Kidneys Or Not

Monday afternoon, I had an appointment for a follow up for my low potassium issues.

Monday was also the anniversary of our miscarriage, so around 9 am, I decided to call and cancel the appointment. I had been feeling a little bit better over all, only minor aches and pains. So, I really didn't feel the need to spend half the day driving and visiting the doctor.

I fell down the stairs after I woke up from a long nap. (Keep this in mind.)

A little after the fall, I went to the bathroom and noticed I had reddish/orange urine. It scared me, so I flushed really quickly.

I knew there wasn't much the doctor could do until the next day, so I waiting until morning. When I called, they said they couldn't see me until Friday.

Well, Tuesday afternoon I decided to lay down and rest because my body was hurting and I was tired. When I woke up, I couldn't lift myself up because of the pain.

So, the physical pain was worse (touching the back, lifting, etc) but going to the bathroom didn't physically hurt and the urine was a little wonky color wise, but not nearly as bad as Monday night.

At the urging of smart people telling me to go to the ER, because if it was kidneys it could be serious, I listened and packed some ribbon and thread and headed to the ER.

Seven hours later, five of which were spent in the waiting room, I finally got back to a room.

And then guess what happened?

My urine was completely fine. Yes--FINE! No blood, no lukes. Perfectly content urine, even if it was a little off-colored.

So, the doctor starts pushing around my lower back/kidney area and realizes that it's muscle pain, not kidney pain. He said kidney pain would have been deeper, and not superficial.

Ah ha! So, we talked a little bit more, and we realize the pain is probably from the fall and he wanted to check my potassium to see what it was like because I am still having some spasms and he said if it's low, that it usually starts in the low back before you feel it in arms/legs etc.

And guess what?

My potassium has dropped again.

So the pain/swelling is from fall/low potassium, not a problem with the kidney. Although, I am apparently not drinking quite enough so he said I need to get better at drinking water more often to help the kidneys dilute the toxins and stuff.

I was given another prescription for muscle relaxers and something for pain. Since I am still on potassium from last week, he said to just wait to see what my doctor wants to do about that on Friday.

I am SO glad it's not kidney related, but the low back pain totally feels like I've been sucker punched in the kidneys!

I guess I am back to sucking back coconut water and bananas. We need to find out why my potassium won't stay up, though. This is crazy.