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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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What Causes Flank Pain On The Right Side?

I am experiencing mild but persistent right flank pain suggestive of a kidney stone. I have had these several times in the past, but not in many years (currently age 62). Current medications each night, not yet taken, are Flomax x2, ducosate sodium stool softener x3, and atenolol .25 mg. No alcohol or other drugs. I would like to avoid going to an ER, and so far, no pain medication is necessary. If pain gets substantially worse (stone reaches ureter), can I take a Percocet that I have on hand (7.5 with acetaminophen) until I can get checked out by a urologist? If not, I also have Tramadol if that would be more effective. I presume I should not take both. Thanks.
posted on Thu, 16 Mar 2017
Twitter Sun, 30 Apr 2017 Answered on
Twitter Tue, 2 May 2017 Last reviewed on
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General Surgeon,  's  Response
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
Noted the history and understood your concerns.
Since you have got pain in the right flank suggestive of a urinary problems like may be a stone or so that was recurrent in the past, it is expected that you know the diagnosis of the past done by ultrasound or a CT scan, which you have not mentioned about.
if you get more pain, you can certainly take either Percocet or Tramadol but then it is very important to know the exact cause as early as possible and this is possible by the following:
Clinical evaluation and examination by a Doctor, tests of blood and urine and an ultrasonography of the whole abdomen.
It is important to get this asap so that an appropriate treatment can be started sooner.
You may need an antibiotic if there is an urinary tract infection.
Take plenty of oral fluids and water.
You may not get an appointment of a Urologist very soon hence not worth waiting so much to avoid any complications.
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What Causes Flank Pain On The Right Side?

Hi. Thanks for your query. Noted the history and understood your concerns. Since you have got pain in the right flank suggestive of a urinary problems like may be a stone or so that was recurrent in the past, it is expected that you know the diagnosis of the past done by ultrasound or a CT scan, which you have not mentioned about. if you get more pain, you can certainly take either Percocet or Tramadol but then it is very important to know the exact cause as early as possible and this is possible by the following: Clinical evaluation and examination by a Doctor, tests of blood and urine and an ultrasonography of the whole abdomen. It is important to get this asap so that an appropriate treatment can be started sooner. You may need an antibiotic if there is an urinary tract infection. Take plenty of oral fluids and water. You may not get an appointment of a Urologist very soon hence not worth waiting so much to avoid any complications.