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Ablation Procedure,infection,back Pain,back Surgery,laminectomy Disectomy
Question: The last couple of weeks I have noticed that it smells like burning plastic or rubber. It began following an ablation procedure so I thought that is what it may be from. However, I do get UTI's frequently (probably 6 or more times a year requiring antibiotics). Everytime my husband and I have sex; I'm very conscience about urinating afterwards. I have had two "infections" since my ablation surgery & had two more right before. Now I have the WORST back pain! I know it's most likely not my back because I had back surgery 8 yrs ago (L5-S1 laminectomy disecotomy). The pain today is a little higher than that was on my right side & it's severe! Could something be wrong with my kidney/bladder?
Hello,
Thanks for writing to us.
Recurrent urinary infections along with pain on right side of abdomen near spine is indicative of a renal problem- either calculus or hydronephrosis. This can be ruled out after ultrasound examination. Burning plastic like smell is indicative of urinary infection. A routine urine examination will be helpful.
Another possibility is relapse of some spinal problem for which you were operated 8 years ago.
You also need to monitor the current status of your spine by an MRI of spine.
Till then acetaminophen and hot fomentation will help in relieving the pain.
I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. Waiting for your further follow up queries if any.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Thanks for writing to us.
Recurrent urinary infections along with pain on right side of abdomen near spine is indicative of a renal problem- either calculus or hydronephrosis. This can be ruled out after ultrasound examination. Burning plastic like smell is indicative of urinary infection. A routine urine examination will be helpful.
Another possibility is relapse of some spinal problem for which you were operated 8 years ago.
You also need to monitor the current status of your spine by an MRI of spine.
Till then acetaminophen and hot fomentation will help in relieving the pain.
I hope my answer and recommendations are adequate and helpful. Waiting for your further follow up queries if any.
Wishing you good health.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Ashwin Bhandari
Thank you for your response... A few things I did not mention in my earlier email is in the past several weeks.... First:
It seems like I can not completely empty my bladder when I go to the restroom. Meaning; I will go but then 5-10 minutes later feel the need to go again & usually do but I don't expel as much urine. (then sometimes I feel like I need to relieve myself badly & the anticipated amount of relief is not given).
What started all of this was a high white blood cell count of 17,800 with no symptoms. A week later I had a urine test shoeing blood in my urine, hence diagnosis UTI. I was on 2 diiferent antibiotics for almost 3 weeks. Finally, my WBC started to come down to approx. 12,000 but I am frustrated because the initial blood work done revealing the high WBC of 17k Was prior to my experiencing symptoms of a UTI or blood in the urine. Therefore my high WBC was dismissed as if it were a UTI. Hence my frustration....
Can you recommend any other tests to be performed? My normal physician is out of the office this week amd I don't think that the pain in my lower back last long enough to visit an actual ER. Therefore, my Dr.'s nurse suggested that I visit an Urgent Care center affilliated with a local hospital. She says they will have alot of the necessary equipment to perform a number of tests. Again, besides ultra sound, MRI & urine test; Is there other testing you can suggest to determine or rule out certain items based on this additional information? It seems like it all must be connected somehow....
Finally, I truly appreciate your service & the prompt as well as thorough information you provide. I'm never sick & would rather pull my toe nail off than sit in an ER. While trying to remain comedic during the periods minus urinary frustration & back pain.... I don't just want to be dismissed as Another UTI.. I have had them ALot and they don't just go away in a day.
Many Many Thanks for your professional responses.
Much Success, XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX Currier
It seems like I can not completely empty my bladder when I go to the restroom. Meaning; I will go but then 5-10 minutes later feel the need to go again & usually do but I don't expel as much urine. (then sometimes I feel like I need to relieve myself badly & the anticipated amount of relief is not given).
What started all of this was a high white blood cell count of 17,800 with no symptoms. A week later I had a urine test shoeing blood in my urine, hence diagnosis UTI. I was on 2 diiferent antibiotics for almost 3 weeks. Finally, my WBC started to come down to approx. 12,000 but I am frustrated because the initial blood work done revealing the high WBC of 17k Was prior to my experiencing symptoms of a UTI or blood in the urine. Therefore my high WBC was dismissed as if it were a UTI. Hence my frustration....
Can you recommend any other tests to be performed? My normal physician is out of the office this week amd I don't think that the pain in my lower back last long enough to visit an actual ER. Therefore, my Dr.'s nurse suggested that I visit an Urgent Care center affilliated with a local hospital. She says they will have alot of the necessary equipment to perform a number of tests. Again, besides ultra sound, MRI & urine test; Is there other testing you can suggest to determine or rule out certain items based on this additional information? It seems like it all must be connected somehow....
Finally, I truly appreciate your service & the prompt as well as thorough information you provide. I'm never sick & would rather pull my toe nail off than sit in an ER. While trying to remain comedic during the periods minus urinary frustration & back pain.... I don't just want to be dismissed as Another UTI.. I have had them ALot and they don't just go away in a day.
Many Many Thanks for your professional responses.
Much Success, XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX Currier
Thank you for your response... A few things I did not mention in my earlier email is in the past several weeks.... First:
It seems like I can not completely empty my bladder when I go to the restroom. Meaning; I will go but then 5-10 minutes later feel the need to go again & usually do but I don't expel as much urine. (then sometimes I feel like I need to relieve myself badly & the anticipated amount of relief is not given).
What started all of this was a high white blood cell count of 17,800 with no symptoms. A week later I had a urine test shoeing blood in my urine, hence diagnosis UTI. I was on 2 diiferent antibiotics for almost 3 weeks. Finally, my WBC started to come down to approx. 12,000 but I am frustrated because the initial blood work done revealing the high WBC of 17k Was prior to my experiencing symptoms of a UTI or blood in the urine. Therefore my high WBC was dismissed as if it were a UTI. Hence my frustration....
Can you recommend any other tests to be performed? My normal physician is out of the office this week amd I don't think that the pain in my lower back last long enough to visit an actual ER. Therefore, my Dr.'s nurse suggested that I visit an Urgent Care center affilliated with a local hospital. She says they will have alot of the necessary equipment to perform a number of tests. Again, besides ultra sound, MRI & urine test; Is there other testing you can suggest to determine or rule out certain items based on this additional information? It seems like it all must be connected somehow....
Finally, I truly appreciate your service & the prompt as well as thorough information you provide. I'm never sick & would rather pull my toe nail off than sit in an ER. While trying to remain comedic during the periods minus urinary frustration & back pain.... I don't just want to be dismissed as Another UTI.. I have had them ALot and they don't just go away in a day.
Many Many Thanks for your professional responses.
Much Success, XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX Currier
It seems like I can not completely empty my bladder when I go to the restroom. Meaning; I will go but then 5-10 minutes later feel the need to go again & usually do but I don't expel as much urine. (then sometimes I feel like I need to relieve myself badly & the anticipated amount of relief is not given).
What started all of this was a high white blood cell count of 17,800 with no symptoms. A week later I had a urine test shoeing blood in my urine, hence diagnosis UTI. I was on 2 diiferent antibiotics for almost 3 weeks. Finally, my WBC started to come down to approx. 12,000 but I am frustrated because the initial blood work done revealing the high WBC of 17k Was prior to my experiencing symptoms of a UTI or blood in the urine. Therefore my high WBC was dismissed as if it were a UTI. Hence my frustration....
Can you recommend any other tests to be performed? My normal physician is out of the office this week amd I don't think that the pain in my lower back last long enough to visit an actual ER. Therefore, my Dr.'s nurse suggested that I visit an Urgent Care center affilliated with a local hospital. She says they will have alot of the necessary equipment to perform a number of tests. Again, besides ultra sound, MRI & urine test; Is there other testing you can suggest to determine or rule out certain items based on this additional information? It seems like it all must be connected somehow....
Finally, I truly appreciate your service & the prompt as well as thorough information you provide. I'm never sick & would rather pull my toe nail off than sit in an ER. While trying to remain comedic during the periods minus urinary frustration & back pain.... I don't just want to be dismissed as Another UTI.. I have had them ALot and they don't just go away in a day.
Many Many Thanks for your professional responses.
Much Success, XXXXXXX
XXXXXXX Currier
Hello XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing again.
I can understand your concern.
WBC count of more than 0000 indicates possibility of infection present somewhere in your body. Various tests such as blood tests, urine tests, chest X XXXXXXX ultrasonography and so are used to look for the source of infection. These tests are to be substantiated with clinical history and physical signs.
Based on your history, it seems that a urine examination (routine and culture), an ultrasound scan and a blood culture can help in pinpointing the site of infection.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Wishing you a trouble free speedy recovery.
Regards
Thanks for writing again.
I can understand your concern.
WBC count of more than 0000 indicates possibility of infection present somewhere in your body. Various tests such as blood tests, urine tests, chest X XXXXXXX ultrasonography and so are used to look for the source of infection. These tests are to be substantiated with clinical history and physical signs.
Based on your history, it seems that a urine examination (routine and culture), an ultrasound scan and a blood culture can help in pinpointing the site of infection.
Hope my answer is helpful.
Wishing you a trouble free speedy recovery.
Regards
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Prasad
Answered by
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