What Causes Flank Pain When Suffering From Kidney Stones?

Posted on Mon, 2 Jun 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 2 Jun 2014 Answered on

Sat, 21 Jun 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have a history of kidney stones. I only have one kidney. Gave my mother a kidney a long time ago. I had extreme flank pain two days ago and then all of my entire abdomen was hurting? I had a CTSCAn done at ER. Kidney stone found in upper part of kidney. They stated I couldn't be in pain since it was not obstructing anything. Came home drank lots of water. Passed a particle with a piece of skin and something red on it. Pain was gone from back and abdomen. Continued to pass smaller skin type particles, about 6 in total through the day. Went to urologist now. He said it could have been a kidney stone, and then mentioned it could be a blood clot I passed. What do you think?

Answered by Dr. G.Srinivasan (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
I agree with your doctor.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome to the forum.
I agree with your doctor.
Stones, when present in the kidney or the ureter can abrade the fine (mucosa) lining to cause blood loss. If the bleeding is severe, which is possible in such situations, it may form clots and they were noticed in urine.
The particle passed in urine could be the stone covered with clots or clots alone.
Only a repeat scan done after a while will give the diagnosis.
Hope i am clear.
Sincerely,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. G.Srinivasan (3 hours later)

Can a CT Scan show a kidney stone and/or a clot. Do they look different on a CT Scan. I have no further pain. I passed the clots. I have not passed anymore. Is it really worth having a CT Scan of my abdomen and pelvis?

Answered by Dr. G.Srinivasan (7 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Not worth the risk not doing it-----------------

Detailed Answer:
Welcome back.
CT will show even small stones, but clots only if good sized.
Since it is solitary kidney status, it is not worth waiting for another pain episode to get scan done.
Having said that, if finance is an issue and if the hospital is close by, risk factor may not be big......
Hope i am clear,
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar