2 weeks ago I went in to the doc because I was experiencing typical bladder infection symtoms (burning, slight fever, frequency, urgency). I was on bactrim for 5 days with no results, then on cipro for 7 days.

My urine culture turned up negative (no growth) and my urinalysis is only showing red blood cells (blood).

They also did blood tests that showed normal kidney and liver function.

I'm also retaining some urine in my bladder.

I'm having this aching, annoying pain in my mid-lower back that is increasing and last night moved down to my lower back a bit more...but today is right back at my mid-back. I'm also still experiencing a bit of burning...

Sooooo... my question is - does this sound like a kidney infection.

My urologist ordered a cystoscopy and a cytogram - which I REALLY don't want to go through if a simple ultrasound or CT could show kidney stones...

Does that make sense?

Anyhoo - any thoughts are appreciated as I'm really worried and a bit scared of the tests, especially if I don't need them. I'd like something a little less invasive if possible.

Thanks for reading :)

Does not send like stones. Stone pain USUALLY goes side to side not up and down. Go for the tests.

Not true...I have kidney stones and my pain goes up and down too. It might be kidney stones... I also have a lot of burning btw.

cipro and other fluroquinolone drugs are poisons. my life has been completely ruined by avelox which is in the same family of drug as cipro. the pain you are experiencing is most likely a reaction from cipro. very common. if this is your only problem consider yourself lucky.