What Can Be Mistaken for Kidney Stones?

Complications and ‘No Win, No Fee’ Claims

Kidney stones are painful and made worse if misdiagnosed, but what can be mistaken for kidney stones? These may be tiny stones but are often described as causing excruciating pain. Unfortunately, the symptoms for kidney stones are similar to various other conditions.

Sharp back or side pain, intense nausea and a constant urge to urinate are all classic symptoms which could be mistaken for something else. If you have experienced a misdiagnosis or delayed diagnosis for kidney stones, you may want to consider filing a medical negligence claim for compensation.

Jefferies Claims can help, and we work with lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis, so there’s no financial risk to you.

Conditions Mistaken for Kidney Stones?

If kidney stones are misdiagnosed, it can lead to health complications, incorrect treatment and unnecessary tests.

Here are some common conditions that may be mistaken for kidney stones:

Urinary Tract Infections (UTIs)

A UTI can cause similar discomfort, including burning during urination and lower abdominal pain. Severe infections may well mimic the agony of kidney stones.

Appendicitis

If the stone is in the right kidney, the pain might be mistaken for appendicitis. For both conditions, the pain can start suddenly and worsen rapidly.

Gallstones

This is also a stone-related condition, but which presents in the gallbladder. Gallstones cause upper abdominal pain that can radiate to the back, much like kidney stones.

Diverticulitis

This condition is where small pouches in the colon become inflamed. This can cause extreme abdominal pain and so can be misdiagnosed as kidney stones.

Ovarian Cysts

For women, an ovarian cyst can cause sharp pelvic pain. This may mimic kidney stone discomfort, especially if the cyst ruptures.

Herniated Disc

A slipped or herniated disc in the spine can create nerve pain that travels to the lower back and sides. Again, this is similar to kidney stone pain.

Musculoskeletal Pain

Strained muscles or inflammation near the kidneys can feel like stone-related pain but won’t have urinary symptoms like blood in the urine.

Complications of a Misdiagnosis

If kidney stones are missed, it may result in infection or even long term kidney damage. Here are some complications which could potentially occur:

• Kidney infections – A blockage caused by a stone can trap bacteria in the urinary tract. This can cause an infection that may spread to the bloodstream, resulting in sepsis.
• Kidney damage – Long-term obstruction from an untreated kidney stone can lead to scarring and possibly permanent kidney function loss.
• Unnecessary surgery or procedures – If a patient is misdiagnosed with a condition other than kidney stones, they may undergo painful procedures or even surgery when they don’t need it.
• Delayed treatment for the real issue – On the flip side, if a serious condition like appendicitis or an ectopic pregnancy is mistaken for kidney stones, it can become life-threatening if left untreated.

 Making a Clinical Negligence Claim

If you or a loved one has suffered from kidney stones which was mistaken for another health issue, you may be eligible to start a medical negligence claim. To make a successful claim, you will need to prove that the medical professional failed to meet the standard of care expected. Additionally, you will have to show that this failure directly led to the harm you have suffered.

For example, if a doctor dismissed your kidney stone symptoms as a UTI and sent you home with antibiotics. As a result, you ended up in hospital with a kidney infection. This could be grounds for a claim.

You typically have three years from date of the misdiagnosis, or from when you became aware of it, to make a claim. For children, this three-year period starts when they turn 18.

You will need to gather all medical records, such as hospital test results, prescriptions and referrals. A lawyer who has expertise in medical negligence claims will be able to assess your situation and advise you on what is needed to proceed with a claim for compensation.

Jefferies Claims can guide you through a potential claim. We work with highly experienced lawyers who operate on a ‘No Win, No Fee’ basis.  Call us today at 0333 358 3034 or visit Jefferies Claims Contact Page to discuss your potential claim.