Kidney Stones

[MacieCodymom03]

I have to go to a Urologist today for a kidney stone which is too big to pass. I just want to know is anyone has has the shock wave treatment or the keyhole surgery. These are my 2 options and I really want to know some information on both. This is my first stone ever. I am a 25 year old female. I had 2 childern with no pain meds but I am in worse pain now than when I was in labor. Thanks in advance.

[JFisher]

Hi,
The type of procedure you end up having really depends on how big the stone is. I've had lithotripsy 15 times in the past 9 years and keyhole surgery on both kidneys. Most urologists don't do keyhole surgery for stones less than 2cm in size. You can google both procedures to get the basics on what to expect. Lithotripsy is done on an out-patient basis, while keyhole surgery may keep you in a hospital bed for a few days. Don't be shy about asking your doctor for pain medication. You will have some discomfort, but the amount of pain is different for everybody. Remember to stay active and drink lots of water. Make sure that your doctor does all the required lab tests to find out what your stones are made of. Don't let the doctor get lazy about your lab results. You need to know what your stones are made of so that the doctor can give you the right medications to help prevent more stones from forming. This is your first stone and I know you're stressing about it, but don't get too worked up over it. Just be proactive about it and make sure your doctor does the same.

I hope everything goes well for you. Keep us posted on your progress.

Jeff

[doodle]

i had the eswl and it was a great procedure. i did have a few problems because my stone was right at the upper portion of the ureter/ lower kidney. when they broke the stone up, it just in the ureter, so it broke up, but got stuck in a big clump. it took another day to pass the majority of it. it was worth it though, and i would do it again, well, probably will.... the most important thing is to strain your urine for as long as it takes to catch a few pcs. that can be analyzed. mine was calcium oxalate, so now i know what to eat less of. i have had stones that have taken 2 weeks to pass out of bladder after the pain of going through the ureter stopped. i was up and about 2 days after my procedure.