I have beem experiencing pain in my right side around and just below my waist. It hurts when I try to sleep on that side, and of course, that s my comfortable side. When I turn certain ways, there can be a sharp pain in that area. I have taken some Tramadol to help me be able to sleep. However, my own doctor will not prescribe them for me. (and... I am NOT an addict of ANY kind. TO anything!) I have had no xrays or ultrasounds done. I did have a urine test and blood test just last week and my white blood cell count was slightly elevated my doctor said. And, he also noted that my count was ONLY 1 point above normal. There was no talk of blood in my urine. I have used Lidocaine patches. which didn t give me any relief, because they kept falling off. I even tried a Chinese herbal patch, but it must have been too strong, and I took it off after 1 hour. My skin is very sensitive. I am a member of PACE and they do not have any of the necessary equipment for xrays or ultrasounds at our facility. However, the hospital that we use for that type of thing is Mercy Hospital in San Diego. I don t know why my regular doctor won t send me there. It s the week-end and I AM in pain, should I just go? What do you think? Should I just go? I HAVE taking some PAIN EXCEDRIN, and that helps, but for only a short time and I m kind of nervous if I might be causing more harm than good. Please help me. Christine Frederick, 72 yr old lady.