Think I may have a kidney stone - GP doesn't seem bothered?

[hellohello933]

I have had pain roughly where I expect my left kidney is for 6 months, along with nausea and sometimes vomiting. Sometimes the pain is a strong gnawing pain that makes me vomit, other times it's a dull annoying pain with nausea. Usually the pain lasts 1-2 days. I thought it was hormonal as it seemed to be related to my cycle, which is why I didn't go to the GP for so long.

I recently had the same pain but it lasted longer and I had a temperature and muscle aches, so I got an urgent GP appointment. They did a urine dipstick test and said I had signs of an infection and blood in my urine so they gave me antibiotics. It's now been a week since I've finished my antibiotics and the pain and nausea is back.

I went back to the GP and was seen by a paramedic. They said they don't know why I've come in as I wasn't presenting with severe pain that day. I've mentioned how I've had this for 6 months and how severe it can be, but they just sent me away and said come back when the pain is severe again? I've not had a blood test to assess kidney function, a proper urine analysis or even my blood pressure taken. Just a urine dipstick test 2 weeks ago. Is this normal? I don't know if I need different antibiotic or a longer course of antibiotics or if I have a kidney stone or something else. I've had to take a lot of time off work because of the pain and sickness

I would guess that the paramedic is only really able to deal with issues that are urgent at the time you present. As this is a longer-standing issue then I would book a normal appointment with your GP who can do other tests and refer you if necessary.

That makes sense - thank you. I explained everything on the phone so I'm not sure why I was given an appointment with the paramedic, I didn't even realise it was with a paramedic until I was in the appointment room with them. I've been waiting to be given a routine appointment with my GP for 4 weeks now, hopefully it will be soon!

TBF your title is somewhat misleading it was the paramedic NOT the GP who you saw. Ideally everyone would just see the GP first time for an issue such as this which could be a number of things. Agree you should make another appointment but ask to see a GP this time.

Sounds like the paramedic could have communicated this better rather than just saying to come back when the pain is severe. Having said that, I would ask for another urgent appointment if the pain does become severe before you get a GP appointment. And I would chase to ask what's happening with that and how much longer you'll need to wait.

I work at a GP surgery, we always get possible infections in the same day with a gp, especially if you have had one lot of antibiotics already. You really need an urgent on the day app with a gp. I would call them back.