Kidney infection

[NMc16]

What does a kidney infection feel like? I’ve got a sharp pain that comes and goes on my left side. Unsure if muscular or kidney related. I got tested for a UTI yesterday and it was negative. If it was my kidneys would the pain be constant?

Your kidneys are located on your right side.

I thought it was on each side? This feels more lower back down towards my hips. I’m 33 weeks pregnant

Apologies lol yes I was meant to say left and right side and come back to you but I got distracted lol

Eh? 🤦🏼‍♀️😂

Kidney infections are usually really, really painful and felt sort of mid back. You can get shooting pain up either flank (ureter inflammation) with a lower UTI that's trying to become an upper UTI though, and lots of lower back pain. Did they send your sample off for proper testing? The dip sticks aren't always the most reliable

I think you need to see your GP asap

😂😂 I know my bad, typo 😂

You would usually experience more than just pain alone like urinary symptoms such as stinging or burning passing urine, inability to empty bladder fully, frequent urination. Fever and generally feeling unwell usually come with it. It feels like a strong ache in your back wrapping around your flank/side and can get quite severe. Usually would show up on a urine dipstick but not impossible for the it to be negative. Call your triage for advice if you think you're unwell😊

And yes you're right, kidneys are on both sides so can be left or right.

I have kidney disease, early stages, my right always has issues, the pain can be very sharp, comes and goes and strengthens. However as your pregnant I'm surprised they didn't do a urine sample.

I have another midwife appointment tomorrow so I will bring it up then. I got tested again last week with a lab test and came back negative. It isn’t overly painful but you just know it’s there

Whenever I've had a kidney infection i've felt the pain in my back - and I normally get a fever too.

Signs of infection should show up in your bloods