Please help a hypochondriac 🫨

[u/cyrilq1]

I have had a uti - supposedly- for a few weeks. Got tested (PCR) threeish weeks ago, PCR came back last Thursday with 3 bacteria and was prescribed Levaquin which I was too afraid to take (if you don't know what it can do, you should look it up). Went to urgent care to retest, given Bactrim as a catch-all while I waited for the culture, which came back contaminated. I am still taking the Bactrim.

Today I started feeling a soreness in my lower left side of my back. It changes when I move, and feels tender when I press on it. Because it changes when I move, Google is saying it is probably muscular.

I already messaged my Dr about this and she has not replied yet, likely because it's evening. I have an appt on Monday.

My UTI symptoms really haven't changed though, they aren't incredibly severe and I also am not nauseous and don't have a fever. The pain in my back isn't enough for me to wince or say ow. It isn't constant, but definitely becomes more noticeable when I move or twist. It just feels bothersome.

From what you guys know/experience, does this sound like a kidney infection to you? Or just some kind of muscle pull?

[u/classicrock40]

Yes/no/maybe. You lead with hypochondriac and that you won't take Levaquin, but instead Bactrim. Dr Google shows they are similar having some common and some serious/rare side effects.

"Levaquin (levofloxacin) can cause common mild reactions as well as rare, serious, and potentially permanent side effects."

"Bactrim (sulfamethoxazole/trimethoprim) commonly causes mild side effects like nausea, vomiting, and skin rashes, but it can also lead to rare, serious complications."

Keep your Dr appointment.

[u/cyrilq1 → u/classicrock40]

Definitely keeping the appt! Just wondering if it's like "go to urgent care again" or "wait it out". Messaged my doctor anyway

I've taken Bactrim multiple times and been fine, so I'm not scared of it (and r/floxies has... a lot to say about the dangers of Levaquin. Saw some terrible stuff on WebMD too.) I'm taking a corticosteroid for asthma and you aren't supposed to take Levaquin while on one.

[u/classicrock40 → u/cyrilq1]

Everyone is different in how they react to meds. I'm post transplant and my main immunosuppressant does it's primary job, but can also raise my potassium. Anyway, I encourage everyone to advocate for themselves and do some research, but don't go done a rabbit hole. It always seems that majority of people post on social media to complain or relay negative experiences.

I'm not suggesting you do anything differently, just saying. Goid Luck to you and I hope it works out.

[u/Ok_Guava6880]

I’m on the same antibiotic and having weird side pain. But also soreness in arms legs and stomach. If it’s severe tho go to the er. Im also very hyper aware of everything and just trying the stay calm. It could just be the meds, I also had no fever or pain . Just peeing non stop

[u/cyrilq1 → u/Ok_Guava6880]

It definitely isn't severe - it's not even enough to make me say "ouch" or wince. It's just oddly sore and kind of gets more sore if I twist my torso or move my leg a certain way while sitting. I hope you feel better too! But yeah if I notice things getting worse (and I am hypervigilant haha) I will definitely go get checked out. Otherwise drs appt on Monday 

[u/Apprehensive-Cook20]

In my experience with my 2 kidney infections, the pain was exactly the same no matter how I twisted. Once I noticed the pain start, it got far worse within 24 hours. I’d say if the pain isn’t getting worse than just make sure you are drinking a lot of water and taking care of your kidney (less salts, no coffee, etc). Once again, this is just from my experience but I hope this gives you some peace of mind :) I hope everything goes okay