Okay, I know this one is weird, but by golly this community seems to be FULL of knowledgeable people, so here goes...

My intake of Protein and Water every day are really good (protein average for past 5 weeks is 76g, water average is about 80 oz). I have no abdominal discomfort or problems in the bathroom, except for the constipation that I am able to manage pretty well. But just lately I've noticed that I have two sore spots, and I mean REALLY sore spots, on my back just above my [considerable] buttocks.

I don't get it. Why would my kidneys be so sore to the touch when I don't have any other symptoms of anything being wrong? Any ideas about this?

THANKS!

could be kidney infection or stones . please have it checked out.

I am thinking the same thing as the other poster....sounds like you might have some kidney stones. I know our gallbladders are more susceptible to stones because of the incredably low calorie intake...I wonder if we are more susceptible to kidney stones because of weight loss, or the high protein diet? Another possibility...have you been taking a lot of Tylenol lately? Either way you should definitely go get it checked out by the doc. good luck!

i have been feeling the same pain. i thought it was just pms and my lower back was hurting but who knows, havent gotten my period since surgery. things are all out of wack!

I dont think its kidney pain because your kidneys are located nust below your ribcage roughly..if you were having kidney pain you would feel as if you were being kicked in the middle left and right side or one side of your back..Pain in your lower back just above your bum sounds more like a lower back pain/siatic pain..muscular pain.

I dont think its kidney pain because your kidneys are located nust below your ribcage roughly..if you were having kidney pain you would feel as if you were being kicked in the middle left and right side or one side of your back..Pain in your lower back just above your bum sounds more like a lower back pain/siatic pain..muscular pain.

Thanks Heather, but my attempt at joking about my rather large arse was an attempt to describe the location that is perhaps the one you describe. Right now, if I take both forefingers and put them on my navel then trace straight around, I get to the painful spots as soon as my fingers pass to the back of my body. This afternoon I can actually press into both areas and feel something solid beneath. I'm not sure it's kidneys, but whatever it is there are two of them, and the pain is in these very specific spots. Oh, and the pain is to the touch, not when I move around. (Odd, I know!)

I don't have medical insurance and therefore don't have a doctor, but this might require me going in for a look-see anyway. It will be Monday before I can check it out, if possible, but I'll let you all know what I find (or if it goes away!).

In response to some of the questions/suggestions:

- I don't take any pain-killers regularly, only multi-Vitamins, Calcium chews, and the occasional natural vegetable laxative

- I do have lower back pain a couple of times a week (my job has me in front of a computer an un-godly amount of hours each day) which is why this caught my attention as it feels so different

- my husband (64) and I (53) have always been quite healthy which is why we've gone the past few years with no insurance, to save [a bundle of] money. Since my surgery we've decided to opt-in with my employer this year in the open enrollment at the end of the year. Hope I make it that far still healthy!!!

Thanks so much to EVERYONE for weighing in on this. At the very least, it keeps me from ignoring the problem which is my most oft-used response!

Maybe I can help. I agree it could be your kidneys. The post op diet we have for the rest of our lives now will be very hard on the kidneys. I have had kidney stones and surgery for them. I've also had kidney infections. The best way to find out if it's your kidneys is to start with a urine test at your Drs office. There they can tell you if there's blood in your urine. That's usually the first indicator medically of kidney stones. The true test would be an ultrasound or a MRI. The kidneys have a very difficult time with a lot of protein. This is why you need to drink water water water water. This is only from my personal experience. Don't take any chances. Make an appointment to see the Dr about this.