Kidney Stones

by **duggy** on Thu Jul 30, 2009 7:09 pm

Hi All,

I had my first stome 12 years ago which I passed naturally within a couple of weeks of seeing blood in my urine.

I now have another one in the same kidney which was diagnosed with ultrasound after I had lots of blood in my urine 5 weeks ago.

Last week I saw the urologist who said "you should drink more water and come back and see us in a year for another scan to check it hasn't grown". I explained I was worried about it being there as I had experienced the extreme pain they cause when the last one left the kidney. He said not to worry as it may just dissolve or lodge in the meat of the kidney and cause no problems.

Is that what he really believes, or does he think it will pass naturally but didn't want to tell me in case the thought of that pain scared me?

Everything I have read lately talks of removal within a few weeks as they can cause long term damage.

I am still experiencing intermittent blood in my urine and cannot sleep on my left side due to the pain from the kidney.

Any advice greatly received as the appointment with the specialist has done nothing to calm my fears.

by **sschaupp** on Sun Aug 02, 2009 10:46 pm

Did they analyze your last stone to see what it was made of? It makes a big difference. I have passed at least 15 stoves over the years, some of which were 7mm. Most painful thing I've ever been thru but I have learned a lot thru the experiences. Drinking lots of water is VERY important and taking calcium citrate is good too. Chances are it is a calcium based stone but be sure and have it analyzed the next time. I'm real surprised they just sent you home. These things can lead to some real problems.

by **Jor-el** on Thu Aug 13, 2009 9:45 am

Why don't you just tell him you want lithotripsy?

by **sschaupp** on Thu Aug 13, 2009 11:48 am

Be sure to find out all the risks of Lith. whick include significantly increasing your risk if Diabetes, which is already almost epidemic in this country. There are significant trade-offs.

by **cathrine001** on Thu Aug 13, 2009 1:47 pm

Go to the emergency room, find out their take on this, and ask for a referral. I am uncomfortable with what your doctor told you, but it may be dependent upon the location of the stone (i.e., the bottom of the kidney. At the very least, you should have it rechecked in a month.

by **sschaupp** on Thu Aug 13, 2009 6:10 pm

I believe the person with the stone is gone. No point in posting to the wind.

by **cathrine001** on Thu Aug 13, 2009 6:22 pm

[quote="sschaupp"]I believe the person with the stone is gone. No point in posting to the wind.[/quote]

In any event, the information can help anyone with the same situation, and they may be back, since they posted recently.

~C

by **sschaupp** on Thu Aug 13, 2009 7:18 pm

True. Thanks, Shannon

by **duggy** on Fri Aug 14, 2009 4:47 pm

I am still here lol the stone hasn't killed me yet!

My doctor has told me to tell the specialist I want something done and if he still refuses or doesn't improve on his advice he will write to him again.

Nobody has told me where in the kidney it is, all I know is it's there and it's size. I suppose ideally I would like to pass it, painful as that might be but as the last one came out quite quickly after the first symptoms I'm not so sure this one will.

Thanks for all the advice so far, will keep you all posted on what happens, painful or otherwise!

by **cathrine001** on Fri Aug 14, 2009 5:12 pm

[quote="duggy"]I am still here lol the stone hasn't killed me yet!

My doctor has told me to tell the specialist I want something done and if he still refuses or doesn't improve on his advice he will write to him again.

Nobody has told me where in the kidney it is, all I know is it's there and it's size. I suppose ideally I would like to pass it, painful as that might be but as the last one came out quite quickly after the first symptoms I'm not so sure this one will.

Thanks for all the advice so far, will keep you all posted on what happens, painful or otherwise![/quote]

At the risk of repeating myself, go to the emergency room, explain your symptoms and tell the ER doctor that your Urologist has deaf ears; if he looks at you dumbfounded, tell the ER doctor the Urologist isn't listening, and you need answers now. Stress that you are in pain and cannot sleep. They should recommend a CT scan; of not, tell them you want a CT, to confirm location of the stone. Try to go to the same hospital where your tests were done, if you had any tests done. Keep in mind that without tests (CT) no one knows for sure what the placement of the stone is, and if you are at risk.

When you get the results of the CT, ask for a copy of the report, then call the urologist and tell them you have test reports, and request an emergency consult. The urology staff at many practices is unmotivated, so be sure to use the right buzz words: pain in the flank, running fever, unable to sleep, and visit to the Emergency room should make them stand up and take notice.

If not, find another urologist -- you can get a referral from the Emergency Room, or call the patient referral service at the hospital.

I wouldn't be unconcerned about this. Pain in the kidney is a sign that something is wrong and you need to see a doctor-- now. I lost enough blood to make me anemic, which is a complication. Stand up for yourself, and make them a little nervous -- they may dislike you, but they will take you seriously about your pain and urgent need to get the situation resolved. Keep in mind that medical negligence is grounds for a lawsuit. If you lose function of your kidney, dialysis is your next option. Hopefully, that won't be the outcome. Read what you can on www.webmd.com

You are in my prayers.

~Catherine