Possible kidney pain after using certain drugs?

[Zeeman]

I noticed over a year ago that after using certain drugs, particularly MDMA and other serotonin releasing substances like 6-APB, I'd get fairly severe low back pain when coming down, and it would disappear by the next morning. I do experience intermittent mechanical low back pain though, and back pain is such a common problem, so I never thought anything of the MDMA / back pain connection until finding out recently that kidney pain is often experienced as back pain! I know it's impossible for anyone on here to give a reliable medical diagnosis, but has anyone experienced similar problems?

I roll fairly infrequently, about once every 3 months or so. And I'm in overall good health; my last medical check-up was 4 months ago and everything looked good, including kidney and liver function. Am I being a hypochondriac, or does anyone suggest I give up MDMA completely?

 

[flyhighk]

Did you get blood and urine tests when you got checked-up 4 months ago ? If not, I advise you to get these tests done. (You don't have to mention your MDMA use to your doctor, just complain of kidney pain)

 

[PriestTheyCalledHim]

If you're worried see a doctor and get medical tests done. Be honest about which drugs you have used, and you won't get in trouble for doing this.

 

[Zeeman]

4 months ago I had blood tests done, which showed good kidney function. And I had a urine test (not specifically for kidney function though, to screen for STI's), so I guess that doesn't count. Do you know what the doctor will specifically test for in the blood and urine tests for kidney function?

The back pain I normally have is definitely mechanical - it started from a gym injury about 2 years ago, and was mostly relieved through physiotherapy - just comes back intermittently now. At this point, there's not much to suggest I even have kidney pain other than my back sometimes flaring up when I use MDMA like substances.

I can't admit to the doctor I've used drugs given that I'm in the military and will have to see a military doctor. Maybe most folks won't get into trouble for that conversation, I most definitely will.

 

[flyhighk]

A urine test will generally look for bacteria, blood, pus, mucus, protein, sugar, etc. Any abnormal amount of any of these is generally due to a kidney problem. Creatinine clearance is also a good indicator of kidney function.

This should help you determine if you really have kidney pain :

A solid, anatomical understanding of each kidney’s location will contribute to accurate differentiation. The superior border of the kidney reaches the level of the 12th thoracic vertebrae. The inferior border lies just above the horizontal plane of the umbilicus, typically level with the 3rd lumbar vertebrae. The inferior border is one finger breadth superior to the iliac crest. The center of the kidney, where the ureter is attached, is level with the intervertebral disc between the first and second lumbar vertebrae. Therefore, pain originating in the kidney is typically felt in the upper lumbar region and can radiate to the upper right or left quadrant of the abdomen.

Full article here : http://www.integrativehealthcare.org/mt/archives/2006/02/differentiating.html

 

[Zeeman]

Hm, this suggests that kidney pain is a bit higher up on the back than my back pain, which is usually centered on the lowest lumbar vertebrae.

I think I'll just temporarily quit doing drugs, and make sure to get a full kidney function test (blood and urine) at my next physical exam.

Thanks for the article.