I've had two mysterious painful episodes of pyelonephritis to my left kidney - one in September 2002 and the second in February 2003. I've lost about 35% left kidney function and I've been on trimethroprim (100mg) for the last 3 months in order to prevent re-infection. Although I feel a lot better than before, I do still experience dull aches to my left upper back and side. Occassionally, I experience an ache just under my left ribcage - the ache is concentrated just below my heart. Like I said, the pain is not as bad as before, but I'm worried why it is still aching if the antibiotic is doing it's job and there is no infection present. Oddly, the ache does get worse when physically exert myelf. My last scan 8 weeks ago showed upper kidney damage, but no major inflammation. A CRP blood test also came through as showing no substantial organ inflammation. Why do I still ache? Is it because of tissue damage? Is it because my kidney is still deteriorating? What are your suggestions. Also, can anyone recommend a starting point for homeopathic remedies to my kidney ache. Thanks!

Berberris is a good homeopathic remedy that has an affinity for the kidneys, however, if you want to use homeopathic remedies, then I would suggest that you go and see either an ND that practices homeopathy or a fully qualified homeopath.

Asking people to recommend useful remedies for kidney pains is not how homeopathy is meant to be used at all and you will get better relief if you go and see a practitioner who will take your case properly and will then give you a remedy for you as a person or for the totality of your symptoms, rather than just your physical symptoms. Remedies taken on the basis of purely physical symptoms are bound to be short lived because they have been taken on the basis of this rather than on the totality of symptoms, which is how homeopathy is meant to be used.

Good luck

Thanks for that! I will see my doc next week to see if he can recommend one. By the way, is there a difference between a herbalist and a homeopath?

Hi mety, I don't know if this will help, but when you said that you are having pain just under the left rib cage, right below the heart, that is where I have a lot of pain. I have been diagnosed with IBS, irritable bowel syndrome. I went to a gastro doctor and after the tests, this is what I have. There is not an effective treatment for this problem so it stays with me. I hope this helps, good luck.

Tell me, when you have IBS, do you feel too bloated to eat a full meal? Also, does it ache when you bend forwards? These are my symptoms.

Yes, there is a world of difference between a herbalist and a homeopath. A herbalist uses herbal tinctures in crude form, whereas a homeopath does not. Homeopathic doses are diluted, but are still extremely effective.

I hope you are going to see an ND for help rather than an MD? If not, try to see an ND instead.

Hope this helps?

Hi Mety, Yes too both of your questions. I do have so much bloating and pain in the side that I cannot eat a full meal. I do have pain bending forward, and I also have pain under my left ribcage that feels as if my heart is involved, but the doctor tested me and said IBS. The doctor is an gastro doc, and my regular md recommended him. He did testing before making any diagnosis, so I feel confident that he knows what he is doing, not all doctors do, unfortunately I have been to many of the ones that don't know or care. Hope this helps you. Cheryl Ann

Thanks for all your advice folks. I've got an appointment with my doc next week for some recommended practioners. I'll also mention my IBS symptoms. Will keep you informed.