) and now even people who are usually really supportive are saying things like " goodness, enough already!" like I have control over it.

How long on average does the pain from a kidney infection last?

Thanks again! It's so nice to know I'm not alone.

Beth

How a kidney stone or kidney infection will affect an individual is only marginally predictable. If a stone is detected on X-ray or your CT scan, your doc will want to scope you to get a literal view of what's happening. This is uncomfortable but not painful, and it won't last long at all. Kind of along the lines of a pelvic. Wouldn't be your first choice for entertainment, but it is over quickly enough and not memorable long term.

Kidney stones can be formed a few different ways. They are crystalline and often quite jagged. The form in the kidney and eventually detach. Small ones are flushed naturally (often so painlessly that, if it weren't for the sediment-looking matter in the urine, one may not realize a stone was ever present). Larger ones may or may not cause any pain, but they can cause blockage which leads to toxicity.

How much pain you experience and how quickly it subsides depends on the size and composition of the stone, among other factors. When I passed the one that put me in the hospital, I was shocked that it had happened because I hadn't felt any pain at all. It has been the accompanying kidney infection that had made me so sick. Not to say stones aren't painful and others don't have a very difficult time passing them. Just offering you some hope that developing a stone doesn't necessarily mean you will be in agony until you pass it.

There are also ways for a urologist to break the stone up so it can pass without requiring emergency care. Here is a really good article on kidney stones that I hope will give you more detail and provide you some comfort and reassurance: http://tinyurl.com/3w77mc3.

Infections are faster and easier to treat. If you're on the right medication/s, you should feel relief within 24 hours, with full resolution within a week or so. Again, this is all based on what is common. YMMV.

Take your meds as close to the same time every day as possible and get PLENTY of extra water while you're taking them. Don't worry about the CT -- it will not hurt. Infection can be cleared up pretty quickly. A stone is harder to predict, but you have a chance of not feeling any pain at all when it passes. In the meantime, keep venting your fears and frustration. It's a very healthy way to get through it!

Baby girl, I don't know who is treating you like you should just, "get over it already," but they should count their lucky stars that they don't HAVE to know what it is like to be in your shoes. A lack of compassion and patience is ignorance talking. They can't possibly know or understand, so they're trying to wish it away. Ignore it away. Shame it away. This is not about you and not a reflection on you in any way.

You've got this, my sister! I am with you in thought and prayer.

Thank you! Thank you! Thank you!
I'm just thanking my stars that I have a high pain tolerance since the Vicodin isn't helping the pain, but it is helping me sleep.
I really appreciate your time in answering my vague questions, and for your support.
IIH is one thing after another, but it's so nice to know that we're not alone in all this.
On the plus side, my kidney pain has helped me not think about my head pain LOL!

Have a great day, I will update after I get my CT results.

Thanks again!