[anonymous_royal]

A month 1/2 ago,with blood in his urine and back pain my husband went to his PCP. Two days later, he visited the Urologist ~ referred by PCP. Lap work( blood, CT scan) performed confirmed Kidney Stones ranging in size from 5cm,7cm up to 1mm and over in both kidneys. Two weeks later, he under-went additional lab work ~ KUB. A week later, he was scheduled in for a Lithotripsy and to have a stint put in ~ One kidney. Just shy of three weeks later,a follow up KUB confirming larger stones (a bit larger) moved to "passing /near passing position". A week later waiting for Lithotripsy to be scheduled.
OUESTION ?? We are told my husband can not be scheduled in next week (thus making it two weeks) for a Lithotripsy because the hosptial /or doctor ( not clear)has access to the one twice a week. Having only the knowledge of what kind of proceedure a Lithotripsy is not the type of equipment used, is this normal???

[ecfgian]

From what I understand, it is somewhat normal for a doctor to have limited scheduling for lithotripsies. For instance, my doctor only schedules procedures for Friday mornings. Many doctors/hospitals deal with mobile lithotripsy labs which only visit once every few weeks or so.
I have 'silent' kidney stones in both sides - all over 7mm (one is 27mm), and my doctor says that it took longer than a month to make them, they don't need to all get taken out within the next month. I'd like them all out yesterday, but as long as kidney function is ok, everything will be taken care of in due time.
(Oh, and also, mm is smaller than cm, so your husband's stones would be '5mm, 7mm up to 1cm'.)

[anonymous_royal]

Thank you for responding ~ You are correct. The Lithotrispy is a mobil unit/device. While I was at the hosptial this morning I was told the Lithotripsy Unit St.Joseph's Hosptial uses is shared with neighboring hosptial Northside and one other. ** I guess I should have proof read before posting~ I know that! (smile) Again, Thank~you and Good Health!

[cathrine001]

There are likely other ESWL lithotripsies scheduled before your husband's procedure. Two weeks seems like a long time, but it may be normal in terms of the physician's schedule. You can always try to find another doctor, and ask for an emergency referral. The machine is a very expensive piece of equipment, and the surgical center can only schedule so many slots per day. Encourage your hubby to drink LOTS of fluids to facilitate flushing a removal of the stone. I have had three of them, and they left my pancreas damaged and system out of whack - I now have diabetes and high blood pressure from the procedure. New information indicates this risk in lithotripsy, and is available online -- key word: diabetes and high blood pressure with lithotripsy. The information was released in 2006. If you have questions, ask for a consultation.

Your family is in my prayers.

Catherine

[Jor-el]

My hospital only has the machine once a week. So yes it is normal. But they offer the option of going to other locations during the week if you need to get something done now.

[cathrine001]

It's normal, but not good medicine. Unfortunately, you may not get it done anywhere else faster than two weeks, so stay where you are for now. You can get a second opinion to confirm the diagnosis.