Home » Healthy Living » Medicine & Health Science » Diseases, Disorders and Conditions

What do you think?

From the lens OH NO! A KIDNEY STONE!.

Please note! I am not a medical professional and no doctor monitors this lens. I try to help from my experience as a patient. I enjoy helping, so keep the questions coming.

submit
  • Reply
    evalution Feb 17, 2012 @ 12:56 pm | delete
    Sounds like you might have another stone or maybe gravel if they could not find any infection. I've also endured the in-office catheter and you are right, it hurts like hell! Hope your pain goes away soon - try a heating pad to ease the pain.
  • Reply
    StoneyJen Feb 16, 2012 @ 6:21 pm | delete
    It's been a couple weeks since I last posted an update on my stone. I finally after a couple long painful weeks passed my stone. Turned it in to be analyzed. It came back calcium oxalate. I did a 48 hr urine collection and sent it off this last week as well. I still haven't felt "right" since I passed this last stone. I took my temp and it was 101. Ive ran fever off and on since passing it and have still had blood in my urine so naturally I figured I must have some sort of an infection in my kidney or elsewhere since passing the stone. I went back to the Urologist and after a quick urine sample he said no infection was present but he did see some blood in the urine (2 weeks after passing the stone) I told him that I have had some dull off and on again pain in my back flank area still. Till this point I had figured it was just post stone pain and healing. He decided to do an In and Out catheter test there in office to get a urine sample straight from the bladder so it would be in no way contaminated. After having that done yesterday now I'm left with what i believe is a allergic reaction to the latex gloves :( just wonderful another problem to add to my now month long nightmare!!!!
    Ive always felt lucky to never had to be catheterized before till now. It did indeed hurt like hell. My urologist said that he felt like I might have another stone possibly so off I went today to have my second CT Scan. Now just waiting on results. Have you had problems with blood still being present a couple weeks after passing a stone?
  • Reply
    Katy Feb 15, 2012 @ 10:30 pm | delete
    Hi my name is Katy,
    Your site is amazing! Went to the ER about a month ago and they found kidney stones in both kidneys. I did see a UR and decided not to have the surgeries, because I thought passing them would be an easier recovery (maybe???) Anyway now it feels like someone beat me in the back with a baseball bat, the pain started last night, uncomfortable to sit, I did get sick this morning, but I do urinate a lot (because I drink a lot dr's orders :) ) that part isn't painful. Do i need to check in with my DR? I don't have a fever. Just in pain. I have also had abdominal pain since last September (2011), that also has flared up since yesterday. The UR suggested that I see a physical therapist. which I did and as I was doing my exercises yesterday I started having this pain. I left a message with my PT office and no-one has returned my call. So I don't know what to do. Any suggestions would be great! Thank you!
  • Reply
    Katy Feb 15, 2012 @ 10:30 pm | delete
    Hi my name is Katy,
    Your site is amazing! Went to the ER about a month ago and they found kidney stones in both kidneys. I did see a UR and decided not to have the surgeries, because I thought passing them would be an easier recovery (maybe???) Anyway now it feels like someone beat me in the back with a baseball bat, the pain started last night, uncomfortable to sit, I did get sick this morning, but I do urinate a lot (because I drink a lot dr's orders :) ) that part isn't painful. Do i need to check in with my DR? I don't have a fever. Just in pain. I have also had abdominal pain since last September (2011), that also has flared up since yesterday. The UR suggested that I see a physical therapist. which I did and as I was doing my exercises yesterday I started having this pain. I left a message with my PT office and no-one has returned my call. So I don't know what to do. Any suggestions would be great! Thank you!
  • Reply
    Kelly Feb 14, 2012 @ 12:20 pm | delete
    OK, so this pain down below started Sunday evening. It almost felt like something was gonna fall out of me. It is now Tues. morning, and it still hurts. The pain gets worse when I drink my water or eat, like extreme pressure. When gas is passing through my innerds, I literally stop breathing. I do pee alot normally, it does not hurt when i go, but after, the pressure doesn't get any better. If I already passed it, if thats what it is, would I still be in this pain... or does it take some time to pass?
  • Reply
    ngio64 Feb 14, 2012 @ 12:44 pm | delete
    A kidney stone can take a long time to pass. It is always good to get it checked with a Dr. to have them diagnose what is wrong. If it is a kidney stone, they will check to make sure it is not blocking your kidney.
  • Reply
    Kelly Feb 14, 2012 @ 12:56 pm | delete
    Also, another thing that is happening, is my belly is so so so bloated. I am very close to calling the Dr. I just thought maybe today I would be feeling better. Hubby thinks I pulled a muscle, but all I was doing when it started Sun. was puting my plate in the sink...lol So, I know I didn't bend or move stupid. And right at that moment when it happened, I had to go REALLY bad, and then it just got worse from that moment on after I went pee. And now it is just a constant pretty much. Thanks for getting back to my comment so quickly and sorry I hit the button twice. Also, I pray that you get some comfort...I feel silly complaining about my 1 time thing here whie you are suffering for so long now. I really hope it goes way for you :)
  • Reply
    Kelly Feb 14, 2012 @ 12:20 pm | delete
    OK, so this pain down below started Sunday evening. It almost felt like something was gonna fall out of me. It is now Tues. morning, and it still hurts. The pain gets worse when I drink my water or eat, like extreme pressure. When gas is passing through my innerds, I literally stop breathing. I do pee alot normally, it does not hurt when i go, but after, the pressure doesn't get any better. If I already passed it, if thats what it is, would I still be in this pain... or does it take some time to pass?
  • Reply
    mantele11 Feb 12, 2012 @ 1:07 pm | delete
    WOW, really nice lens. Enjoyed reading it. Thank you :)
  • Reply
    SudokuNut Feb 9, 2012 @ 11:22 pm | delete
    Thankfully, this is something I haven't experienced yet..hopefully it will stay that way!
  • Reply
    mistyblue75605 Feb 7, 2012 @ 11:09 am | delete
    I think you have wrote a great lens is what i think! Plenty of info here for the uninformed individuals to learn about these terrible little things. Thanks! :0)
  • Reply
    destiney Feb 6, 2012 @ 10:43 am | delete
    I think I have a stone but havnt went to doc yet..my side is in severe pain and it radiates to my stomach and makes it hard to breathe..after I urinate I want to stay on toilet because it seems to stop midflow and I can't urinate anymore! Sooo aggravating, I just want to go!! How can I make this better?? Thanks :
  • Reply
    beth Feb 11, 2012 @ 1:59 am | delete
    If u can't urinate it is dangerous. Ur urine can infiltrate causing ur urine to back up into ur body. U will then start to swell all over...ur hands n feet especially. Please son't let this go. Go to ER as quick as possible if u can't pee.
  • Reply
    Frances R. Feb 5, 2012 @ 5:23 pm | delete
    Anyone know anything about Uriflow?
  • Reply
    jollypaula Feb 3, 2012 @ 5:41 pm | delete
    I have just found out I have kidney stones in both kidneys. I am looking for info regarding passing of stones. Do you get a colicky colon? I have pain in my left groin area towards the hip, if I still had ovaries I would say it feels like cramps....nausous feeling, pain comes in waves, and stronger as the day progresses and I move around more....normal? thank for any info...
  • Reply
    Sue Flemming Feb 3, 2012 @ 1:22 pm | delete
    Is there such a thing as vaginal discomfort- pressure when passing a kidney stone?
  • Reply
    mama2ways Feb 3, 2012 @ 8:21 pm | delete
    I felt most of my pain in my urinary area. It went from dull pain to very sharp stinging pain all the time. The worst was immediately after I urinated. The two areas are very close together, so I can see how the pain can be confusing. But mine certainly felt more in the urinary area rather than vaginally. I sincerely hope your pain goes away soon.
  • Reply
    mama2ways Feb 3, 2012 @ 8:21 pm | delete
    I felt most of my pain in my urinary area. It went from dull pain to very sharp stinging pain all the time. The worst was immediately after I urinated. The two areas are very close together, so I can see how the pain can be confusing. But mine certainly felt more in the urinary area rather than vaginally. I sincerely hope your pain goes away soon.
  • Reply
    Momstb Feb 3, 2012 @ 10:00 pm | delete
    Yes. I get stones all the time and can tell when they are getting closer to come out by the vaginal pressure.
  • Reply
    OhMe Feb 1, 2012 @ 10:12 pm | delete
    I have heard how painful Kidney Stones are so really feel for you. Yikes. This lens is very informative. Thank you.
  • Reply
    kathysart Jan 31, 2012 @ 12:32 pm | delete
    Interesting lens.. I have not had this problem so far so good on that anyway. Blessed lens.
  • Reply
    kathysart Jan 31, 2012 @ 12:32 pm | delete
    Interesting lens.. I have not had this problem so far so good on that anyway. Blessed lens.
  • Reply
    StoneyJen Jan 31, 2012 @ 12:31 am | delete
    Hi! Just thought I would give an update. I went back to the Urologist today since I didn't pass my stone over the weekend. Had two x-rays done and my stone is still there. Good news is it has moved down and is almost to the bladder. Said I have an 80% chance to pass it on my own still. So they want me to keep pushing fluids for at least two more weeks before they want to remove it themselves. Unless of course it starts to block or I have problems before. I did tell him however that this time around that the Hydrocodone has made me very ill every time I take it. So I have tried for the first time a prescription pill Ketorolac (Toradol) it has not at all seemed to help with the pain. :( I have had it in a IV before in the ER and if i can remember right I believed it helped a lot. Do you have any other suggestions on what maybe to ask for that will help me with this knifelike pain?

    I have not been diagnosed with MSK. I actually had never heard of it before I read your page. When I first had my first kidney stone at age 17 my mother told the doctor I didn't know anyone this young could get kidney stones...neither did I for that matter. All my doctor said then was well if she had one she is more likely to have more. It was almost a yr later till I had my next. By the time I went to college around 19 yrs old I one after another.....you could actually pretty much time it. Every 4-6 months I would start passing a stone or even multiple. Then at age 23 I didn't have any till just recently last August :( then now 5 months later I again have another. So me being back and for from college and living 4 1/2 hrs away form my Urologist I had to see others that were close to me unless I could stand the pain driving all the way back home (and I never was able to...too sick or was in a hospital by my college). When I went back to my original Urologist he was almost shocked to see me in there since a few yrs had passed and I was what I like to call it "KIDNEY STONE FREE"! Now I'm scared I'm falling right back into these horrible kidney stone episodes where I am going to have them every half yr or so. I know for anyone who has just one...it's one to many. Do you think this might be something like MSK? Is it something I should ask my Urologist about? Thanks again for all your help and advise....finally I feel like other people that can relate to me and this condition.

    Jen
  • Reply
    Frances R. Jan 30, 2012 @ 7:35 am | delete
    Great website! Very informative and professionally done and the comments and answers are very helpful. I have had low grade back pain (maybe a constant 2 flaring to a 4) for more than a year. I have 5 stones in my right kidney and 3 in my left per X-ray. How do I get my urologist to believe my back pain is due to these stones and not my stable scoliosis? I don't know how you all are so strong. How do I find a doc who would listen and treat me. Chronic pain can wear you down, too. Thank you.
  • Reply
    Frances R. Jan 30, 2012 @ 7:35 am | delete
    Great website! Very informative and professionally done and the comments and answers are very helpful. I have had low grade back pain (maybe a constant 2 flaring to a 4) for more than a year. I have 5 stones in my right kidney and 3 in my left per X-ray. How do I get my urologist to believe my back pain is due to these stones and not my stable scoliosis? I don't know how you all are so strong. How do I find a doc who would listen and treat me. Chronic pain can wear you down, too. Thank you.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 30, 2012 @ 9:50 am | delete
    That is a very common problem, urologists not believing the stones in the kidney can cause pain. Daily antibiotics helped me with the constant pain. The only thing I can suggest is that you keep trying urologists until you find one that takes you at your word.
  • Reply
    Zut_Moon Jan 30, 2012 @ 7:01 am | delete
    This is something that sounds like I can do with out. Good lens with important info. I will "pin" it for Pinterest.
  • Reply
    Zut_Moon Jan 30, 2012 @ 7:01 am | delete
    This is something that sounds like I can do with out. Good lens with important info. I will "pin" it for Pinterest.
  • Reply
    StoneyJen Jan 29, 2012 @ 1:54 am | delete
    I just can't believe I came across all this great helpful information. I do have a couple questions for you if you can help me any information of advise would be greatly appreciated. I am 25 and have passed somewhere around 30 stones since my first one when I was 17. I thankfully have been lucky enough to pass them all on my own. (sometimes taking up to 3-4 weeks) I have not however been so lucky to have caught any of my stones. :( so we ( my GP doctor and Urologist) have not been able to really help prevent me from having more. This last Friday I started to have the sharp pain in my bladder. When I went to the bathroom I noticed my urine was very murky or foggy. After I used the restroom I felt like I needed to go every 15-30 minutes. I know it sounds like a UTI but it wasn't I have had enough of those as well to know the difference. By Monday I couldn't take it anymore. I was still having the sharp pain in my bladder and going up my left side so I decided to call my Urologist. They got me in that afternoon. I gave a urine sample and he said that no it wasn't a UTI or any sign of infection. Also NO trace of blood in my urine. He said that he thinks even though my pains weren't exactly the same as a kidney stone he believed I still might have one. So he scheduled a CT scan for me the next day. The following day after that they called and told me that I did intact have a stone 3mm which is small enough to pass. So now I'm doing the waiting and straining game all over again. Sorry for the long story but my question is......With every stone do you always have blood in your urine? I still haven't seen any blood. Does that mean that it might not be moving? And my other question is does your pain very between different stones? Most of the time I can't control my pain or nausea. And this time (thankfully) I haven't had as much pain or nausea other than from pain meds. If the pain isn't as bad does that also mean that it might not be moving along? They said if I'm still having pain on Monday to call and they would see me again. They are thinking about maybe doing the laser (it will be my first time to have it done) and blast it. Do you always have to have a stent??? I'm very nervous about the stent it seem so painful! Thank you so much for your time reading this. Any replies are appreciated.
  • Reply
    StoneyJen Jan 29, 2012 @ 1:54 am | delete
    I just can't believe I came across all this great helpful information. I do have a couple questions for you if you can help me any information of advise would be greatly appreciated. I am 25 and have passed somewhere around 30 stones since my first one when I was 17. I thankfully have been lucky enough to pass them all on my own. (sometimes taking up to 3-4 weeks) I have not however been so lucky to have caught any of my stones. :( so we ( my GP doctor and Urologist) have not been able to really help prevent me from having more. This last Friday I started to have the sharp pain in my bladder. When I went to the bathroom I noticed my urine was very murky or foggy. After I used the restroom I felt like I needed to go every 15-30 minutes. I know it sounds like a UTI but it wasn't I have had enough of those as well to know the difference. By Monday I couldn't take it anymore. I was still having the sharp pain in my bladder and going up my left side so I decided to call my Urologist. They got me in that afternoon. I gave a urine sample and he said that no it wasn't a UTI or any sign of infection. Also NO trace of blood in my urine. He said that he thinks even though my pains weren't exactly the same as a kidney stone he believed I still might have one. So he scheduled a CT scan for me the next day. The following day after that they called and told me that I did intact have a stone 3mm which is small enough to pass. So now I'm doing the waiting and straining game all over again. Sorry for the long story but my question is......With every stone do you always have blood in your urine? I still haven't seen any blood. Does that mean that it might not be moving? And my other question is does your pain very between different stones? Most of the time I can't control my pain or nausea. And this time (thankfully) I haven't had as much pain or nausea other than from pain meds. If the pain isn't as bad does that also mean that it might not be moving along? They said if I'm still having pain on Monday to call and they would see me again. They are thinking about maybe doing the laser (it will be my first time to have it done) and blast it. Do you always have to have a stent??? I'm very nervous about the stent it seem so painful! Thank you so much for your time reading this. Any replies are appreciated.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 30, 2012 @ 9:47 am | delete
    I do not always see blood when I am passing a stone, but almost every time my urine is tested, it has blood in it.I just can't see it.
    Yes different stones hurt different amounts. I have passed big stones that were smooth with little or no pain and have passed small jagged stones that hurt terribly.
    I always have a stent. They are not always horrible, usually they are uncomfortable most of the time and painful when I move too much. After a week or so I get used to it and it only bothers me when I overdo it. Since you have so many stones, have you been diagnosed with MSK? There is a link to my msk lens:
    http//www.squidoo.com/medullary-sponge-kidney
  • Reply
    Mama2ways Jan 27, 2012 @ 11:37 am | delete
    How thankful I am to have found this site. I am so sorry for those who have to deal with this pain. A week ago today, I had some back pain on my left side. Over the course of about 40 minutes it came over my hip and then just sat on my bladder. The pain was not terrible, I have had menstrual cramps worse than that. I was more annoying than anything. When the pain went away, it left me with sense of urgency like had to go to the bathroom or like a UTI was coming on. I drank water hoping to flush it out, but on Monday I made an appointment with my GP and was treated for a UTI. But the pain didn't go away. I called her back the next day and she said that my cultures were clear and they suspect a kidney stone. I had an ultrasound and is showed nothing. I was referred to a gyn-urologist who suggested that perhaps the stone made it's way out of my body and I was left with irritation? But it's not getting better at all and it's not worse either. I always feel like I have to go to the bathroom and it aches then stings like crazy after each bathroom visit for nearly 1/2 hour. Then I go visit the bathroom again. I am drinking water like crazy. I am going for a CT scan today. I just want answers! Just needed to share this with somebody.

    Can I just say that this pain is so annoying?
  • Reply
    Mama2ways Jan 31, 2012 @ 12:02 am | delete
    My CT scan showed a 2mm kidney stone in my ureter, very close to my bladder. That is why the pain is not bad in my back but rather have a horrible sensation in my urinary tract. I am drinking enough lemon water to supply a small village in Sudan! The doctor says it should pass on its own. But it burns and aches after urination something fiecre, but I find that a sitting on a warm compress really is making a huge difference in my pain. I have filled a sock full of plain white rice and tied it at the top. I put it in the microwave for about a minute and then I sit on the warm compress. It seems to take the edge off the pain. Perhaps this can help somebody else. I just wish I could take my rice sock everywhere with me!
  • Reply
    wharfrat Jan 27, 2012 @ 11:09 am | delete
    had stone for weeks now.stone slowly moving down ureter that was monday.still in discomfort or sharp pain at times.it seems to get worse when i drink more water.doctor said to drink water but didn't say how much.so question is how much water such i be drinking and could the stone have passed and the pain is from too much water consumption?
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 30, 2012 @ 9:40 am | delete
    Maybe the water is causing a buildup of urine behind the stone, causing it to move (albeit slowly) and hurting as it changes position. If you are drinking gallons it would be too much. I would ask your dr. how much to drink, because you don't want to dilute your electrolytes too much, but you do need to drink extra.
  • Reply
    missanj Jan 27, 2012 @ 8:36 am | delete
    thank you for your site. i was in intermittent pain for the last week until it because constant and acute and a CT scan showed kidney stones. the radiologist is saying they are small and should pass on their own. they are in both kidneys. my dr. said they are not currently present in the urethers (sp?) so my questions are : Why do they hurt when they are still in the kidney? and do they ALL have to pass or perhaps just the one/s that are the troublemakers? thank you again for your informational site.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 30, 2012 @ 9:36 am | delete
    Size does not relate to pain. The shape of the stone makes it easy to pass or painful to pass. If it has jagged edges, it is going to scrape and cut all along the ureter. A smooth one, even if larger than a jagged one, can pass out with minimal pain. I don't know why they hurt when in the kidneys, I just know from anecdotal evidence from others and myself, that kidney stones in the kidney can hurt very badly.
  • Reply
    cffutah Jan 26, 2012 @ 9:08 pm | delete
    glad this hasn't been me ... yet.
  • Reply
    Kim G Jan 23, 2012 @ 6:28 pm | delete
    Well the DR called with the CT Scan results. He says there is no sign of that "stone" they seen in the Xray and Ultrasound. I am still having lower abdominal pain, nothing has changed. I am very frustrated! The Dr says its impossible to miss a stone with the CT Scan. He also says that the "stone" they thought they seen was something I ate or a pill I took in my GI Tract. I tried to explain to him that I did not eat or take any pills the morning of the Ultrasound and definately not the morning of the Xray. Has anyone had this problem? I continue to test positive for WBC on the home Azo tests. Has anyone had a negative finding but did indeed have a stone?
  • Reply
    Kim G Jan 23, 2012 @ 6:28 pm | delete
    Well the DR called with the CT Scan results. He says there is no sign of that "stone" they seen in the Xray and Ultrasound. I am still having lower abdominal pain, nothing has changed. I am very frustrated! The Dr says its impossible to miss a stone with the CT Scan. He also says that the "stone" they thought they seen was something I ate or a pill I took in my GI Tract. I tried to explain to him that I did not eat or take any pills the morning of the Ultrasound and definately not the morning of the Xray. Has anyone had this problem? I continue to test positive for WBC on the home Azo tests. Has anyone had a negative finding but did indeed have a stone?
  • Reply
    Jim Jan 23, 2012 @ 6:43 pm | delete
    Several times CT scans have not shown a large flat Stone, 12mm round by 1.4 thick. but when the Uretra ruptured from it being blocked by the Stone (Calcium and Oxilates) it was removed quickly. Currently I have a 1.2 x .6mm Uric Acid stone in left Kidney that only shows on Ultrasound, other Kidney has 1.2 x 8mm Calcific Stone that shows up well. Drink Soda Water to help reduce the Stones if Uric Acid.
  • Reply
    Kim G Jan 23, 2012 @ 10:27 pm | delete
    What the Dr first said was a stone (seen in ultrasound and xray) was suppose to be close to 8 mm. I had both tests done several days apart. Then the CT scan, several days later. I just dont understand how something is there, then not there. He did say that I have a couple of small stones in each kidney, but are not on the move, so that could not be the reason for my lower abdominal pain or off and on back pain. I am really upset, it seems like he does not believe me. The pain I have is the same pain that I felt with the two last stones, one passed on its own and the last one was blasted by this doctor. I just hope it is a stone...and it passes soon.
  • Reply
    Jim Jan 23, 2012 @ 6:43 pm | delete
    Several times CT scans have not shown a large flat Stone, 12mm round by 1.4 thick. but when the Uretra ruptured from it being blocked by the Stone (Calcium and Oxilates) it was removed quickly. Currently I have a 1.2 x .6mm Uric Acid stone in left Kidney that only shows on Ultrasound, other Kidney has 1.2 x 8mm Calcific Stone that shows up well. Drink Soda Water to help reduce the Stones if Uric Acid.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 24, 2012 @ 3:34 am | delete
    Wow, I am sorry to hear you are going through this. I have come home from the ER after being told I must have a sore muscle, only to go on and pass a large stone the next day.
  • Reply
    sheezie77 Jan 21, 2012 @ 6:21 am | delete
    Wow. Amazing lens a lot of informations! Thank you for posting thumbs up!
  • Reply
    Andrew V. Jan 20, 2012 @ 1:10 pm | delete
    Hi ya, my name is Andrew. I'm 20 years old and had to be rushed to the hospital on Saturday, the Doctor said that I had multiple stones in both my kidneys and that it was uncommon for some one my age to have so many. I have a Dr. appointment on Tues and can't wait to see why I have these..I know this is going to sound weird because I did read it in the article but is it uncommon to have a really sore back and a lot of pain behind my ears...I've missed a lot of work these week because of them, but its so hard to even focus when all I can think about is the pain..Does any one know how to describe to some one else what kind of pain your in with these and how hard it is to focus?
  • Reply
    CiCi, RN Jan 20, 2012 @ 1:48 pm | delete
    As a nurse we usually ask a patient to rate their pain on a scale of 1-10, 10 being the worse pain imaginable. You can also describe is as stabbing, pounding, (my stones feel like someone is kicking me in the back), burning, etc. Many times the pain moves and eases off and then returns full scale, depending on "where" it is and how pointy those little stones are! Of course if it gets lodged or blocking for a long time your urine flow, then the pain is unbearable and you would need ER care/meds, etc. Drink as much water as you can and the heating pad helps. Ask your MD if taking Flomax (even for females) will help....that can be a wonder drug to assist passing. Good luck and try to focus on something else besides the pain, some diversional things do help, like music, and don't let it defeat you! I hope you get through this fast and we in here certainly know what you are going through!! Hugs
  • Reply
    Andrew V. Jan 21, 2012 @ 9:56 pm | delete
    Thank you CiCi, also my job won't allow me to take my oxycodone and work even though I don't drive any heavy machinery. I've tried extra strength tylenol and it barely cuts the pain but its still a lot to work with. Does any one know of a drug to take away the pain that you would be able to work on?
  • Reply
    Nanc' L Jan 28, 2012 @ 8:05 pm | delete
    Try 800mg of motrin. I know it sounds crazy, but I had to go to the ER for a stone. It was 13mm and stuck and the pain was out of this world. I told the ER nurse that I was most likely just become ill from the narcotic type of drugs and he told me not to worry. They gave me zofram for the the nausea and then a large does of motrin. The nausea and pain were cut almost immediately. I went from a 20 to a 2 in a matter of minutes. It was still a dull ache, but nothing that wasn't manageable. I was quite happy that I could still fully function also, since they didn't use crazy pain killers on me. Hope that helps!
  • Reply
    Kim G Jan 19, 2012 @ 2:43 pm | delete
    I received a call today from my urologist. He told me that he was surprised to see that the radiologist thought that the "stone" wasn't a stone, but something in my GI tract. I am terrified! I have to go in later today for a CT Scan and at this point am really hoping it is a kidney stone. I am so scared!
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 19, 2012 @ 3:15 pm | delete
    Hopefully removing something from your GI tract will be easier because it is a larger opening... Best Wishes!
  • Reply
    Kathy Jan 17, 2012 @ 4:35 pm | delete
    I had lithotripsy 19 days ago to blast a nickel size stone. An ex-ray on the 14th day after showed several smaller (5 to 7mm) stones from the blast that have not yet passed so the Dr. left the stent in. Still passing "gravel" --my question, how long is normal for these stones to pass after the procedure? Any suggestions on how to get them to pass??
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 19, 2012 @ 3:14 pm | delete
    Wow, I do not pass 5-7 mm stones on my own, I need to have them removed for me surgically. They are probably jagged from being fragments of a blasted stone. When you go back the next time if they are not gone, maybe you should ask about him removing them. How is the stent for you? Are you in pain or is it tolerable?
  • Reply
    Kim G Jan 17, 2012 @ 9:01 am | delete
    I seen my Urologist yesterday, after having an ultrasound that picked up another kidney stone. The stone is in my right kidney, the same kidney that was just blasted fora 7 mm kidney stone. I'm very frustrated! The doctor is denying that the kidney stone was there at any point before now. This is no small stone, its 8 mm! How does one miss that? I am also very frustrated with the fact that the doctor doesn't think my pain is kidney stone related, even though my symptoms are the same as the last time I had a stone. And the symptoms stopped after having the stone crushed. The symptoms I have are off and on back ache and lower abdominal pain, more of a crampy feeling. This feeling is constant. Does anyone else feel my frustation or have had similiar stories? I'd love to hear from someone that can relate. These doctors sure do make you feel like it's all in your head. I am thankful that this stone will be taken care of on Feb 7th.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 17, 2012 @ 10:28 am | delete
    Many of my internet kidney stone friends suffer from kidney pain without passing a stone. I know I do. A heating pad really helps some of us with this pain.If you don't have a heating pad you can wet a bath towel, fold it up and microwave it to get it warm, then wrap it in a dry towel and use it as a heating pad. Be careful not to heat it too much, the water in the towel can get hot enough to burn you. Most doctors do not believe a kidney stone should hurt unless it is stuck in the ureter. NOT TRUE! They definitely can hurt just hanging out in the kidney.
  • Reply
    evalution Jan 17, 2012 @ 10:46 am | delete
    I use a hot water bottle wrapped in a towel, it works great to ease that pain and you can position it where you want it. Kidney stones definitely do hurt when they are jostling around in your kidney.
  • Reply
    Kim G Jan 17, 2012 @ 3:29 pm | delete
    The heating pad is a great thing in helping ease the pain! Have you ever heard of somone forming a new stone, 8 mm, in two months? I do not believe that is what happened, as the doctor stated. I think the stone was simply not seen in the CT Scan that identified the other stone that was blasted. I think he does not want to admit to missing it.
  • Reply
    ravenko Jan 16, 2012 @ 2:46 pm | delete
    I've been extremely lucky both my mother and sister suffer from kidney stones...That makes me lucky as I've never had to experience the pain they go through, this is a great lens I wish you all the best...Angel blessed!
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 17, 2012 @ 10:12 am | delete
    Thank you for the blessing!
    Glad to hear you do not suffer from kidney stones. Make sure to drink a lot of water to keep preventing them.
  • Reply
    Jessica Jan 16, 2012 @ 1:19 pm | delete
    Thank you so much for putting things into perspective. I'm in my first pregnancy and had a largish stone (5mm) that was stuck at my ureter/bladder entrance, and they couldn't do any other treatment other than a stent because of the baby. The stent is very uncomfortable, and moving certain ways gets me up to a 10 out of 10 on the pain scale until the Tylenol kicks in. Is that something that normally happens - an insane pain that parallels the passage of the stone from the kidney through the ureter? Right after the pain, the next urine is full of blood, which I'm told is normal. But I really don't know if that wave of pain that doesn't pass unmedicated is supposed to happen with a stent in.
    That being said, I only have one, have only ever had one, and I wouldn't wish this kind of pain on my worst enemy. You are so strong to be able to live and cope with this issue and offer support to other sufferers.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 17, 2012 @ 10:16 am | delete
    Jessica, congratulations on your pregnancy. I am so sorry you have to deal with this! Yes a stent can hurt terribly at times. I notice it is positional and also stents hurt more if I do to much walking or any bending. I am talking about walking around the house, not marathon walking. The stent always makes me bleed a lot. A scary lot! My husband makes me eat extra red meat so I don't get anemic. So unfortunately, yes, that degree of pain is normal.
  • Reply
    libertadgriggs@rocketmail.com Jan 15, 2012 @ 1:44 am | delete
    Dear helper, Thank you for sharing you experince. I dto have the genetic conditionof medullary Sponge kidney. Have various lazer surgery. Right now I have a kidney stone inside my left ureter and in my left kidney. one in my right kidney. Have a kidney infecttuion taking cipro 500 mg twice a day., but I have been taking bactring everyday for 5 months and my doctor said that I will have to continue to take it even after the stones are remove or pass. Myside hurts constantly, I had pass great amount of blood for almost 3 weeks, every time I urinated. No fun. I continue to live my live to the fullest and go day by day with strenght that Jesus gives me. Do I need to rest more than usuall??
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 17, 2012 @ 10:19 am | delete
    I listen to my body and rest when I need to and don't get overtired. Anyone with an infection needs more rest, so I would assume you should take it easy too. Feel better soon. So sorry to hear you also have MSK. It is no fun!
  • Reply
    libertadgriggs@rocketmail.com Jan 15, 2012 @ 1:44 am | delete
    Dear helper, Thank you for sharing you experince. I dto have the genetic conditionof medullary Sponge kidney. Have various lazer surgery. Right now I have a kidney stone inside my left ureter and in my left kidney. one in my right kidney. Have a kidney infecttuion taking cipro 500 mg twice a day., but I have been taking bactring everyday for 5 months and my doctor said that I will have to continue to take it even after the stones are remove or pass. Myside hurts constantly, I had pass great amount of blood for almost 3 weeks, every time I urinated. No fun. I continue to live my live to the fullest and go day by day with strenght that Jesus gives me. Do I need to rest more than usuall??
  • Reply
    Kim G Jan 12, 2012 @ 7:25 pm | delete
    I was scheduled for an ultrasound today. The doctor said it's pretty routine after having lithotripsy, to make sure all of the stone passed. As I mentioned in my last post, I have been feeling crampy in my tummy and had what I thought was horrible back pain at Christmas time. Another kidney stone was discovered! It's still in my kidney, but must be on the move because its is causing pain and blood in my urine. How frustrating! This will be my third stone in less than 8 months! I'm sure i will have to have this one blasted. It's 8 mm. The last one was 7 mm and would not pass. I'm so disappointed! I wonder why it didn't show it's nasty self when I had a CT scan that showed my last one. Back to square one I go.........
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 17, 2012 @ 10:23 am | delete
    Depending on what the stone is made of, it can grow quickly. I have had white crystals grow on top of fragments left over from lithotripsy. The crystals grow quickly. Did you every grow crystals in a plate on the table. Magic rocks, I think they were called. They grow in a week to a few inches tall. I am sorry you have to go through this. Do you see a nephrologist to help you prevent future stones?
  • Reply
    CiCi, RN Jan 10, 2012 @ 2:01 pm | delete
    For MSK patients it is always on our mind with any pain, back, side, front...you name it! LOL I pretty much stopped mentioning it to my family unless severe, as I pass so many I think they are getting tired of it! I have a unique collection, though....now if anyone would ever want to look at it! I am going on a carribean cruise and in some of the remote places we go I always have fear I will be stuck in some backwards clinic in the jungle, ha ha ha with a lodged stone, I do get travel insurance so they can just airlift me the heck out! Hugs to all "passing" them now, be strong.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 17, 2012 @ 10:11 am | delete
    That is a good idea to get travel insurance. My family hears about all of my stones, even if it bores them. LOL.
  • Reply
    evalution Jan 17, 2012 @ 10:53 am | delete
    I have had kidney stones while travelling and it is not much fun, fortunately they passed quickly. I used to take antibiotics and painkillers with me, mind you, that was a while ago, not sure what the airline regulations are now. My dad, who also has stones, had to be taken off a flight once and rushed to hospital. I got to the point where I figured if it was going to happen, it would and I'd deal with it where and when. Anyway, it may be a good point to ask the cruise line about their doctor services.
  • Reply
    358424 Jan 9, 2012 @ 11:23 am | delete
    Amazing, who decides who gets stones and who doesnt?
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 17, 2012 @ 10:09 am | delete
    It's usually metabolic, unfortunately. It depends on the composition of the urine and the concentration of it.
  • Reply
    358424 Jan 9, 2012 @ 11:22 am | delete
    Amazing, who decides who gets stones and who doesnt?
  • Reply
    Jeri Key Jan 9, 2012 @ 12:37 am | delete
    I have had kidney stones for years but since I started drinking dill pickle juice and lemon juice dailyI have now gone 14months without one. I am pretty sure that it is the acid that decreases the ability for the stone to form. This may not work for everyone but it has really helped me. Hope it works for someone else who suffers from this terrible disease.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 17, 2012 @ 10:08 am | delete
    I love pickle juice but I feel guilty drinking it because of the salt content.
  • Reply
    GayleMcLaughlin Jan 8, 2012 @ 11:39 am | delete
    My husband has had a few kidney stones, but nothing like this. Bless your heart!
  • Reply
    GayleMcLaughlin Jan 8, 2012 @ 11:39 am | delete
    My husband has had a few kidney stones, but nothing like this. Bless your heart!
  • Reply
    GayleMcLaughlin Jan 8, 2012 @ 11:39 am | delete
    My husband has had a few kidney stones, but nothing like this. Bless your heart!
  • Reply
    grannysage Jan 7, 2012 @ 4:22 pm | delete
    I'm in pain just reading this. I have frequent flyer miles with lithotripsy - 5 of them. My kidney stones were large and I think my first urologist just couldn't shoot straight. My husband said he could have done a better job - "Got em Cap'n" he says in his Star Trek Scotty voice. Kidney stone pain is worse than childbirth. At least I know what it is now, although I haven't had one for years. I'm supposed to drink a lot of water, but I don't. You would think I would know better. I have used Toradol and Vicodin and love morphine! I could easily become a junkie sad to say. I'll be holding your hand the next time you have an attack. Only someone who has experienced it can really understand.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 8, 2012 @ 4:40 am | delete
    It is great to hear from someone that has successfully prevented more stones!
  • Reply
    scarlettohairy Jan 7, 2012 @ 1:25 am | delete
    Wow, this sounds awful. I'm sorry you suffer from so many kidney stones. Take care.
  • Reply
    scarlettohairy Jan 7, 2012 @ 1:25 am | delete
    Wow, this sounds awful. I'm sorry you suffer from so many kidney stones. Take care.
  • Reply
    Linda Jan 5, 2012 @ 9:26 am | delete
    Hi, I was at our ER on Jan 2 and the doctor there (after having a CT) told me that my kidney stone was just getting ready to enter the Ureter. I am having a lot of cramping in my abdominal area. Can someone tell me if this means I am getting ready to pass this kidney stone.
  • Reply
    arielleface Jan 4, 2012 @ 1:31 am | delete
    I would love for you to contact me So that we can talk I have just found out I have chronic kidney stones and need some advice. Could you please email me So we can talk bubu524@hotmail.com I would talk on here but some is personal!
  • Reply
    Dana Jan 3, 2012 @ 11:42 am | delete
    I'm trying to research what I may have. I'm wondering if it might be kidney stones. In the past 2 months, I've had 4 UTI's, all w/o any bacteria present. Well they felt like UTI's. Thats what my doctor is calling it right now. I've been prescribed antibiotics, which get rid of symptoms but then shortly come back when I'm done w/my meds. My doctor is referring me to a urologist but I'm just wondering what else it could be??
  • Reply
    samantha Jan 3, 2012 @ 6:08 pm | delete
    Dana,
    I was having the same issue. I was finally diagnosed with pelvic inflammatory disease (pid) which was caused due to the constant infections as well as my horseshoe kidney. Which means my kidneys are connected. They gave me a shot in my butt cheek which made the infections stop for a few months. While I was pregnant the symptoms increased and blocked my ureter, to which I had a stent inserted. On Tuesday i will be under going 2 Ct scans to get a better view of what else is going on.
  • Reply
    Rae Dec 31, 2011 @ 10:48 am | delete
    Hey back again :-) hope you had a good Christmas?

    I had my stone removed in early December, and although all my kidney stone symptoms have gone I still get the odd niggle in my urethra and bladder

    Is this normal? Or could it be another stone forming?
    I can't help but freak out!!! I don't want another stone :-(

    Xxx
  • Reply
    ngio64 Dec 31, 2011 @ 12:18 pm | delete
    Welcome back Rae, Have you been tested for a UTI? Maybe you have a lingering slight infection. They are very common after kidney stone removal. Or it could be scratches and irritation from having the stone removed. It is important to check with your urologist and get a urine test for infection. Have a great New Year.
  • Reply
    Irma Dec 31, 2011 @ 8:03 pm | delete
    Hi,
    I'm wondering what you mean by the "odd niggle." I am advocating for my disabled sister who has a kidney stone. The caregivers think she is only be in pain if she were to scream out loud, which she has done. However I think there is a lower level of discomfort, burning or pain that she is not shouting about. Her behavior tells me something is going on. She is highly stressed, and when I read you saying you "freak out" for fear of another stone, I'm wondering if that's exactly what she would say if she could talk. Can you be more specific in describing the feeling? Thanks.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Dec 31, 2011 @ 11:07 pm | delete
    Irma, I sometimes get a chill/shiver down my legs that feels very weird, but does not hurt, just as I am finishing emptying my bladder. I read a quote from a doctor that had a kidney stone and he said "Being told that you have three stones still left in your kidneys, is like telling a soldier that there are still three snipers hiding out there?somewhere. You don't know when they are going to rear their ugly heads and take a shot at you." His blog entry is linked below: http://blogs.webmd.com/all-ears/2011/03/kidney-stones-are-a-major-pain.html
  • Reply
    Rae Jan 1, 2012 @ 7:30 am | delete
    Hi Irma
    By odd niggle I mean a slight pain on urination or twinge in my bladder or lower back.
    I sometimes get sharp irritation in my urethra too or lower abdominal pain.
    Feelings of cystitis?
    Every time I get a tingle I worry that a stone is being formed as this was the symptoms I had before but didn't know what it was at the time!
    Sorry to hear about your sister :-(
    I work at a local hospital and we often have patients with dementia in pain but unable to communicate with us what is wrong
    I hope that helps?
    Xx
  • Reply
    Mike Jan 5, 2012 @ 7:10 pm | delete
    I got that "twinge" too...twice, this morning. It was definitely centered in the bladder. About 20 minutes later I finally expelled a brown stone about the size of a typical rice krispie - I have a feeling this stone had been developing over the past couple of weeks.

    This is my first kidney stone flare up in about 6 years. I am cutting WAY down on the salt, and I'm drinking MUCH more water, to stay hydrated. Like 12 eight ounce glasses per day.

    I do NOT want to end up in the hospital.
  • Reply
    Kim G Jan 10, 2012 @ 1:38 pm | delete
    Hello all. I had posted here about my 5 month ordeal with two kidney stones, back in October. I have done well since having that 7mm kindey stone blasted. Until about 2 1/2 weeks ago. I came down with what I believe to be some strained back muscles. I was down for about a week with muscle spasms in the back. Once I started to feel bettter from that, I started to notice lower tummy pain again. It's a crampy feel, that doesn't go away. I tested with the Azo test strips, no bacteria came up, but LEU was positive. I feel like I possibly have a UTI, but the symptoms are a little different. I would also think that having this go on for two plus weeks, my symptoms would have worsen, which they have not. I too am wondering if this is a new stone, or something to do with the lithroscopy that was preformed in early October, or possibly a UTI. I completely understand about your freaking out! I hate having these issues because one little symptom and your mind goes to Kidney stones!
  • Reply
    Rae Jan 10, 2012 @ 2:02 pm | delete
    Hi Kim it's comforting to know I'm not the only one freaking out at the odd twinge!!
    My "niggles" seem to have gone and my ureter and bladder feel like they've settled down, but it's taken a good 6 weeks after my op to remove them!
    So maybe your symptoms are just your bladder being a bit irritated, as it is a huge ordeal for your ureters!
    Keep drinking lots!! That helps me and helps calm my mind.
    I've managed to stop freaking out so much by repeating my little mantra....'there's no point worrying, if it's a stone then it's a stone you'll find out soon enough if it really is one!!' i managed to get through my last stone I know I can do it again!!
    Hope you're ok xxx it's good to talk, I love this lens!! It's been a great comfort to me xxx hugs!!
  • Reply
    Rae Jan 10, 2012 @ 2:02 pm | delete
    Hi Kim it's comforting to know I'm not the only one freaking out at the odd twinge!!
    My "niggles" seem to have gone and my ureter and bladder feel like they've settled down, but it's taken a good 6 weeks after my op to remove them!
    So maybe your symptoms are just your bladder being a bit irritated, as it is a huge ordeal for your ureters!
    Keep drinking lots!! That helps me and helps calm my mind.
    I've managed to stop freaking out so much by repeating my little mantra....'there's no point worrying, if it's a stone then it's a stone you'll find out soon enough if it really is one!!' i managed to get through my last stone I know I can do it again!!
    Hope you're ok xxx it's good to talk, I love this lens!! It's been a great comfort to me xxx hugs!!
  • Reply
    Kim Jan 10, 2012 @ 2:24 pm | delete
    I think its the worst thing a human can endure! I have passed three good size stones (that i know of). Each one took two plus months to pass. This last time was miserable! It took two months to pass the first one. It finally passed after doing a home remedy. I drank 2 oz olive oil and 2 oz lemon juice. I passed it 7 hours later. I felt goof for 1 1/2 weeks and came down with more abdominal pain and back pain. After 2 1/2 months I finally gave in and went to the Dr. Just days later I was scheduled for lithroscopy. It was stuck just outside of my right kidney. I was miserable! My whole summer with my two boys was dedicated to me being sick and resulting to a very boring summer for them! It's really depressing to think of going thru that ever again. I am glad your feeling better, I hope you never experience another one!! I go to the Urologist next week for an ultrasound for the post lithroscopy. I'm hoping I find something out then.
  • Reply
    Rae Jan 1, 2012 @ 7:30 am | delete
    Hi Irma
    By odd niggle I mean a slight pain on urination or twinge in my bladder or lower back.
    I sometimes get sharp irritation in my urethra too or lower abdominal pain.
    Feelings of cystitis?
    Every time I get a tingle I worry that a stone is being formed as this was the symptoms I had before but didn't know what it was at the time!
    Sorry to hear about your sister :-(
    I work at a local hospital and we often have patients with dementia in pain but unable to communicate with us what is wrong
    I hope that helps?
    Xx
  • Reply
    Irma Jan 5, 2012 @ 11:59 pm | delete
    Hi Rae,
    Yes, thank you. That does help. My sister fights against being taken to the bathroom. Knowing that she can be having pain on urination, even if it's slight, helps to understand why she's fighting. I'm struggling against caregivers who want to say her actions are meaningless and due to dementia. I feel strongly that there are physical causes of her fears, but she can't express them. I have seen her wring her hands or furrow her brow when in the bathroom, so that may be her nonverbal expression of the symptoms you are describing. Thanks so much!
  • Reply
    Irma Jan 5, 2012 @ 11:59 pm | delete
    Hi Rae,
    Yes, thank you. That does help. My sister fights against being taken to the bathroom. Knowing that she can be having pain on urination, even if it's slight, helps to understand why she's fighting. I'm struggling against caregivers who want to say her actions are meaningless and due to dementia. I feel strongly that there are physical causes of her fears, but she can't express them. I have seen her wring her hands or furrow her brow when in the bathroom, so that may be her nonverbal expression of the symptoms you are describing. Thanks so much!
  • Reply
    Trevor Blake Dec 27, 2011 @ 1:58 pm | delete
    Thanks for publishing my photograph of my kidney stones. I worked hard for those little fellows so I'm glad they are getting some use out in the world. My advice: drink more water. No, more than that.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Dec 27, 2011 @ 8:17 pm | delete
    Squidoo automatically finds pictures that are labeled kidney stone from flicker. Thank you for posting the photograph on flicker! Sorry you had so many kidney stones, but thanks for the picture.
  • Reply
    Debbie Dec 25, 2011 @ 3:31 pm | delete
    Hello I just recently had an ultra sound done because of pain in my right side. They said I had a fatty liver due to being very over weight. I don't want to use the word but here it comes "obese". About a month before I had severe pain all around my side and back then it really hurt to pee. This lasted about 3 days. That went away but I have permanent pain on my hip and I keep thinking it is from my hard bed because I sleep mostly on my right side. I have dull pain all the time on my right side but somedays it is more uncomfortable and sharp pains. One day it was really bad and after a full day of this I went to the bathroom (with no pain) and it seemed to help but I am not sure. I had middle back and lower back pain with chest pain. I wonder if this is kidney problems because I know they had a hard time getting pictures on the ultra sound. I have already lost almost 50 lbs because I am afraid to eat! Prob good thing. Does this sound like kidney stones? I have never seen anything come out but I have had a urine infection before and that pain was just burning this pain is extremley unpleasant. Now everyday I have a dull pain in my right side but it doesn't hurt to pee.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Dec 27, 2011 @ 8:16 pm | delete
    If you are having unknown pain, you should really get it looked at by a doctor. Your pain could be caused by a lot of things. I had both gall stones and kidney stones and they both cause a lot of pain. I do not know if a fatty liver can cause pain too.No matter what is causing the pain, your doctor should try to investigate it, it probably will need medical care to resolve it. I hope you feel better soon.
  • Reply
    Shelly Dec 24, 2011 @ 5:13 pm | delete
    I have all the signs and symptoms and pain, but a stone did not show up on a CT. Dr believes it to be a stone and has prescribed pain meds and lots of water to see if it will pass. I have been in the hospital for other reasons so when she suggested the hospital, I declined. She said if the pain is not manageable at home on vicodan I should go. Has anyone had a stone not show on a CT? Flank pain started on Wednesday evening, how long should I expect this misery? Thanks for your help!
  • Reply
    ngio64 Dec 27, 2011 @ 8:13 pm | delete
    I once went to ER, urinating blood and had no kidney stones show up in my ureters, sent home and within a day or 2, I passed a big kidney stone. They do not always show. Uric Acid stones never show up on x-ray. There is no way to predict how long it will take for a kidney stone to pass on it's own. I'm sorry you are feeling bad and wish i had more answers for you. They can control your pain better with IV meds, so if you are in too much pain, it is worth going back to the hospital. I hope you feel better very soon.
  • Reply
    cris Dec 29, 2011 @ 8:01 pm | delete
    i collapsed with kidney stones 5th september 2011 was admitted to hospital after several attempts on several different days to insert a stent all failing i was sent home told would be sent for 6 weeks later 10 days later i was in renal failure and septic i spent the next 8 weeks inhospital had a nephrostomy in then discharged on 6th december went back in to have nephrostomy removed and stones removed was discharged 6 days later told everything working well 3 days later im back on antibiotics then on 26th december back in hospital due to my wound site opening and urine leaking through the nephrostomy tract which hadnt healed been told kidney not working dont know why they put a drainage bag over site discharged me midafternoon on 29th i see consultant in clinic on wednesday next week
  • Reply
    evalution Dec 22, 2011 @ 6:17 pm | delete
    Husband suggested that you may be able to find someone who dabbles in electronics, who can make you a little box with 4 push-buttons and 4 LED lights, and a buzzer sound (speaker system). When your sister has mild pain, she can push button #1, a blue light will come on, the buzzer will sound, and you will know the severity of the pain she is in, e.g., a mild headache. For button #2, a yellow LED light would come on and a different sound would be heard, e.g., for pain like a bad tummy ache. Push-button #3, red, for really severe pain, e.g. kidney stone, and button #4, green light, for pain now gone. We hope this will be of some help to you. Suggest you contact a high school or college and ask if the electronics class could maybe do this as a project. Wish you all luck.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Dec 22, 2011 @ 7:38 pm | delete
    Irma, I hope you read the post above. It has some nice suggestions to help your sister tell you about her pain.
  • Reply
    Irma Dec 23, 2011 @ 12:11 am | delete
    Thank you so much for this suggestion. I probably could find someone to make a box like this, but unfortunately my sister would not be able to learn to use it at this point. She has slipped into dementia and especially when she is having kidney stones it's very hard for her to understand what's going on. I think this is a great idea and will pass it along to a workshop for disabled people where they could train people to use this kind of system. Thanks again!
  • Reply
    ngio64 Dec 23, 2011 @ 12:07 pm | delete
    That would be so nice if you were able to help someone else. I am sorry this will not help your sister. It must be so scary for her to be in pain and not understand why.
  • Reply
    Irma Dec 28, 2011 @ 3:29 pm | delete
    Yes, it is scary for her and very bad for me to have to watch and not be able to do much other than to gather information from folks on this list. It is so valuable to me! A couple more questions. We're still not sure that the pain that is obvious on the left ear and in her head is connected to the kidney stone. This pain seems to be constant. (several seconds of extreme pain and then a few seconds of a smile meaning the pain passed, only to have the pained face return in several seconds) Everyone has spoken of the extreme pain, but is it constant, or are there hours of no pain? Is there pain when lying down? Another question, is there pain when urinating while the stone is in the ureter? My sister has gotten to the point where she refuses to be led to the bathroom and I can only assume that it hurts or she feels some discomfort when she goes. Is that correct, or is there only urination pain when you are actually passing the stone. It's so discouraging to hear how long so many of you have had stones stuck in the ureter. This sounds like this could go on for months. Thanks to any and all responses to help me understand what she's going through.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Dec 28, 2011 @ 5:52 pm | delete
    Irma, Kidney stone pain can often be off and on pain. It is sometimes called renal colic for that reason. I definitely can associate the pain in my ear and jaw with kidney stone pain. I can have a day or more with no pain and then it will return. I think sometimes the stone gets in a position where it is not jabbing as much and the pain decreases. I do get pain while urinating when I have a stone in my ureter. It does not happen every time. You probably should check with her doctor as to when he would want to recheck her if she is still in pain. She might need lithotripsy to have it removed if it causes a blockage or if they measured wrong and it is bigger than they thought. You sound like a very loving sister. It is great that she has you to advocate for her and care for her. I hope she feels better soon.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Dec 28, 2011 @ 5:52 pm | delete
    Irma, Kidney stone pain can often be off and on pain. It is sometimes called renal colic for that reason. I definitely can associate the pain in my ear and jaw with kidney stone pain. I can have a day or more with no pain and then it will return. I think sometimes the stone gets in a position where it is not jabbing as much and the pain decreases. I do get pain while urinating when I have a stone in my ureter. It does not happen every time. You probably should check with her doctor as to when he would want to recheck her if she is still in pain. She might need lithotripsy to have it removed if it causes a blockage or if they measured wrong and it is bigger than they thought. You sound like a very loving sister. It is great that she has you to advocate for her and care for her. I hope she feels better soon.
  • Reply
    evalution Dec 23, 2011 @ 7:07 pm | delete
    Sorry this won't help your sister at this stage, but maybe it will help someone else along the way. I hope your sister has a compassionate urologist or doctor who can help her.
    Please check out my lens here on Squidoo - not kidney stones, although I have them as well and empathize greatly with other sufferers.
    http://www.squidoo.com/coping-with-chronic-fatigue-syndrome
  • Reply
    Alma Dec 22, 2011 @ 5:25 pm | delete
    I love this page. It has been helpful. I have a 7mm kidney stone and waiting to pass it. I'm scheduled for surgery next Thursday. This wasn't the way I wanted to celebrate Christmas. For those of you who have passed a stone, how painful is it? I'm nervous and scared and looking forward to getting this piece of crap out of my body. I want to do my every day activities. I'm a mother of a 2 1/2 yr old and a 7 month old. I miss hanging out with my family.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Dec 22, 2011 @ 6:15 pm | delete
    I only have experience with laser lithotripsy. It involves anesthesia and internal removal of the stone. You are sore later, and you bleed when you urinate. It is worth it to get the stone out. Stents can be painful but are necessary to keep the kidney from being backed up and damaged by the aftereffects of surgery. I can relate to missing doing things with your family. Hang in there and have as Merry a Christmas as possible.
  • Reply
    Irma Dec 22, 2011 @ 2:44 pm | delete
    Hi,
    Thanks for doing this page and sharing your experience as a patient. I have a disabled sister who is non-verbal and has been plagued with kidney stones over the last two years, so I am eager to hear the patient's perspective. Because she can't talk, we don't know when the pain begins or how long it lasts, or what it feels like for her. We were told yesterday that she currently has a 1mm kidney stone. The doctor thought it would be "easy" for her to pass this as she has passed a 6mm stone in the past. The mystery is she has been exhibiting pain in her head recently which is why I didn't think that a kidney stone was involved. From what I have observed it comes in waves (unlike a congested head where the pain is constant). Doctors have ruled out infection, so my question is, has anyone experienced severe headaches or waves of head pain from a kidney stone? And is this 1mm stone probably causing pain, even though the doctor said it would be "easy" because it's so tiny. Thanks for any insight you can give me.
  • Reply
    Irma Dec 22, 2011 @ 2:44 pm | delete
    Hi,
    Thanks for doing this page and sharing your experience as a patient. I have a disabled sister who is non-verbal and has been plagued with kidney stones over the last two years, so I am eager to hear the patient's perspective. Because she can't talk, we don't know when the pain begins or how long it lasts, or what it feels like for her. We were told yesterday that she currently has a 1mm kidney stone. The doctor thought it would be "easy" for her to pass this as she has passed a 6mm stone in the past. The mystery is she has been exhibiting pain in her head recently which is why I didn't think that a kidney stone was involved. From what I have observed it comes in waves (unlike a congested head where the pain is constant). Doctors have ruled out infection, so my question is, has anyone experienced severe headaches or waves of head pain from a kidney stone? And is this 1mm stone probably causing pain, even though the doctor said it would be "easy" because it's so tiny. Thanks for any insight you can give me.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Dec 22, 2011 @ 6:11 pm | delete
    Irma, I get pain in my jaw and behind my ear when I am having a kidney stone. I also get migraines right before I start having a kidney stone sometimes. Some small stones do cause pain, especially if they end up having burrs or spikes. I found I can pass a big stone that is smooth and rounded with minimal discomfort, but misshapen or sharp edges can be excruciating no matter the size. Hopefully her 1mm stone is a nice rounded one. I hope she passes it easily and does not get anymore.
  • Reply
    Rae Dec 21, 2011 @ 4:42 pm | delete
    Hey I love this page :-)

    After my kidney stone ordeal I've been told to eat a low salt and protein diet??

    I'm drinking 4 pints of water a day, still drinking tea and coffee though?

    Ive gone veggie and only eat meat once a week, but what's 'low' protein?

    I still eat rather a lot of cheese, and now worry about my calcium levels!!

    I never want a stone ever again!! Anyone hav more info?

    Rae xxx
  • Reply
    ngio64 Dec 22, 2011 @ 6:07 pm | delete
    I tried looking up Low Protein Diet and found this link. http://diet.com/g/lowprotein-diet
    Maybe you should try to drink more water. Be careful of tea though. Iced tea gives me kidney stones within 3 kidney. I was told to not restrict calcium but not to supplement with extra calcium either. I have been eating a lot of cheese the last few weeks. I hope it does not bother either of us.
  • Reply
    Othercat Dec 21, 2011 @ 4:06 pm | delete
    I've passed a lot of stones too (mine are stress related). The best pain pill I've found is Darvicet, with the next best being Ultram. Both can take my pain away without making me feel woozy. Also, I found that drinking lots and lots of water can help pass them faster.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Dec 21, 2011 @ 4:11 pm | delete
    Darvocet was taken off the market in the last year in the US. I miss it! I have never heard of stress related kidney stones before. I hope you find something that works as well as Darvocet
  • Reply
    ngio64 Dec 21, 2011 @ 3:52 pm | delete
    Hi everyone! I am sorry I have not been replying to everyone's posts. For some reason I got overwhelmed and just couldn't. I am feeling better and will try to respond to everyone's comments in a day or two.
  • Reply
    Frischy Dec 21, 2011 @ 3:21 pm | delete
    Ouch! Reading this and looking at those stones made me hurt just thinking about it. I feel very fortunate that I have never had this problem. My friend was getting frequent kidney stones & finally figured out it was from drinking McDonald's ice tea. She stopped drinking the tea from McD's and has not had a kidney stone since then. I hope she continues being kidney stone free!

    I enjoyed the video. Those guys have great voices!
  • Reply
    Molly Dec 20, 2011 @ 6:41 am | delete
    I am 25 female and pass a stone a month, have for past 8 years. I thought i was the master lol.
  • Reply
    desa999 Dec 18, 2011 @ 4:04 am | delete
    Having had kidney stones, a nurse at the hospital said she's given birth and had kidney stones and the pain from kidney stones was far worse. I felt better after hearing that.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Dec 21, 2011 @ 3:53 pm | delete
    I agree with the nurse. I say it is not fair that women get kidney stones and go through labor. Only men should get kidney stones. (Sorry guys, I am just kidding.)
  • Reply
    KateMonte Dec 14, 2011 @ 8:40 pm | delete
    Wow! I stumbled upon your blog completely by accident.... All I can say is THANK YOU, Nancy, for sharing your story and experiences with us! I had never heard of MSK until reading this today. I got my first kidney stone about 10 years ago, when I was 19. Approx 1 1/2 years later, in my 18th week of being preggo, I had another stone, then 4 more episode between that and the 24th week. I had to have an xray and a stint placement to clear the blockage and toxic waste from my rt kidney. Kept that thing in until I delivered at 36 weeks (apparently I went into a slow preterm labor from surgery... Contractions started when I was waking up from anesthesia). When they went in after delivery to take the stint out, they had to remove it in two operations, half at a time, because I had a golf ball sized formation in my bladder that the Dr's werent prepared to break up in the first visit.

    So, since havin my daugter in 2004, I have had at least 70 stones on record. I get attacks in both, yet my right one remains the dominant stone former. I get pretty frustrated that this happens so much, mainly because people around me don't understand. Well, my twin sister and my dad also get stones (though not as many as me), so they get it!

    My last "surgery" was in July- 6, 8 & 10 mm stones in the rt kidney. I had the stint placed in the OR after being admitted overnight, then a week later had the lithotripsy, following the stint removal, another week later. I can say that I honestly hate stints. I know we need them sometimes, and I would never refuse one, but I must be one of those people who it's very painful for :( my twin sister had her urologist place a stint and remove it the next day at her request... All inlaid thinking was that there must not have been a blockage if he didn't retrieve the stone, but though it was small enough to pass. Then why would she have needed a stint in the first place!!??

    So now, 5 months later, I'm battling more stones, right side again! It's annoying, but I'm coping at home with just advil, heat and water. My doc said I may need to have these removed if the stones fail to come out in the next 2 weeks. I was thinking that it might be time to find a local nephrologist, what do you think? I saw one in 2006, in Pittsburgh, and he was great, but he moved, then I moved... And now here I am, making stones, again!

    Have you ever heard of TBMN? this is basically bin basement membranes in the kidney. I was told that I have this. I was taking HCTZ for about 2 years to try and keep stones from forming, to no avail. So, I have one more question (and I'm sorry for rambling, but I'm just excited that I found others who understand), since I have had tons of Xrays, ultrasounds and CT scans, would something like MSK have been diagnosed already, or is this something that the DR's have to be looking for? I certainly don't make as many stones as you, but I think that my amount is certainly greater than the norm. Any input would be greatly appreciated!!

    Thanks again! I hope you continue to share your wealth of knowledge on this subject!

    And sorry for any typos, I'm on my phone and it like to autocorrect!
  • Reply
    ngio64 Dec 21, 2011 @ 4:07 pm | delete
    The stent is put in so the kidney can continue to drain if there is a possibility of a stone creating a blockage or if there is a chance of the ureter swelling shut due to irritation from a procedure.
    I never heard of TBMN before.
    Do you have, or could you get copies of an ultrasound and see if you see clusters of kidney stones (white areas on the kidney). You are born with MSK but it is not very common. (Most U/S techs and radiologists have never seen MSK except in a textbook) I had a lithotripsy, IVP's KUB and CAT scan and was not diagnosed for 6 years. First I was diagnosed with Nephrocalcinosis after an Ultrasound. Then a couple years later they told me MSK was why I had nephrocalcinosis. I think I had a spiral CAT scan when I was finally diagnosed with MSK. It is easy to see on my U/S pictures above. I hope you find out why you have so many stones.
  • Reply
    Rae Dec 1, 2011 @ 11:13 am | delete
    Hi guys! What a week I've had!! Was booked to have stents put in place on Monday, but had agonizing renal colic in tuesday morning after dropping my daughter at school!
    I was in such agony my mum drove me to casualty.
    After lots of morphine and buscapan (didn't help pain) they sent me to the hospital where my urology specialist is and they wanted to operate on me then but there was no room!!
    I'm Breastfeeding my 14 week old son so to let him stay with me my mum had to stay in the chair next to my bed and accept full responsibility for my son!!
    Then on weds I saw my urologist who wanted to operate but the radiographers were on strike so he wasn't sure if we'd get it done!! By this point im still in agony!!

    5pm he managed to get me to theatre :-) woke up to the best news that he'd crushed it all, no stents needed :-)
    Had a night of agonizing bladder and kidney cramps, but they seem to have finished!?
    My urine is still painful and full of blood but I'm hoping stony has passed!!

    I'm hoping to never get a kidney stone again :-)

    Thanks for all your support!! I feel like I've got my life back finally xxxx
  • Reply
    Rae Dec 1, 2011 @ 11:12 am | delete
    Hi guys! What a week I've had!! Was booked to have stents put in place on Monday, but had agonizing renal colic in tuesday morning after dropping my daughter at school!
    I was in such agony my mum drove me to casualty.
    After lots of morphine and buscapan (didn't help pain) they sent me to the hospital where my urology specialist is and they wanted to operate on me then but there was no room!!
    I'm Breastfeeding my 14 week old son so to let him stay with me my mum had to stay in the chair next to my bed and accept full responsibility for my son!!
    Then on weds I saw my urologist who wanted to operate but the radiographers were on strike so he wasn't sure if we'd get it done!! By this point im still in agony!!

    5pm he managed to get me to theatre :-) woke up to the best news that he'd crushed it all, no stents needed :-)
    Had a night of agonizing bladder and kidney cramps, but they seem to have finished!?
    My urine is still painful and full of blood but I'm hoping stony has passed!!

    I'm hoping to never get a kidney stone again :-)

    Thanks for all your support!! I feel like I've got my life back finally xxxx
  • Reply
    Marita Dec 1, 2011 @ 11:09 am | delete
    I am almost certain that I am going thru kidney stones right now, the more and more I read. Horrible pain in my lower back right above my kidney area, will not go away with heating pad. Driving me nuts. Go to the doctor tomorrow or Friday.
  • Reply
    Marita Dec 1, 2011 @ 11:09 am | delete
    I am almost certain that I am going thru kidney stones right now, the more and more I read. Horrible pain in my lower back right above my kidney area, will not go away with heating pad. Driving me nuts. Go to the doctor tomorrow or Friday.
  • Reply
    Samantha Nov 29, 2011 @ 3:03 am | delete
    I have Calcium Phosphate stones as well and I am on hydrolchlorit. It seems to be working really well so far. Potassium Citrate is said to not be good with Phosphate stones. You might want to ask about the hydrochlorit. It's side effects involve low blood pressure but I haven't had an issue at all. It just increases your liquid intake and output and spreads the calcium out to where it belongs and sends the unwanted calcium out.
  • Reply
    nikki Nov 27, 2011 @ 8:36 pm | delete
    Hi Good Afternoon,Im Nikki and live in little New Zealand!!! Our 16 year old son since 2007 has recurring kidney stones,its a definate that even if they go they always come back,his are made up of calcium phosphate.(he also has osteopenia which is thinning of the bones)a little background on him,he has a rare disorder called mitochondria complexIV and has numerous medical problems & severelly disabled.
    He used to in 2007 have big clusters of stones on both kidneys he had 20 on his left little ones,In august last year in his check up ultrasound we were told one had grown to 3cm he had a total of 5 stones,he cant have them shattered because they are to large,but myself and his paediatrician were shocked when we went to a team meeting with the renal surgeon,his are bad to the point the surgeon said it would be a massive operation and up to 12 hr surgery,the main issue is it is more risky to have the surgery and we were told that he may not come out of surgery due to the major risks,he has been on potassium citrate since 2007,but because that wasnt helping i researched for awhile and found Chanca piedra and with the advice of our team to try it as we didnt have much luck with others,well unfortunately that hasnt worked either he had a scan on friday and now has a 3.5cm stone and a 0.6cm on the right & a 2.6cm and two more smaller ones on the left..We are seeing the specalist again later this week,just wanted to ask if anyone has had different treatments that dont require a general anaestestic and if they have worked..On the ultrsound thankfully there is no scarring or obstructions.Has anyone here used chanca piedra??we have used it for the past 3 months. and it hasnt done a thing,mind you what might work for one person may not work for another..Our son cant eat orally either he has a tube in his tummy and is on continuous feeds with a drink he is on for all his dietry needs.we also have alot of immediate family with kidney stone issues which our specalist said although kidney stones are very common its not to common to have a big group of family with the issues.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Dec 21, 2011 @ 4:17 pm | delete
    I have heard of chanca piedra but have not tried it. I am sorry to hear it did not work for your son.
    Have they ever used a ureterscope to look at his kidneys from the inside. It looks like I have a 10cm stone on CAT scan and Ultra sound, but when they went in, it was thousands of small stones embedded in the wall of my kidney. Maybe they should take a direct look at his kidneys. I hope he feels better. It is horrible to have kidney stones, and just terrible to have them on top of other health conditions.
  • Reply
    Desiree Nov 24, 2011 @ 12:20 am | delete
    I forgot to tell you, My kidneys are deformed as a birth defect...my pyramids are not shaped right and now they are "shredded" I believe was the term my Neph. used.
  • Reply
    Desiree Nov 24, 2011 @ 12:20 am | delete
    I forgot to tell you, My kidneys are deformed as a birth defect...my pyramids are not shaped right and now they are "shredded" I believe was the term my Neph. used.
  • Reply
    Desiree Nov 24, 2011 @ 12:18 am | delete
    I can so totally relate to the lifestyle difficulties!!!! I find myself in tears (half aggravation from pain and other from feeling useless) when I can't do anything> It would be nice to have a best friend as a fellow kidney stone/disease sufferer (though I do not wish this one anyone). In 2007 I was pregnant and had to have 8 stent procedures during the course of the pregnancy and went into labor at 22 weeks, luckily magnesium stopped it. I had a walnut sized infection harvesting stone in my right kidney, both kidneys became impacted regardless and led to a nephrostomy when my last baby was just 3 months old! Zophran and Dialated are my best friends :((
  • Reply
    ngio64 Dec 21, 2011 @ 4:18 pm | delete
    Wow, a nephrostomy. Thankfully I have always been able to have my stones removed by Ureteroscopy. It sounds like you have had a really hard time.
  • Reply
    melissa Nov 20, 2011 @ 1:08 am | delete
    thanks sue cant belive you lived in tassie small world will write that down for next time I go no doubt there will be a next time
  • Reply
    Susan Jan 23, 2012 @ 10:37 pm | delete
    Another cause of difficult to identify kidney pain is Loin Pain Hematuria Syndrome. This long medical name only means that little is know about this disorder; it literally describes the symptoms ... back pain & blood in urine. The blood can be both macroscopic (visible looking like little clots) or microscopic. Chemstrips can be purchased at a pharmacy to see if blood in your urine is present with the pain. The most objective diagnosis is a kidney biopsy. It should show blood right inside your glomular nephrons or filtering units. The leading medical theory is that the kidney filtering membranes should be porous to allow blood to be filtered and urine escape as the waste by-product. Unfortunately for people with LPHS their membranes are brittle and non-porous, which results in blood trapped in the nephrons and urine has difficulty filtering. Eventually the kidney swells, much as if there was a kidney stone blocking the kidney, and once the kidney capsule is stretched, pain results. Research at Ohio State University has been my best source of information on LPHS. It is rare, poorly understood, and does not attract much research attention. Best of Luck with anyone given an LPHS diagnosis. It usually means a great deal of pain.
  • Reply
    Sue C. Nov 19, 2011 @ 5:14 pm | delete
    Hi Melissa! I used to live in New Norfolk long time ago, now in Canada. Sorry you are having all these problems with the stones. Next time you have to go to emergency, ask for Toradol, works faster and no side effects like Morphine. Yes, I did find that stones used to come around the time of my periods, very annoying...try a hot water bottle at home for the pain. Hope you feel better soon...
  • Reply
    Melissa Nov 19, 2011 @ 3:49 am | delete
    Hi I am melissa From Tasmania Australia...
    I have had Kidney stones now for the last 3 years I am so over it had lithrospy 3 time to no avail and now back at specialist to see what we can do.
    my right kidney has a lot of damage since birth and at 30% function left is ok at about 60%
    I am off for another ct scan this week and see where it leads.
    I was in emergency room last week with unbarable pain all they gave me was morphine and nearlly over dosed me.
    Anyway my question is do any of you seem to get worse stone pain close to getting your period???
  • Reply
    Painfull33 Nov 18, 2011 @ 7:36 pm | delete
    It will be two weeks this Sunday I first experienced anything equal to labor pains other than labor itself. You all know I a referring to a kidney stone! It hit hard and fast.. I went to the ER and after several doses of morphine and gravol, the pain was somewhat under control. I had CT which showed nothing, and the. I had the dye test.. With the same pain on Sunday they also discovered my stone.it was removed Wednesday and I was sent home Thursday.. I wish it ended there. Saturday I still hurt and hurt bad.. The fever came and went the sickness I felt in my stomach increased. I just marked it up as post stone issues. By Monday, I was back in the ER and back on morphine which didn't help, then dilaudid and admitted back in. They tried for two days to control my pain, and then gave me another X-ray which showed possibly 2-3 more stones!! I cried. The surgeon put a stent on Wednesday and I'm home now. I hurt still so horribly. It's been nearly two weeks! The pain is mostly left side like a knife into my back kind of pain which at times hurts everywhere mid abdomen. Again it reminds me of contractions.. Should a stent Hurt this much? Once removed is it instant relief?? Please someone please give me some good news..
  • Reply
    hotbrain Nov 18, 2011 @ 1:54 am | delete
    I'm sorry that you have to deal with this Medullary Sponge Kidney defect but I am happy to have found this amazing lens! The pictures are a big help! I'm sure this page will be a welcome find for anyone dealing with kidney stones.
  • Reply
    Jenn02 Nov 17, 2011 @ 7:53 pm | delete
    Has anyone been able to link their kidney stone discomfort with the onset of a migraine headache? I've been paying closer attention to when a migraine headache hits and the uneasy, very recognizable kidney discomfort of a kidney stone actively trying to exit my kidney. I had lithotripsy done in June, passed a lot of fragments, but the ultrasound also showed that I still had fragments present in my kidney. Wonder if those fragments have continued to collect "calcium debris" which has enabled it to "grow"?
  • Reply
    Mary Dec 13, 2011 @ 9:42 am | delete
    YES! I am in the middle of my first exp. with kidney stones -- I have a Vid. D def. and I am on 50,000 IU treatment once a week (probably waht caused it). Also Topamax for Migraines which can cause them. Three days prior to kidney stone pain, I had a massive migraine, and major nausea. Can't wait till this passes -- no testing etc. yet -- with my med background we are 99.999% sure what it is. So I sit and wait it out and just make sure I don't get a fever -- then the Doc told me tocall.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Dec 21, 2011 @ 4:19 pm | delete
    I often get a really bad migraine and then the kidney stone pain starts after a few hours.
  • Reply
    Hans Nov 17, 2011 @ 5:44 pm | delete
    i'm having this for 3rd time and on my first one doctors did took some xrays and tests. they couldn't find any stones but they suspect it's stones. i dont know what to do now! for second time it was not bad as 1st time they aleardy gave one pain killer so i took it. now i'm typing while im having my 3rd one. im going through this 4 month after second attack.
    BTW you have done a great job posting this, i learned a lot about this.
  • Reply
    Hans Nov 21, 2011 @ 10:31 am | delete
    I just found out that i'm a good stone maker and it came form heritage. when I did the CAT scan doctors didn't found any stone this time ether but they suspect that i have stones and i'm good stone maker. they told me that I have to stop having caffeine stuff because that's the one of the reason people having stones and it helps making stones. So no soda and coffee, no caffeine what so ever. I figured that every time i start having so much of coffee, i get the stone attacks.

    Guys don't have any caffeine stuff now on!
  • Reply
    ngio64 Dec 21, 2011 @ 4:21 pm | delete
    Be careful of tea, black tea and green tea, even if it is decaf. My uro said no dark sodas and no Mountain Dew but 7up and Sprite are ok. Water is essential.
  • Reply
    Hans Nov 21, 2011 @ 10:31 am | delete
    I just found out that i'm a good stone maker and it came form heritage. when I did the CAT scan doctors didn't found any stone this time ether but they suspect that i have stones and i'm good stone maker. they told me that I have to stop having caffeine stuff because that's the one of the reason people having stones and it helps making stones. So no soda and coffee, no caffeine what so ever. I figured that every time i start having so much of coffee, i get the stone attacks.

    Guys don't have any caffeine stuff now on!
  • Reply
    COKO198098 Nov 17, 2011 @ 12:01 pm | delete
    Hello I am a new member and also suffer w msk. As of monday 11/14/2011 i am trying to pass a 6mm stone. I have never been able to in the past and i currently have no ins. What should I do because the ER sent me home and from what im finding out they should not have.
  • Reply
    Jenna Nov 15, 2011 @ 11:19 pm | delete
    I'm the newest member of the club I guess! On Monday of this week, I was on a commuter bus with my husband on my way to the first day at my new job. I suddenly began experiencing the worst pain of my life and had to get off the bus and catch a cab to the ER. After a CT scan the doc told me it was a 5mm kidney stone, and was located in my ureter just above my bladder (and apparently I have several other smaller ones in my other kidney). I received 2 separate IV doses of Toradol and Morphine, but only received relief for maybe 30 min after each. I was told that the blood and urine tests also showed that it was infected.

    The severe pain subsided Monday evening and hasn't returned. During the day today (Tuesday), I've been feeling some dull, crampy pains but nothing as severe as Monday. I've been straining my urine, but haven't found any stones. I'm really unsure about what to think... Has it passed to my bladder? Could it still be in my ureter? Is the pain going to start back up again? Should I start work this week, or give it a little more time to see if the pain returns? I'm concerned about going to work because I'll be stranded in the city, over an hour from home without a car!
  • Reply
    Rae Nov 16, 2011 @ 5:01 am | delete
    Jenna I felt the same as you when my pain subsided. I have a 5.6mm stone stuck, it's been there for 12 weeks now :-(

    I was in agony for 3 days and then after a trip to the ER and confirmation of a stone, the pain suddenly went and the crampy feelings came and went.
    It's stayed like that now, and I struggled to figure out if it was still there or not!

    All I can tell you is that unless you see a stone in your urine I would think it would still be there, as I got excited thinking it had gone and then my urologist showed the X-ray of it still there :-(
    It's so depressing, I get good days and bad days and ive only got 2 weeks left until I have my op to try and remove it.
    Stay positive!! It will get better!!

    Can your doc prescribe you some emergency meds for if the pain gets worse? I have a stockpile of diclofenac and tramadol for the days it's bad! Not forgetting my hot water bottle as the best pain reliever :-)
    Keep in touch
  • Reply
    Anne -Marie Nov 10, 2011 @ 3:05 pm | delete
    i have a 10mm stone lodged in my kidney,the uriologist has fitted a stent,but i was not told how bad a stent could be !!!They said there might be a bit of discomfort,but never said how painful and how disabling it is.I when i went back to them in A&E they more or less told me i was imagining it.I have been back to my gp and he said yes they can be more painful then the stone itself and 5weeks it is till my op and then they most probably put another stent back in after the op ....not a happy bunny making me really tearful cant sleep and because of the constant pain and infections i have been so snappy(sorry hubby) i just hope they get the blooming thing out next time !!!
  • Reply
    Rae Nov 10, 2011 @ 3:12 pm | delete
    Oh :-/ is it really that painful?? What type of pain?? I have a 6mm stone stuck, been there for 8 weeks now!! Im having a procedure in a few weeks to crush it and hopefully I'll pass it!
    I have 2 young children and cannot be debilitated so should I refuse a stent?? It's bad enough that the stone causes me discomfort already!!
    I can't wait to get rid of this stone!!!
    Any advice is appreciated
  • Reply
    Rae Nov 10, 2011 @ 3:12 pm | delete
    Oh :-/ is it really that painful?? What type of pain?? I have a 6mm stone stuck, been there for 8 weeks now!! Im having a procedure in a few weeks to crush it and hopefully I'll pass it!
    I have 2 young children and cannot be debilitated so should I refuse a stent?? It's bad enough that the stone causes me discomfort already!!
    I can't wait to get rid of this stone!!!
    Any advice is appreciated
  • Reply
    ngio64 Nov 14, 2011 @ 1:06 pm | delete
    Sometimes my stents hurt a lot and I bleed the whole time. Other times it is just slightly painful. The position I am in and how much activity I am doing effect how much pain the stent causes. Heat and antiantiety drugs help me. I hope you feel better soon.
  • Reply
    ngocthuong Nov 9, 2011 @ 4:55 pm | delete
    When my daughter was five months old, she was been nephrolithiasis and had five nephroliths, the best nephrolith was 4,2mm. Now, she is eight months old, her nephrolithiasis grow and increase, she has eight nephroliths and the best nephrolith is 6mm. I meet many doctors and find all way for her but the doctors say they can't do anything because she is too young. I hope and wish anyone that know about nephrolithiasis help for my daughter. I 'm very worry and sad. Please help me. email: baokimco@yahoo.com
  • Reply
    ngocthuong Nov 9, 2011 @ 4:55 pm | delete
    When my daughter was five months old, she was been nephrolithiasis and had five nephroliths, the best nephrolith was 4,2mm. Now, she is eight months old, her nephrolithiasis grow and increase, she has eight nephroliths and the best nephrolith is 6mm. I meet many doctors and find all way for her but the doctors say they can't do anything because she is too young. I hope and wish anyone that know about nephrolithiasis help for my daughter. I 'm very worry and sad. Please help me. email: baokimco@yahoo.com
  • Reply
    lynn Nov 8, 2011 @ 7:03 pm | delete
    About 4 years ago, I was out Christmas shopping just days before Christmas. I have had spinal surgery in the past, so initially I thought it was from my back. The pain was confusing, as it came on suddenly, and wasn't in the place where the pain normally was. Within minutes I was on my way to the ER. I had no idea that I had kidney stones. As my husband drive me to the hospital, I climbed all over the car trying to find a comfortable spot. I sat on my knees, turned around and faced the seat, and even tried to get on the floor. It was "out of your mind pain!" That stone passed several hours later in the ER, as I was crawling on the floor coming out of the bathroom. Since that episode, I've been hospitalized 5 or 6 times, had numerous liptotripsies, etc. Now I go to my Urologist every 6 months for ultrasounds and KUB. There are small stones in both kidneys, but I have not had an attack for 2 years. This last visit, showed an increase in blood in my urine. The Dr. also told me to take calcium supplements, although I don't know how he came to the conclusion that I needed calcium. Too much or too little calcium are both bad.
    It is difficult to go to bed at night, and just not now whether one will make it through the night or not. I have a small overnight bag packed at all times...just in case I have to run.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Nov 9, 2011 @ 10:45 am | delete
    I am glad you found us. You will find a lot of us are in the same shoes as you. It really stinks doesn't it. I usually have lithotripsy and stents placed every six months or so, but my last procedure was in January and I have been doing OK, no blockages, the stones are passing at home with home care. I hope you can get some peaceful rest soon.
  • Reply
    lynn Nov 8, 2011 @ 7:03 pm | delete
    About 4 years ago, I was out Christmas shopping just days before Christmas. I have had spinal surgery in the past, so initially I thought it was from my back. The pain was confusing, as it came on suddenly, and wasn't in the place where the pain normally was. Within minutes I was on my way to the ER. I had no idea that I had kidney stones. As my husband drive me to the hospital, I climbed all over the car trying to find a comfortable spot. I sat on my knees, turned around and faced the seat, and even tried to get on the floor. It was "out of your mind pain!" That stone passed several hours later in the ER, as I was crawling on the floor coming out of the bathroom. Since that episode, I've been hospitalized 5 or 6 times, had numerous liptotripsies, etc. Now I go to my Urologist every 6 months for ultrasounds and KUB. There are small stones in both kidneys, but I have not had an attack for 2 years. This last visit, showed an increase in blood in my urine. The Dr. also told me to take calcium supplements, although I don't know how he came to the conclusion that I needed calcium. Too much or too little calcium are both bad.
    It is difficult to go to bed at night, and just not now whether one will make it through the night or not. I have a small overnight bag packed at all times...just in case I have to run.
  • Reply
    CiCi, RN MSK 70 stones and Prob 70 more! :) Oct 27, 2011 @ 12:50 pm | delete
    Ask your urologist..mine does not like to wait more than a month because of complications...of course call earlier if you have any! Ask for Flomax and Pyridium, makes a big difference!
  • Reply
    Nicole Oct 27, 2011 @ 12:14 pm | delete
    Hello, i am experiencing my second bout of stones and this time in both sides. Exactly a year ago i went through stents and cystoscopies and the whole nine yards. (and yes my docs always ask if im sure im not just menstruating!!! I KNOW THE DIFFERENCE!!) anywho, i was in the er a few nights ago they sent me home with drugs said they should pass on their own cuz theyre small....(what they said last time too) i was just wondering when i should go back? I mean how long should i give these suckers to pass before i follow up and make sure they are not just getting bigger in there??!!?
  • Reply
    Frustrated! Oct 26, 2011 @ 9:43 am | delete
    Hi guys, In pain pretty bad. Went into the ER last night. I told them I know that I have the sypmtoms of a kidney stone. Of course the ER dont care. THey keep me waiting for 2 hours before they would even think about seeing me. I was in so much pain i couldnt walk or sit down. I have had multiple kidney stones in the past so i know when my body gets one. I mean im not perfect but i know the symptoms cuz I have had them prior to this. BUt they give me an ultra sound of my kidneys and bladder after 5 hours of waiting last night. The nurse didnt believe me cuz the ultrasound showed no swelling of the kidney or bladder. And no stone. THe ER doc told me i should do an CT scan. I didnt want to sit there longer than i already had. After 5 hours i got a bit inpatient. The Doc told me to make an appointment with my urologist ASAP cuz he thinks the stone is moving. My question to you guys is---- Is there something I can do besides taking pain meds to make the pain ease up, I can barely stand! I cant take pain meds like that, cuz I have a 5 year old child and dont want to feel weird around my son!!!
  • Reply
    CiCi, RN MSK Patient Oct 27, 2011 @ 7:57 am | delete
    My heating pad is my best friend when passing a stone....LOL. Stay up and moving whenever you can, as gravity helps and we have the tendency to tense up in bed when in pain, and the goal is relaxing the vessels to allow movement of that darn thing! Pyridium, (medication) helps take the spasms away and feeling like you have to urinate every 3 seconds (it does turn the urine red, though) and Flomax is now used for females and great success....it made me feel so much better even though I still had to go in for surgery to get them out. Good luck! For an earlier comment....after 2 children I had to take action to prevent more children as very serious for MSK patients and too much stress on the kidneys. Chin up!
  • Reply
    samantha maynard Oct 25, 2011 @ 4:36 pm | delete
    So I am 19 years old. I had my first stone a few days after turning 18. After months of Dr's beating around the bush it was discovered that I had a rather large stone. I was giving meds to help pass the stone. In the very beginning of June 2011, I was in severe pain. I could not move off the toilet and I was having some blood in my urine. Being 3 months pregnant it was very scary!! The hospital discovered I have horseshoe kidneys, meaning they are connected. They also said I had a 4mm stone and a 2 mm stone blocking my left kidney from draining. They placed a stent into my left kidney so it could drain since I cannot have a removal surgery during pregnancy. I am now 36 weeks and have had the stent replaced back in September. When they did that surgery the bottom of my left kidney is now completely engulfed in stones. Dr is calling it my mound. I also have some that have gone through the stent and are stuck in my bladder. Mind you this is VERY PAINFUL. especially being pregnant. I am allowed to take oxycodone and hydrocodone a few times a day but it does not get me out of misery. I can feel the stones move and cut me. The baby also sits and grins up against the stones as well as my stent. Another source of excruciating pain that leaves me literally screaming in pain and unable to move. I use a heating pad on my back and bladder area to help with the pain as well as baths. I was wondering if anyone had any other advice as to pain reduction. I've been trying to talk my ob into inducing me but he does not understand hr pain that I am in :(. I miss out on so much in life. I can barley work. When my husband and I go to the store I have to use a motor cart because I can't walk the entire time. I'm so ready to be out of pain and move in with my life but from the sounds of my drs ill be doing this forever :/
  • Reply
    Gina Oct 26, 2011 @ 9:33 am | delete
    im sorry your going through such pain! Kidney stones are worse than giving birth!!! Being pregnant sucks specially with multiple kidney stones and there isnt much you can with pain! I am amazed they are letting you take vicodin cuz that could harm the baby! I used alot of ibprofun as well as that icy hot stuff on the area that you could feel it. Hot baths are the best pain relief I found. I was quite scared to take much of anything when i was pregnant. I suffered from multiple kidney stones during pregnancy and the only thing they would offer me was tylenol and ibprofun. Stents are the worse part of any of the surgerys! I also took AZO tablets which kindof numbed it and allowed me to urinate. (Not sure if those are safe during pregnancy.) I know I probably didnt help much. But i hope you feel better!!! n as soon as you have your baby, get that stuff taking care of! God bless and ill keep you in my prayers!!!!
  • Reply
    Marla Dec 23, 2011 @ 12:21 pm | delete
    When I was pregnant with my daughter almost 3 years ago now, I had about 30 stones. It started at 27 weeks. I had severe kidney pain and blockage. I had a stent put in but continued to be in unbearable pain. The stent itself was one of the most painful experiences I have ever had. The first stent put in was metal and the doctor just shoved it in, no pain meds, no anesthetic, nothing. I couldn't pee, and I couldn't stand the pain, I thought I was going to go into labour because of all the pain I was in. After weeks of suffering in agony my doctor referred me to have a nephrostomy tube put in to relieve some of the pressure in my kidney and so that the stent could be removed. The weight of my daughter on the ureter and stent was also adding to the pain. The nephrostomy tube provided some relief for a while but then it also became blocked. Apparantly the tubes became calcified and I had a 1cm stone in the kidney that blocked the tube. So... I had to go back for another stent. It was a different doctor who removed the first metal stent and put in the next stent. He was shocked that the other doctor still used the metal stent and he had a much softer more flexible kind of stent that he used. This time the stent was more tolerable, for a while. Because I was pregnant it was hard to control the pain. They did give me percocet and morphine when I was in the hospital. They assured me these were safe for the baby. I was also given toredol at times when the morphine wouldn't work. At around 34 weeks, I just couldn't stand the pain anymore. Finally I saw an obstetrician who agreed to do a C section at 38 weeks. I couldn't even fathom waiting another day let alone another 4 weeks to get rid of these stones, but I wanted to make sure the baby was okay too. So at 38 weeks I had a C section. Two days later I had my first surgery to remove the stones. Turned out I had 7 stones stuck in my ureter that the metal stent had been rammed up alongside, a 1 cm stone stuck in my right kidney, and 10 stones in my left kidney. They blasted what they could in the first surgery and removed the nephrostomy tube, but the doctor had to go in a second time two days later because he couldn't see to finish the job the first time because of all the debris. I had a stent put in after the surgery to help pass the residue. 3 weeks later, I had that stent removed. My daughter was born healthy at 7lbs 11 ounces. She was perfect. She is almost three now and smart and funny and obviously the pain medication had no affect on her. I am now 26 weeks pregnant, have passed 3 stones already and have a 7mm stone stuck in my right ureter. I am terrified of going through what I went through the last pregnancy and am praying that I pass this stone soon. I can't have surgery until I give birth, which is still 3 months away, so I can't imagine the torture that the next 3 months may have in store for me if I don't pass this stone. I understand the pain you are in and I am so sorry your doctor doesn't. Kidney stones are the worst pain imaginable. But... my doctor told me morphine was okay (in smaller doses obviously), and I was taking percocets every 4 to 6 hours on really bad days. The pain never fully went away but it helped. You should talk to your doctor about better pain management. There is more they can do then ibuprofen. That's ridiculous! Take care, I feel your pain. I hope you get some help soon.
  • Reply
    CiCi RN Oct 21, 2011 @ 7:18 pm | delete
    I was diagnosed at age 24 with bilateral MSK and now 56, having passed 70 stones and I have 4 ureters! It would be awesome to bypass the ureters, just think of how much less pain you would have! Perhaps someday kidney transplants will be easier and we all will get them :) Pain and fatigue a constant battle and you can only focus on making the best out of what we are dealt and never give up! Let us know what decision you made and how you are doing! CiCi, RN
  • Reply
    Dan M Oct 21, 2011 @ 4:38 pm | delete
    I was diagnosed with unilateral MSK over 25 years ago. I am 48 now, I have 100's of stones in the kidney. So many that I live with a stent in for 3-4 months at a time. Then I go into the hospital and they change out the stent and clean any stones out in the ureter. Problem is, now the stents seem to migrate down out of the kidney after 2-3 weeks. Dr has suggested a nephrostomy tube or an autologus kidney transplant. This is where they remove my kidney and then re-attach it directly to my bladder, bypassing the ureter. Idea is that the stones will come out of the kidney and drop immediately into the bladder. Has anyone heqard of this before? I live on Long Island, so if anyone knows any good nephrologists/surgeons in New York City, I would appreciate the heads up.
  • Reply
    susang12345 Oct 21, 2011 @ 4:56 pm | delete
    Hi Dan,
    I have not heard of the autologus transplant, but I have heard of where they remove the kidney and transplant it into the abdomen. I have bilateral MSK, I'm 35 and had one of my kidneys removed in 2003. Each day I worry that I will have non-stop problems with the remaining kidney. At the end of the day, I am thankful that I had 8 years (and counting) of a pretty good run with out stones and daily pain. Only a couple UTIs and handful of stones is a good run for me.
    All the best!
    Susan
  • Reply
    Dan M Oct 22, 2011 @ 3:12 pm | delete
    Hi Susan- They are the same thing. My current urologist suggested the "self transplant" as a possibility if my renal function is still good. My creatinine is fine, but I still need to have a nuclear renal scan next week. I have a history of stones in my other kidney, as well as kidney cancer in the family, so they are cautious to just remove the MSK kidney. By the way, congrats on 8+ years post op. That is awesome!
  • Reply
    Samsntha Oct 19, 2011 @ 2:19 pm | delete
    Hi guys,
    After all that pain and agony and night in a @e I had it all again for 5 hours last night! After the urology dept told my gp on Monday I was not URGENT enough and might not be seen fir another 4 weeks. Somehow today after giving him some of my results etc he managed to fit me in tomorrow morning at 11.15!!!! Horrors now I'm bricking if even though I want this all to end!!! What should I expect?
    You've all been great support and really good info. Keep it coming please x x sam
  • Reply
    Jodi Oct 19, 2011 @ 8:51 am | delete
    I didn't think I was the only one...Thank you Sandra and Sue!!! My DR underminded my pain the entire time the day of my surgery, he actually said, 5 minutes before my surgery "I don't think we will find anything, I think you should see an OBGYN!" Cuz I can't tell the difference..REALLY?
    It's hard not to bitter at my DR and the stone it's self, you feel like you are having some of your life stolen from you, and it's frustrating!!!! I look at all the things I have missed because of the cronic pain, 3 stinkin, pain in the a@$ years!!! all those days speant in the ER on drugs more potent than morphine, my daughters kindergarten open house missed, nights on vacation crying on the balcony of the cruise ship in pain, my sons 9th b-day, mothers day at my grandmothers...and when people ask about my surgery and I tell them it was actually a huge kidney stone, they respond like a kidney stone is no big deal...it's nice not to feel like the only one (although I am sorry to hear others suffer as well!). I actually have considered anti-depression meds, back when no one knew what was wrong with me. People don't understand what a toll kidney stone(s) can take on a persons life. Thank you for the support with your own experiences, this has been very theraputic:)
  • Reply
    clm72 Nov 26, 2011 @ 1:14 am | delete
    Hi, I am not sure that the small stone is my problem, but here goes. Back in March, I got this spasming pain in the center of my back. I could not get up, stand anything for 3 days! I went to my gp, she said maybe it was a pulled muscle. They did urine tests, etc. There was an infection in my urinary tract. I took antibiotics, and in a couple of weeks I seemed on the road to getting better. By Memorial day, I had such pain on my right lower, upper side and around my ribs into my back. My GP sent me for test to check my gallbladder, well wouldn't you know it, my gallbladder was only working 13%. I thanked God they figured it out and was scheduled for surgery. Before surgery, I kept telling the surgeon I also had lower pain in my side, he said that isn't your gallbladder, and did the surgery anyways. It was also on the right side of my belly button, like a spasming pain. Surgery helped nothing, it got worse than ever! I went to my GP who sent me for a CT scan. It showed a small stone that she said should pass on its own. It has been 6 months now, I am frustrated, tired, and miserable constantly. They said it isn't big at all, I haven't noticed ever passing any. Has anyone had pain in any of these areas, or just your back? I sometimes get sharp pains before I urinate in my lower right side. The pain is very dull and achy, usually not sharp pains, but I have had a few. Sometimes I go maybe a few days with no pain, it seems to cease with my period. I also saw the gynecologist and had biopsies, etc., nothing. Sometimes when I stand it doesn't hurt as bad, or lay a certain way it doesn't. Tighter pants like jeans also makes it feel better? My Dad has had a lot of stones, some they could not get broke apart even. I cannot remember what they told him about his kidney, but can it be hereditary? He is male, of course, Lol, and doesn't seem to have the same pain as I do. Please any information would be deeply appreciated. It has been to long. I also have anxiety that makes me feel worse about it, that is why I am asking here because I didn't see anything that would scare me, Lol.
  • Reply
    Sandra Oct 19, 2011 @ 1:13 am | delete
    What a great site. Thanx for all the info. Last year I was diagnosed with a cluster of kidney stones on my right side. I occasionally felt pain; but nothing like what I experienced last week. I had not been feeling well for a couple of days (nausea, back pain, groin pain) and I was hoping it would pass. Boy was I wrong. On day 3, I had such severe pain I couldn't stand. Took some oxicodone which I had one hand due to a previous surgery. Unfortunately I made the mistake of going to the ER where I waited for 6 hours, The meds had kicked in just before we arrived, I guess they didn't think my problem was urgent enough. The next day my personal doc sent me for xrays and ultrasound. They found I had clusters in both sides. The measurement they gave me for them are 6 mm and 8 mm. I'm waiting for a ct scan and to see a urologist. I lost a week of my life because of the pain. Percoset helped but it kept me relatively pain free. Too bad it also kept me in bed. I'll keep you posted. And yes Jodi, I too experience more pain on or around the time of my period. We're not crazy.
  • Reply
    Sue C. Oct 18, 2011 @ 2:42 pm | delete
    I am through menopause now, but I remember that I did used to get stones around the time of my period - wondered whether it had something to do with the cramps/contractions squeezing the ureter as well? Might be crazy idea I know...
  • Reply
    Patricia Dec 3, 2011 @ 11:13 pm | delete
    Would love the advice of the women who see the connection with their periods:

    I historically have had serious menstrual cramps that radiated down to my inguinal crease / upper thigh, as well as low back pain during my period. I got it checked a few years back with ultrasound and they found that I had some cysts (endometriomas) on my ovaries, and determined them to be the source of the extra-strength cramps. The Dr. said that sometimes endometriomas can also form in the inguinal crease area, too. I started exercising a bit more, lost a little weight and bodyfat, and started drinking a lot more water. This coupled with a lot of ibuprofen made it manageable to the point where I wasn't bedridden during my entire period.

    About 5 months ago I changed two things: I went on a higher-protein diet to work with some blood-sugar fluxuations I was having. I was eating some kind of protein and greens at every meal. The other thing I did was switch my ibuprofen to extra-strength tylenol, thinking I could go with something lower-strength after all these years of stabilizing on the ibuprofen.

    Immediately my periods became super painful, with 2-3 episodes of severe, almost psychedelic cramps/spasms every period.

    This past month, my lower back went out in a way that it hadn't in almost 20 years. I used to have lower back pain all the time, but got in shape and went to a chiropractor and it went away. I went to the chiropractor and that got rid of the extreme pain, but my lower back was still tender and a bit weak.

    This past period ended a week ago and the cramps are still here, although milder. That has never happened. My cramps have always ended on day 3 or 4 of my period. They are in the exact place that they are during my periods - lower back, near my ovaries, and radiating down to my inguinal crease/upper thigh on my right side. I can feel the spasms and radiating more specifically at the lower-level of pain, and started to wonder if it was a kidney stone. It does seem to get worse after a meal, which always include a protein.

    Advice?
    I also started eating spinach about 5 months ago.

    So, all this has me wondering if this was always a kidney stone condition that got worse during my period and my new high-protien diet has created a tipping point. Having pain *not* during my period is certainly a new experience for me.
  • Reply
    Patricia Dec 3, 2011 @ 11:13 pm | delete
    Would love the advice of the women who see the connection with their periods:

    I historically have had serious menstrual cramps that radiated down to my inguinal crease / upper thigh, as well as low back pain during my period. I got it checked a few years back with ultrasound and they found that I had some cysts (endometriomas) on my ovaries, and determined them to be the source of the extra-strength cramps. The Dr. said that sometimes endometriomas can also form in the inguinal crease area, too. I started exercising a bit more, lost a little weight and bodyfat, and started drinking a lot more water. This coupled with a lot of ibuprofen made it manageable to the point where I wasn't bedridden during my entire period.

    About 5 months ago I changed two things: I went on a higher-protein diet to work with some blood-sugar fluxuations I was having. I was eating some kind of protein and greens at every meal. The other thing I did was switch my ibuprofen to extra-strength tylenol, thinking I could go with something lower-strength after all these years of stabilizing on the ibuprofen.

    Immediately my periods became super painful, with 2-3 episodes of severe, almost psychedelic cramps/spasms every period.

    This past month, my lower back went out in a way that it hadn't in almost 20 years. I used to have lower back pain all the time, but got in shape and went to a chiropractor and it went away. I went to the chiropractor and that got rid of the extreme pain, but my lower back was still tender and a bit weak.

    This past period ended a week ago and the cramps are still here, although milder. That has never happened. My cramps have always ended on day 3 or 4 of my period. They are in the exact place that they are during my periods - lower back, near my ovaries, and radiating down to my inguinal crease/upper thigh on my right side. I can feel the spasms and radiating more specifically at the lower-level of pain, and started to wonder if it was a kidney stone. It does seem to get worse after a meal, which always include a protein.

    Advice?
    I also started eating spinach about 5 months ago.

    So, all this has me wondering if this was always a kidney stone condition that got worse during my period and my new high-protien diet has created a tipping point. Having pain *not* during my period is certainly a new experience for me.
  • Reply
    Jodi Oct 18, 2011 @ 9:32 am | delete
    For something soo rare for females to experience, there are a lot of females on this site!!!!!!! To all the females, do you seem to notice more attacks just days prior to your period? If I am going to urinate brown blood, it's always within the 5 days before my period...and yes I am urinating it, I know the difference, my male DR doesn't seem to think i do! (Sorry I am just really frustrated with him treating me like I am crazy!!!)
  • Reply
    Jodi Oct 18, 2011 @ 9:32 am | delete
    For something soo rare for females to experience, there are a lot of females on this site!!!!!!! To all the females, do you seem to notice more attacks just days prior to your period? If I am going to urinate brown blood, it's always within the 5 days before my period...and yes I am urinating it, I know the difference, my male DR doesn't seem to think i do! (Sorry I am just really frustrated with him treating me like I am crazy!!!)
  • Reply
    c.g Oct 17, 2011 @ 4:05 pm | delete
    hi there..i have had kidney stones for the past 12 years. I have horshoe kidneys were my kidneys are fused together, and lower in my back. i have had so many surgeries i have lost count. The only time i have ever passed stones is when i was pregnant with my twins. Now my stones stay in my kidneys i had a 4cm stone extracted percutaneously. I have mulitple stones thatwont pass but they wont do surgery due to the fact were they are located, i need help, i am in constant pain and in the ER monthly. What do i do if they wont be extracted?
  • Reply
    Ashley Oct 17, 2011 @ 4:04 pm | delete
    Hi I am 20 years old and was told I have kidney stones about a month ago. Apparently they are fairly small but I have them in both kidneys. Today in class I all of a sudden had sharp pains in my back,like a tinging pain. I assume it was in my kidneys. I took 3 advil for pain but it barely helped and I was still gasping in pain. Then the pain started in my stomach on the same side as the pain. It was pretty bad and I had to throw up because it hurt so much. Could this be my stone beginning to pass or is it just bothering me? There has been no pain or blood when I urinate and I urinate regularly. Sometimes there will be a slight tingle in the groin area. are my stones starting to pass?
  • Reply
    Samantha Oct 16, 2011 @ 2:40 pm | delete
    Hi. Thanks for your replies today. I have just in the last half an hour had theist terrible labour type pain ony left side!! I went up to the loo to catch my pee and it looks more like tarr! That fell into the glass but no stone that I could she ( it was like a show or hemmirage) blotted that and then peed. Very dark and bitty very painful and then my stomach ran and ran!!! Do u think this is my stone passed !? Plse tell me if this sounds normal!
  • Reply
    ngio64 Oct 16, 2011 @ 4:17 pm | delete
    This could be your stone passing. The blood is a good indicator. If you stop having pain that would be almost a sure thing. They do call it renal colic because it can come and go like a baby with colic's pain and crying come and go.
  • Reply
    Samantha Oct 15, 2011 @ 6:25 am | delete
    Hi. I feel like such a baby having read your blog and what u put up with constantly. I live in Oxford uk and for a couple of weeks been having horrid sharp pains int right side. Thinking it was my " girlhood" I went to the dr eventuall ! Initially all bloods done nothing but bladder infection ! Relief ! Until pain got worse and then couldn't hold any food down. Eventually wednesday night my dr sent me to a&e he suspected kidney stones. Yes they found a 3mm ) small I was told nothing to fret about kidney stone lodged in the ureatha and bladder junct. ) well pain!!! Is 3 mm suppose to not hurt because this one does. And how long and I suppose to wait for it to calm down or pass? Any clues would be good! I have been referred to a urologist but who knows when given pain relief and something to flush tamsulosin and something for nausea. Any advise would be great tell me if I'm being a baby I can take it. X sam
  • Reply
    Rae Oct 15, 2011 @ 11:32 am | delete
    Hi sam I'm Rae, I live in glos uk and am in a similar situation to you. Six weeks ago I gave birth to my beautiful baby boy only to be in agony a week later with a kidney stone!!
    I ended up at a and e after three types of antibiotics, ct scan showed a stone of 5.6mm big!! It was sheer agony :-( and although mine is bigger don't feel like a baby!! 3mm is still huge compared to the size of your ureter!
    Be glad that yours is close to your bladder, mine is still stuck and I'm waiting for an operation to remove mine :-( sounds bloody awful!!
    I could really do with someone to talk to about this operation? As I have my two children to look after so need to be realistic about pain and what I'll be able to do after??
    Anyone?? xxx
  • Reply
    Jodi Oct 17, 2011 @ 10:55 am | delete
    just had the surgery 10 days ago after 3 years of intense pain...it wasn't so bad, was on percacet for 24 hours and keltoric, still have kidney spasms on occasions, but hopefully the worst is behind me....a word of advice, say no to the stint...everyone i spoke to say they make the discomfort worse..i refused one and was fine:) ps- my stone was located at the base of my kidney (blasted the stone was still half the size of my pinkie finger nail) and was undetected for 3 years, despite numerous CTs, Xrays, and ultrasounds!!!!!!! Good luck
  • Reply
    ngio64 Oct 15, 2011 @ 8:06 pm | delete
    Yes, Pain can be severe according to other kidney stone sufferers on this page and online support groups.Sometimes adding something for anxiety to relax you when you are in such bad pain relaxes you enough to allow the smaller stone to pass. Some stones have spikes and other sharp edges. Just because it is 3mm does not mean it will pass on it's own and that it shouldn't hurt.
  • Reply
    Rae Oct 17, 2011 @ 12:29 pm | delete
    The fact that I'm breast feeding my 8 week old son and have a 4 year old plus two stepchildren and numerous other animals to look after and feed makes things very complicated!!
    Been contradicted by so many different doctors and consultants over all the different antibiotics and pain killers given to me :-(
    I just want this nightmare to be over!! Thinking I will refuse the stents, I can't cope with anymore discomfort!!
    My stone is 5.6mm and definitely stuck in my ureter :-(
    Thanks guys :-) really makes me feel better to have some support from people who have been through it.
    Does the scopey thing that they put up your urethra hurt bad after?
    X
  • Reply
    Rae Oct 17, 2011 @ 12:29 pm | delete
    The fact that I'm breast feeding my 8 week old son and have a 4 year old plus two stepchildren and numerous other animals to look after and feed makes things very complicated!!
    Been contradicted by so many different doctors and consultants over all the different antibiotics and pain killers given to me :-(
    I just want this nightmare to be over!! Thinking I will refuse the stents, I can't cope with anymore discomfort!!
    My stone is 5.6mm and definitely stuck in my ureter :-(
    Thanks guys :-) really makes me feel better to have some support from people who have been through it.
    Does the scopey thing that they put up your urethra hurt bad after?
    X
  • Reply
    Jodi Oct 18, 2011 @ 9:16 am | delete
    I had terriable burning the first 1/2 a dozen times or so urinating, and it still stings now and then, but not bad. My DR actually was surprised, and said that it wasn't normal....Good luck:) PS- I have 4 kids (2, 5, 10, &12) and a hobby farm and could do things normally again 2 days later.....first 2 days I depended heavily on my husband, but my DR also said this wasn't normal to experience renal colic after the surgery, but my stone had been logged there for at least 3 years which DR said isn't normal either.. Good Luck:)
  • Reply
    Rae Oct 18, 2011 @ 3:11 pm | delete
    Thanks so much Jodi :-) I know what to expect now.
    Do you think I should definitely refuse stents??
    Rae xx
  • Reply
    Jodi Oct 19, 2011 @ 9:06 am | delete
    I refused, and I don't regret it! My friend works a lot with the urology surgery dept at the hopital, and advised against it...said the removal of the stints can cause renal colic in some people (but some experience nothing). She also said a lot of patients complain the stints are uncomfortable and some say even painful. My DR removed the large stone fragments after blasting and I did , for the most part just fine without the stint ...but with everything, it is a case by case and a personal choice:| Good luck and Congrats on your new baby boy:) PS-When is your surgery?
  • Reply
    Rae Oct 18, 2011 @ 3:11 pm | delete
    Thanks so much Jodi :-) I know what to expect now.
    Do you think I should definitely refuse stents??
    Rae xx
  • Reply
    deb Oct 13, 2011 @ 9:02 pm | delete
    what does it mean if you get kidney pain AFTER drinking water mixed with lemon. It consistently gives me pain and a tight feeling in my kidneys. I haven't had kidney stones and i've never had my kidney looked at (no insturance) but could this mean anything?
  • Reply
    Katy Oct 5, 2011 @ 10:10 am | delete
    It's nice to know I'm not alone is this god awful kidney stone world. I'm a 20 year old female who had been passing kidney stones since I was about 12-13 years old. They seem to be getting better now that I was diagnosed with gout back
    In '09 I'm on allopurinol daily but the doctor said because of my age it could affect my liver function dramatically. Is there any once else out there with gout that has medications suggestions?
  • Reply
    ngio64 Oct 15, 2011 @ 7:58 pm | delete
    I take allopurinol daily too. I am 47
  • Reply
    ngio64 Oct 15, 2011 @ 8:02 pm | delete
    I take allopurinol for my kidney stones. I am 47.
  • Reply
    Cindy Oct 3, 2011 @ 9:19 pm | delete
    Not sure if I passed stone have had several in the past lots of pain to pass them. Short story been using cup to collect urine to strain and today I Did not look in cup before urinating , after notice small stone in the cup. I felt nothing when urinating but not sure still have pain in my right side, have numerous stones in both kidneys. I am scheduled to have surgery in am sooo not sure what to do. Is it possible the large amounts of water I have been drinking has dumped another stone out. Help trying to decide if I should cancel surgery in the am
  • Reply
    Amber Oct 5, 2011 @ 10:43 am | delete
    Water always helps to push the stone through! But if you have multiple kidney stones it is best to stick with the surgery! Because the relief you feel after wards will be worth it. Stents suck as we all know but at least its only for a week! Good luck!!!
  • Reply
    Rosalie Oct 3, 2011 @ 1:07 pm | delete
    Hi, I have been having pain in my back just under my rib cage, as well as severe pain in the right "groin" area. I had an ultrasound that showed a small kidney stone. I have to see my doctor again tomorrow about it, but in the mean time I found this website, so I thought I'd ask a question. My kidney stone isn't in a ureter (sp?) so it isn't blocking the flow of urine or anything. I can understand being in this much pain if the stone was blocking something, but my stone isn't. Is it normal to have such severe pain if the stone isn't blocking the flow of urine? Thanks in advance for any replies!
  • Reply
    Sue C. Oct 3, 2011 @ 3:08 pm | delete
    In my own experience, a stone doesn't have to be blocking the flow of urine, for the pain to be excruciating. The stone is moving, so it will hurt...unfortunately. Good luck and hope it passes soon!
  • Reply
    Rosalie Oct 4, 2011 @ 6:48 am | delete
    Thank you for responding. I just kinda couldn't believe the little stone could be causing all of that pain if it's not blocking anything, and kept thinking it must be something else. After reading through all these posts, though I see that it IS most likely the kidney stone. Wow, I gave childbirth twice with no medication, and that pain was no where NEAR this bad!
  • Reply
    Amber Oct 5, 2011 @ 10:41 am | delete
    From one kidney stone sufferer to another! The pain associated w/ kidney stones suck!!! I had a 2MM one and it hurt like hell! I also couldnt believe the pain associated with the stones! But Sue is right. When the stone moves anywhere within your kidney and or ureter it hurts. Even if it moves a tiny bit!!! They tell ya to push plenty of water to get it out, but that hurts too!!! LOL... Good luck. I never liked pain killers, but vicadin works wonders for me!!! Again Good Luck!!!
  • Reply
    Kim Oct 5, 2011 @ 10:48 am | delete
    Aren't they horrible? Mine has been stuck for 2 1/2 months, just outside of my right kidney. I have been miserable! I do agree, it's compariable to childbirth. I hope you feel better soon. Heating pads and hot baths helped me, eases it up a bit. Good luck!
  • Reply
    Eileen Giordano Oct 1, 2011 @ 12:15 pm | delete
    Your picture of the urologist holding that evil tool has me shuddering in memory, lol. A few years ago I went thru a summer of hell - two shockwave tratements for two different stones, Took the stent out too soon for the 1st one and wound up in the ER Having emergency stone fragment removal. Second time went better until I had to have the stent removed - doc couldnt get a hold on it and was the most painful thing ever, worse than the stone. Had to have the stent surgically removed and have sworn if I ever have another stent, that is the ONLY way I am getting it removed. Have been feeling a little niggling pain in my right kidney lately and am getting that panicky feeling. I know my kidneys are full of stones, but have been ok the past few years, no stones moving or passing. I Have a feeling its short lived!
  • Reply
    Amber Oct 2, 2011 @ 9:14 pm | delete
    I know that sucks! BUt I too know that feeling! I drank coke to help brake the stones down cuz I think the stent is worse than the surgery itself! I will not get that stent again if i can help it!!!
  • Reply
    Rae Oct 16, 2011 @ 12:53 am | delete
    Hi amber, have you had surgery to try and remove a stone? I'm waiting for surgery and want to know what to expect as I have 2 small children to look after!
    How painful is it afterwards? And are stents really horrific?
    Rae xx
  • Reply
    Margaret Sep 30, 2011 @ 5:22 pm | delete
    Okay so I am 25. I had my first kidney stone experience when i was 19 ( i had 3 at one time). Earlier this month i had some horrible pain and i knew exactly what it was. Went to the ER and my suspicions were confirmed where they said i had a kidney stone..ended up having to give me morphine, dillauded and then when i got my prescriptions loratab. about 5 days later i passed it...I woke up today wasnt feeling very well. I actually felt like i was developing a UTI. So my mom helped me out and got me some azo's. Then about an hour later the pain started and again i recognized this..Not even 3 weeks after the kidney stone i had and passed earlier this month i have developed another. So i went to the ER where they were against giving me another CT scan since i had had one so recently ( so i have no idea how many i have or how big they/it are/is. they gave me a shot of Toradal and Morphine. And sent me home with 5 different prescriptions. Now my question is...Is it normal to develop kidney stones that quickly if you dont have some kind of severe underlying problem? Should i be tested for MSK?
  • Reply
    Terri Sep 30, 2011 @ 9:15 am | delete
    By the way Thank you for all your help making this site bad to suffer but nice to hear others understand your pain! I cant even sleep on my left side due to kidney pain all the time.
  • Reply
    Terri godscreationbirds@gmail.com Sep 30, 2011 @ 9:13 am | delete
    I have passed a 9mm stone and a 7mm just recently going to have litho Oct 5th. After the stones are broken up are they small enough not to hurt when you pass them? I am worried about it I have some huge ones in my left kidney so please let me know about the pain after litho. Thank you good luck to you and your kidneys!
  • Reply
    Kim Sep 27, 2011 @ 3:14 pm | delete
    My first stone was passed about 7 years ago. It took over 2 months to finally pass. For the last 4 months I have been in pain from more kidney stones. I passed one two months ago. I was so happy to feel better. It only lasted one week when I was once again hit with that horrible back and lower stomach pain. I still have not passed my stone. I went to a walk in clinic on Saturday and was diagnosed with another UTI. Moderate blood was detected. My three days of antibiotcs are done as of this morning. I do feel somewhat better but still have some symptoms of the kidney stone remaining. I believe the stone is now in my bladder. I have tried the lemon juice and oil olive home remedy. It worked within 7 hours of the kidney stone I passed 2 months ago. I have tried it several times recently for the latest stone, to no avail. I am now trying the 8 oz lemon juice followed by 8 oz water with one oz lemon juice every hour. I'm not too sure how this is going to go, it's making me really sick to my stomach. Does anyone have any suggestions? I am trying to avoid going to the hospital due to no health insurance. Am I damaging my kidneys by not going to a doctor? I also have been experiencing muscle cramps, bad enough to wake me up in the middle of the night. I also am very weak and tire very easily. Thanks for any info you may share. Thank you
  • Reply
    Amber Oct 2, 2011 @ 9:21 pm | delete
    THe best advice a friend gave me was drink coke a cola. It helped brake down my stones and i was able to pass them!
  • Reply
    Kim Oct 5, 2011 @ 10:45 am | delete
    I ended up in Urgent Care of Saturday afternoon. I had a CT scan on Sunday morning which showed a 7 mm stone stuck near my kidney. I went in yesterday and had lithrotripsy. I'm very sore in my back and tummy. But wow, I don't feel that constant pain like I did before. I'm so glad that I finally bit the bullet and went to see a Dr. Due to having no insurance, it makes a person want to stick it out. Well after five months in total ( one stone I passed a week before feeling this new one) I could no longer take it! I feel for anyone suffering from this, I pray I never again have to go through this.
  • Reply
    Candice Oct 5, 2011 @ 4:22 pm | delete
    A urologist told me tonlay off the dark colored sodas as they can cause kidney stones
  • Reply
    Gina Oct 6, 2011 @ 9:13 am | delete
    They also told me to lay off dark soda that it was worse then light soda! But i swear coke helped me!!!! Glad you finally got it done Kim!!! I was stuck wth stones for many years and the chronic pain of it and not knowing what it was!!! That was as a young child I never knew just thought that it was normal!!! Due to being poor as a kid and my parents not having no insurance i suffered from that till i was old enough to get my own insurance!!!!
  • Reply
    Amber Oct 6, 2011 @ 9:17 am | delete
    Right, they told me that to candice. but i was willing to try anything at that point and a friend told me about the coke. I usually drink 1 can of soda a day. and they also tell you to lay off sodium so i drink low sodium. well pepsi is the lowest but coke is like acid it can eat through anything. as gross as that sounds i drank a can of coke for like a month and i passed my stone. i am a chronic kidney stone suffer and have never in my life been able to pass a stone until then! Ive had stones my whole life. and the feeling of it is unbearable!!!
  • Reply
    cristalsnow Sep 25, 2011 @ 8:40 pm | delete
    I am currently on day 10 of passing kidney stones. my Ct Scan showed there to be one left. That was 3 days ago... And im still waiting. I spend my days pretty much in bed or in the bath tub woth my side propped up. The only medication i take is 800mg of motrin. It works well and is over the counter. A friend of mine passes kideny stones all the time and suggested i go and get fresh coconuts, cut i hole and drink the water. He then said i need to push.. I thought he was nuts. but i feel the stone moving. After drinking a whole coconut i down 2 bottles of water and need to urinate. When i go to the bathroom i push as hard as i can.. i will keep you posted on the results of this advice..
  • Reply
    kim Sep 27, 2011 @ 3:31 pm | delete
    Has this helped?
  • Reply
    cristalsnow Sep 25, 2011 @ 8:40 pm | delete
    I am currently on day 10 of passing kidney stones. my Ct Scan showed there to be one left. That was 3 days ago... And im still waiting. I spend my days pretty much in bed or in the bath tub woth my side propped up. The only medication i take is 800mg of motrin. It works well and is over the counter. A friend of mine passes kideny stones all the time and suggested i go and get fresh coconuts, cut i hole and drink the water. He then said i need to push.. I thought he was nuts. but i feel the stone moving. After drinking a whole coconut i down 2 bottles of water and need to urinate. When i go to the bathroom i push as hard as i can.. i will keep you posted on the results of this advice..
  • Reply
    ngio64 Oct 15, 2011 @ 7:55 pm | delete
    I have been sick lately. I hope by now you have passed the last of your stones. I heard a lot of remedies for kidney stones, but I never heard of coconut water.
  • Reply
    Sue C. Sep 24, 2011 @ 5:25 pm | delete
    Saw my urologist last week. I have stones in both kidneys, incl. an 8mm in right side which they are not sure will pass naturally. He recommended a 'bilateral uteroscopy' to get rid of all stones. I won't have it right away as am recovering from heart surgery right now. I mentioned the lemonade remedy and he said it worked but the mix has to be weak otherwise you will get too much sugar and put on weight! Not good for diabetics either of course (which I'm not). I've had stones for well over 30 years and am quite familiar with the pain, going to various specialists, the ER, etc., and travelling with stones too - one in New Zealand, one in England, one in Paris...not fun! This site is great for info.
  • Reply
    MSK newbie Sep 23, 2011 @ 9:11 pm | delete
    I just was diagnosed with MSK a few mos ago after my creatine levels were high and I was referred to a nephrologist. He did some tests and diagnosed me with MSK. I had been having kidney stones on and off before then but that they were starting to become worse. Since June, i have gotten a kidney stone basically every other week. It's sad that I am getting used to them and know what I can and can't tolerate before needing to call the doctor for pain meds or before needing to go to the ER. Your website is great because I haven't really been able to find much info out there on MSK. And the best advice I seem to get from my doctor is 'drink plenty of fluids.' Which is something I already did and continue to do, but doesn't help to prevent/help the stones from forming. But thank you for the info and sources. They have been a help and to know that there are more people out there w/MSK and not just stones.
  • Reply
    stonez Sep 22, 2011 @ 2:23 pm | delete
    Hello,
    I have had kidney stones for a year! they are yuko! and my pain will start in the back (or flank side) feels like a charlie horse, and then spread to the front . Or it will start in the front and then I'll get the flank pain. Anyway you look at it it's not a good time. But I have a good rutine going. Once I get that undenialbe feeling I start with the Toradal, Flomax and if needed Zofran for vomiting. I think they have a mind of their own.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Sep 23, 2011 @ 4:57 pm | delete
    It sounds like you have a good handle on your pain. Did you know you should not take Toradol for more than 5 days in a row?
  • Reply
    Courtney Sep 20, 2011 @ 12:15 am | delete
    Hello,
    Thank you for this website! I am 23 years old and have had back and side pain for 7 years now. I was only diagnosed with kidney stones two years ago when I suffered through passing one and thought my appendix was exploding! The dr. said I had 5 in my right kidney and 2 in my left. The problem is, I am a poor college student with no insurance and cannot afford to have them zapped or whatever they do to get rid of them. I have passed two since then and know I have more because of the constant pain. I also have been experiencing a ton of bloating and nausea lately on top of the side and back pain. Do you have any suggestions? Until I can afford to go to a Urologist, I think all I can do is wait around and hope I'm not doing anything important when the pain hits. Am I damaging my kidneys by waiting so long? Thanks so much
  • Reply
    camel_girlmn@yahoo.com Sep 20, 2011 @ 10:28 am | delete
    Did they tell you the size of the stones? I too suffer from chronic abdominal pain as well as bloating and nasaueted. They prescribed pills for nasuea. but i think you can buy some over the counter. And as weird as this sounds- MIDOL helps with bloating!!! I am constantly bloated and have learned to rely on midol and AZO tablets. THey say they dont have anything to help brake the stones up but in my opinion coke a cola works wonders. I had a 4mm stone which was to big to pass i drank a can of coke a day and it broke down to a 2mm. and be sure to push plenty of water. it helps clean out the kidneys. If you have trouble going to the bathroom- go in right away!
  • Reply
    ngio64 Sep 20, 2011 @ 8:25 pm | delete
    Courtney, It really is not something to ignore. A stone can block your kidney. Would you quialify for medicaid as a last resort.my urologist wants me to drink 2 gallons of distilled water a day. Maybe that would help some. I can never down that much, I think I get a gallon on good days. I hope you fell better soon and get to see a urologist.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Sep 20, 2011 @ 8:25 pm | delete
    Courtney, It really is not something to ignore. A stone can block your kidney. Would you quialify for medicaid as a last resort.my urologist wants me to drink 2 gallons of distilled water a day. Maybe that would help some. I can never down that much, I think I get a gallon on good days. I hope you fell better soon and get to see a urologist.
  • Reply
    Courtney Sep 20, 2011 @ 8:50 pm | delete
    I don't think I qualify for medicaid, but I will check again. I don't drink as much water as I should but thank you for reminding me! I am always worried the stones will create a blockage, but until I can afford insurance I don't know what else to do.
  • Reply
    Amber Sep 20, 2011 @ 9:38 pm | delete
    Im not sure where you are from. But Im in Minnesota. And the way it works here is that medicaid goes by your income. And if you are not employed medicade costs like 4$ a month!!! It is also that way in the state of Arizona!!!! In MN there is some clinics that will take you then they have the bill later option!!!! Not all places are buttheads and only want money!!!! Always always push as much water as you can, cleans your system out!!! Good luck!!!
  • Reply
    Robin Sep 16, 2011 @ 12:14 pm | delete
    I'm 23 and have my first stone... I was in the ER for a good chunk of time. My main problem is the fact that I can't eat, I have a real big problem with throwing up. They gave me a ton of anti nausea stuff and even then I was throwing up, when they gave it and afterwards.
    I'm still nauseous but haven't thrown up. I'm pretty much on a liquid diet as of now. Any suggestions for how I can get passed it? And also I was in the ER on a Tuesday and I have't passed it yet (it's a Friday) I was thinking of going back to work on Monday, but I'm scared of passing it while in the classroom. Any advice on that one?
  • Reply
    ngio64 Sep 16, 2011 @ 1:48 pm | delete
    If you are in pain while at work but can still work you will be ok. If the pain starts getting worse you should go home so you can take pain meds without having to drive home. If the pain is to much to tolerate without pain medicine when you wake up Monday-CALL IN SICK. Do not try to drive if you take pain medicine. Drink lots of extra water and lemonade made with lemon juice concentrate. Best wishes.
  • Reply
    Amber Sep 17, 2011 @ 8:36 am | delete
    I also was having issues with keeping food down cuz of the stones, At first i lost alot of weight. THen went to eating crackers and drinking water! The acid in lemon juice and or lemonade can upset your stomach even worse!!! Or at least it did for me!!! If your pain gets worse to where you cant tolerate it with pain killers go to the er.. call into work, you have a legitmate excuse!
  • Reply
    susan Sep 13, 2011 @ 3:08 pm | delete
    Had kidney stones removed from both kidneys, stents were killing me so they removed them 2 days later, ow! Now its 4 days after and Im having pain in my kidneys in the front up to my neck! Like chills and spasms..... Is this normal?
  • Reply
    Amber Sep 16, 2011 @ 9:37 am | delete
    Sounds like all the stones are not gone yet and or the stent hasnt done its just. Stents suck big time but there is a reason they are there. Did they laser your stones or just take them out? Cuz if they were lasered, the stent helps remove the fragments of stones. as well as keep your ureter open. It sounds like kidney stones still there to me. those are all the symptoms of that. If it gets worse i would contact my doctor, maybe you have an infection? or something to do with your ureter since the stent was not in long enough? Good luck!
  • Reply
    ngio64 Sep 16, 2011 @ 1:43 pm | delete
    Wow I am surprised that the doctor removed your stents. Yes they are painful but they keep your stones from getting stuck again. It sounds like the fragments are working their way down the ureters the hard way. Call the doctor if you are still in pain. Best wishes
  • Reply
    Priscilla! Sep 12, 2011 @ 5:43 am | delete
    Hello iam 19 years old and I went to the er the othr day because I couldn't pea all day the test came back as a UTI, all day Sunday iv been getting really bad lower back pain amd it moves toy lower part of my belly it hurts to breath sometimes
    I don't no wat to do I don't like the doctor's. And don't have insurance! Is there anyone that could give me any advice??? Thanks
  • Reply
    ngio64 Sep 16, 2011 @ 1:40 pm | delete
    if your pain is so bad that it is hard to take normal breaths I would really recomend that you see a doctor. If your kidney is blocked you could lose the kidney. Best wishes for your health.
  • Reply
    Christi Strahan Sep 11, 2011 @ 11:26 pm | delete
    Hello, I am a 30yr old mother of 3 under the age of 5 and am now pregnant with my fourth baby. At about 12wks pregnant and having very clody urine, intermittent flank pain, and extreme nausia and exhaustion I was misdiagnosed for almost a month. It was a kidney infection. They gave me iv fluids and Tylonol, anti nausea meds and anti biotics but the pain didn't improve much. So they did ultrasound to find a 10pm and a 7 mm in my right kidney. My dr. Said it shouldn't bother me and it only has a 10%chance of trying to leave my kidney and cause problems which would be more complicated during pregnancy. Do you think they will stay there as well and if they do stay, can they cause damage or a blockage? Also, can they or did they cause the kidney infection? Thanks so much, Christi :)
  • Reply
    Amber Sep 13, 2011 @ 11:53 am | delete
    With a 7MM stone- there is no way it is passing through.If it does try to leave the kidney it will go to the base of the kidney and it will cause severe pain. And can block your flow of urine. They can cause an infection as well. Being pregnant is hard with stones. Cuz they cannot do anything until you give birth. My expirence with a big stone. Caused flank pain, and pain in my shoulders as well as my abdominen. Drink plenty water and stay well hydrated. Dont worry to much about it unless you cannot go to the bathroom! Good lUck
  • Reply
    Christi Strahan Sep 13, 2011 @ 4:03 pm | delete
    Thanks! My dr. acted like it is no big deal and no worries. I started having more pain and It just feels like it is bouncing around because it will feel like sharp pains in front, then back, then on sides. But it isn't horribly painful. Having 3 natural births with no meds and that being a 10, this is only an annoying 3. so, now that I know what to look put for, that makes me feel a bit better. If the stones do come out is it sudden extreme pain or does it start slowly? Thanks so much for helping all of us kidney stone beginners and God Bless :)
  • Reply
    Amber Sep 16, 2011 @ 9:33 am | delete
    WEll personally I think everyone is different. But when the stones started moving on me, it hurt like hell, and when they entered my ureter, it hurt even worse and when you actually pass them its quite painful but instant relief. See, I have a high pain tolerance also and when i get pain i top it at a 7 or 8 at the highest, i dont like pain, but i know how to deal with it, since having these stones. Usually stones are not considered a big deal unless its backing you up or whatnot. I know the pain isnt a great feeling but you will feel till you get rid of the stone. Mostly the pain was in my neck and shoulders after waiting a year to get the stones out. So hopefully it wont be too bad on you!!!
  • Reply
    Amber Sep 16, 2011 @ 9:33 am | delete
    WEll personally I think everyone is different. But when the stones started moving on me, it hurt like hell, and when they entered my ureter, it hurt even worse and when you actually pass them its quite painful but instant relief. See, I have a high pain tolerance also and when i get pain i top it at a 7 or 8 at the highest, i dont like pain, but i know how to deal with it, since having these stones. Usually stones are not considered a big deal unless its backing you up or whatnot. I know the pain isnt a great feeling but you will feel till you get rid of the stone. Mostly the pain was in my neck and shoulders after waiting a year to get the stones out. So hopefully it wont be too bad on you!!!
  • Reply
    ngio64 Sep 16, 2011 @ 1:38 pm | delete
    I had kidney pain from kidney stones during my second pregnancy. I also had gallstones. I did not know it was kidney stones until 6 weeks after delivery when they did a cystoscopy of my kidneys and saw they were full of stones. Stones that big should not be able to pass on their own, but they can block the opening. If you have a lot of pain, it is simple(and safe) to get an ultrasound to see if you have hydronephrosis from the kidney stone. That would be a medical emergency because a blocked kidney can lose function. Best wishes for a healthy birth.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Sep 16, 2011 @ 1:38 pm | delete
    I had kidney pain from kidney stones during my second pregnancy. I also had gallstones. I did not know it was kidney stones until 6 weeks after delivery when they did a cystoscopy of my kidneys and saw they were full of stones. Stones that big should not be able to pass on their own, but they can block the opening. If you have a lot of pain, it is simple(and safe) to get an ultrasound to see if you have hydronephrosis from the kidney stone. That would be a medical emergency because a blocked kidney can lose function. Best wishes for a healthy birth.
  • Reply
    Teddy Sep 5, 2011 @ 5:05 am | delete
    Hi I'm 28 yrs. old and have a 6 year old son, If I would suspect how I get a Stone was that I'm not a water drinker, I'm lazy to urinate always. I also take Vit.C Ester C Calcium Ascorbate 3,000mg or 1,000 mg a day. and taking contraceptive pills too. Yeah Its true some Nephro just don't understand how much pain we are experiencing. It would be nice that one of them had successfully gone stone free themselves before they can convince me the medication to take. Had this pain experienced two months before I consulted a Nephro. She gave me Rowatinex and acalka. Hoping this .4mm would just passed in my urine as she said so. 7 months passed Got ultrasound again. The stone was still there with small multiple stones. She want me to be scheduled ESWL. It is so expensive for me. Really. So I'm Looking now for natural alternatives that won't cost me too much money. and to save my health, I'm scared. Do you know If there is later side effects of having ESWL? I heard it will affect my fertility in the future. Will it not damage the tissue of the kidney after? Does Rowatinex and acalka Is effective to others? How about Uriflow and renavive? is this safe and effective?
    Will I go to faith healers? and other natural healer?
    What could be the fastest and safe way to be stone free :,(
    I really need help here...
    Thank you.
  • Reply
    Teddy Sep 5, 2011 @ 5:05 am | delete
    Hi I'm 28 yrs. old and have a 6 year old son, If I would suspect how I get a Stone was that I'm not a water drinker, I'm lazy to urinate always. I also take Vit.C Ester C Calcium Ascorbate 3,000mg or 1,000 mg a day. and taking contraceptive pills too. Yeah Its true some Nephro just don't understand how much pain we are experiencing. It would be nice that one of them had successfully gone stone free themselves before they can convince me the medication to take. Had this pain experienced two months before I consulted a Nephro. She gave me Rowatinex and acalka. Hoping this .4mm would just passed in my urine as she said so. 7 months passed Got ultrasound again. The stone was still there with small multiple stones. She want me to be scheduled ESWL. It is so expensive for me. Really. So I'm Looking now for natural alternatives that won't cost me too much money. and to save my health, I'm scared. Do you know If there is later side effects of having ESWL? I heard it will affect my fertility in the future. Will it not damage the tissue of the kidney after? Does Rowatinex and acalka Is effective to others? How about Uriflow and renavive? is this safe and effective?
    Will I go to faith healers? and other natural healer?
    What could be the fastest and safe way to be stone free :,(
    I really need help here...
    Thank you.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Sep 16, 2011 @ 1:31 pm | delete
    There is a native herb called stonebreaker or Chanca Piedra you could try. I don't know if it works or not. It is available from the internet at various sites. I can't vouch for it's effectiveness since I never tried it and know no one that has tried it. I am sorry I never heard of Rowatinex or acalka or renaivie, I have heard of Uriflow but have never used it.
    I would suggest you drink lots of lemonade made with lemon juice concentrate. Make sure to consume enough lemonade to have at least a quarter cup of the concentrate per day. You may need antacids to be able to tolerate that much lemon juice. I have a friend that just drinks the lemon juice concentrate straight. ewww! I hope you feel better and pass the stones on your own. Drink lots of water too, even if you hate it. Some people drink beer to pass kidney stones but I have not experience with that.,
  • Reply
    Sue C. Aug 16, 2011 @ 8:34 pm | delete
    Possibly the stones have moved into the ureter and are on their way out. Did they not give her anything for the pain? If that continues, maybe a trip to the ER would help.
  • Reply
    Daisee Aug 16, 2011 @ 8:31 pm | delete
    Really good website. Thank you for the info. I had a 14mm x 10mm stone on my right and 12mm x 12mm stone on my left. I had ESWL 4 weeks ago and the stent pain was really awful the first few days then just really uncomfortable the next 3 weeks. Then I had another ESWL. Woke up with next to no stent pain. So strange. Hope she got them this time and hope to have stents out in a couple of days. The only pain I have is just every once in a while (once or twice a day) just as a finish urinating and it runs all the way up my back (only on the left side). Suppose that is just me trying to pass one of the stones or perhaps a problem with the stents? I know you aren't a dr. Just really curious if that intense pain (though very very brief - like a matter of seconds) is what I can expect when I do finally pass the stones. Thank you for your help!
  • Reply
    Amber Sep 13, 2011 @ 11:55 am | delete
    Its the stent. The stent makes it feel like its straining from your bladder to your kidney. I hated that stent more than I hated the surgery. It caused me a lot of grief for 6 weeks!!!
  • Reply
    AMT Aug 16, 2011 @ 7:14 pm | delete
    My daughter has had 4 UTI's in the pastv 3 months. She has severe pain on her lower back. Everytime the dr. has checked her urine, she has had blood in it. They did an ultrasound yesterday, with the results showing numerous stones in her left kidney. Today they did a CT scan and said there are zero stones. She didn't pass any overnight. And the pain in her back is almost unbearable. Any ideas? We are totally clueless to how the stones all disappeared in less than 24 hours.
  • Reply
    Full Of Kidney Stones Sep 6, 2011 @ 10:15 pm | delete
    I have had kidney stones for about 2 yrs. I am 16. This is causing me lots of trouble with school. My stones never show up on CT scans. They are too small. I also, have had 3 UTIs this past month. There is always blood in my urine. It is actually visible to the naked eye. But my stones never show on CT scans. Strain your urine and when you pass the stones, take them to your Dr. This gives them further proof of your stones plus, they can then test the stones and put you on medicine to dissolve and keep stones from forming.
  • Reply
    Amber Sep 13, 2011 @ 11:59 am | delete
    Different tests show different things. If there were stones there from the ultrasound then they were there. They did not dissappear. Ct scans are usually the best at showing up the stones. However, that does not mean they dont exist. If she is in pain and still has blood in her urine, i would defintly find another kidney clinic to go to! Good luck
  • Reply
    kidney stone round 2 Aug 11, 2011 @ 7:11 am | delete
    What a helpful site. I have a 1 cm stone (yes 1 cm not 1 mm). The urologist just put in a stint and lasered it. Waiting to pass the fragments... Once you've had a stint put in how long does it usually take to pass? I am now on day 3 of collecting urine in a "hat" and found nothing yet.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Aug 11, 2011 @ 1:32 pm | delete
    The stent keeps your ureter open so stone fragments do not block the flow of urine. You might not pass any fragments until they take out the stent. I have had the stent removed and then found fragments pulled out along with the stent.Make sure to collect the urine at the urologist's office right after he removes your stent. You many pass a lot at that time. Best wishes.
  • Reply
    kidney stone round 2 Aug 12, 2011 @ 11:01 am | delete
    Thanks! I'll keep my fingers crossed!
  • Reply
    kidney stone round 2 Aug 15, 2011 @ 6:28 am | delete
    So I go tomorrow to have the stent removed. Any advice? I have collected many "grains of sand". I guess the laser blasted it to bits??!!
  • Reply
    ngio64 Aug 15, 2011 @ 9:21 pm | delete
    Good luck tomorrow. It is never as bad as I work myself up about. It only lasts a few minutes and you might be achey for a while afterwards but I get almost instant relief.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Aug 11, 2011 @ 1:32 pm | delete
    The stent keeps your ureter open so stone fragments do not block the flow of urine. You might not pass any fragments until they take out the stent. I have had the stent removed and then found fragments pulled out along with the stent.Make sure to collect the urine at the urologist's office right after he removes your stent. You many pass a lot at that time. Best wishes.
  • Reply
    Sumeet A Aug 10, 2011 @ 8:36 am | delete
    After extreme pain in my lower abdomen, doctor advised for a sonography and I've been diagnosed with presence of kidney stone in my LK yesterday. Its about 5.4 mm. I'm advised to drink lots of water. My question is, does the kidney stone diagnosed only when its present in the kidney, or the further formation of kidney stones is on its way already, meaning, I'm going to do all I can to prevent further formation of kidney stones, but is there any chances, due to my previous eating habits, and not drinking enough fluids throughout the day, the kidney stone formation is already in process?
  • Reply
    ngio64 Aug 10, 2011 @ 12:32 pm | delete
    Water and PH are very important in stone prevention. A lot of us take Potassium Citrate (urocit K) to correct the ph and make it less likely to form stones. Drink as much water as you can and lemonade helps too. Hopefully you only have one stone. The only way to tell is by Ultrasound or KUB.
  • Reply
    jen Aug 10, 2011 @ 6:50 pm | delete
    The ONLY way my stone was detected was by ultrasound and then a CT. Had lithotripsy done in June. Best "operation" in my opinion to have to go through, LOL!
  • Reply
    ngio64 Aug 12, 2011 @ 1:44 pm | delete
    Sorry, I forgot to mention CAT scan. The radiologist told my urologist to stop sending me because I have too many stones to count and they can't even compare the previous CAT scans because of the amount on stones. Lithotripsy works great, but I hate the stent afterwards. My doc keeps the stent in for 3 weeks.
  • Reply
    vicki Jul 26, 2011 @ 9:35 pm | delete
    i have passed 170 stones now over 20 years,the biggest being a 6mm and now im fighting to pass a 5mm,i feel for anyone passing a stone and some doctors just dont get it,well,if they past a stone they would,
  • Reply
    ngio64 Aug 10, 2011 @ 12:33 pm | delete
    I think all urologists should pass a kidney stone before they get board certified in Urology!
  • Reply
    Jesse Sep 5, 2011 @ 3:42 am | delete
    yes they should
  • Reply
    Roxann Jul 18, 2011 @ 8:38 am | delete
    Thank you so much for sharing your story. I have been suffering 33 years. I have been told that I had no reason to be in pain because there are no pain receptors in the kidney. That just isnt true, I have had intermittent kidney pain nearly everyday of my adult life. I have MSK and it is complicated by strep toxin. I hhad the same doctor for over 15 years thinking I had adequate care when in fact I didnt. I had developed multiple embedded stones in my right kidney and he said I was fine I would live a happy healthy life even though I had been hospitalized numerous times for sepsis, kidney abscesses and lg kidney stones. I called Ohio State University and they saw me and my test results and did surgery a month later. I have since been in and out of the hospital with abscesses and sepsis from the embedded stones My specialist and surgeon feel that my only hope for recovery is to remove the right kidney. I hope this works. Living with MSK makes it difficult to lead a normal life when the doctors are not on your side. They need to listen to their patients and be proactive at preventing the infections. They don't understand how painful, and exhausting it is to wake up every morning in pain and be told its all in your head. I hope that you keep this page for a long time so we have a place to come when we have ?'s and need support because no one can understand what we deal with except other suffers. Thank you and God bless each and every one of my fellow suffers
  • Reply
    Heather Aug 25, 2011 @ 6:05 am | delete
    Roxann-
    You just wrote my life! This site is so helpful, If anything, I know I'm NOT alone in this. I'm in the process of finding new doctors myself. Both my kidneys are loaded with stones. My stones are also embedded ( YUCK).
    Thank You for sharing. Positive thoughts your way
  • Reply
    CiCi, RN Jun 24, 2011 @ 9:10 am | delete
    As a health care professional I can give you some tips on not being viewed as a drug seeker or addict:
    1) Be sure not to over use your medication that is for the stones. For example if you or a family member has a bad headache do not use your pain medication ordered for a stone. I know my own family members have asked for some of my vicodin and I say no and have even kept them in hiding at times when I was worried about theft in my own home, (teens and their friends)
    2) Use other methods first, prior to pain medication. I have a routine, having passed 70 or more stones, prior to just downing my pain medications: immediately guzzle as much water or fluids as I can before I get to the nausaous stage. Then I massage the area and apply heat. I walk and push down with my hand, as gravity could help and the fluids going down at the same time seem to help move it. I deep breath and apply some mental relaxation techniques to calm me so I do not reach that "breaking point". When the pain increases sometimes I only take a 1/2 of the vicodin, as I have been fooled when taking one and then the stone immediately passes and I am stuck with the side effects all day! Sometimes Aleve is all I need to take that edge off, realising I am going to still have some pain even with the stronger medication! (And it helps to keep me calmer knowing I can take some more medication at any time.)
    3) If you feel like you may be desiring the medication more than when your pain is reaching a high level talk to someone about this, as you do not want to have issues with these medications and as you know a common problem with many. (Wtch Intervention!)
    4) Be factual when talking with medical professionals and be realistic when rating your pain. As a nurse I was always more suspect of someone who said there pain is an "11" on a scale of 1-10 but obviously not showing that kind of pain....childbearing and kidney stone patients REALLY know what a 10 is and not commonly to this level with most other diseases unless seriously injured.Be honest if you did take more, for example: "I was desperate for relief and I took three in a three hour period with little relief", or whatever. Honesty goes a long way with receiving adequate treatment.
    5) Lastly, NEVER fool around and have multiple doctors prescribe the pain meds without knowing about each other. When I saw a pain doctor for my back surgery I was very honest about the urologist prescribing Vicodin and that I always carry some in my purse due to the stones but did not take them for any other reason. If you are purchasing them on-line or paying cash to avoid a paper trail with insurance you probably have a problem.
    I hope this helps everyone because we are at risk for more scrutiny than others with prescription pain meds and probably more at a risk for becoming addicted. If you are addicted please seek help and do not continue to put your life and that of your family at risk!
    Hugs....CiCi, RN
  • Reply
    Julie Oct 4, 2011 @ 3:52 am | delete
    Good post thanks for the important reminders!
  • Reply
    Julie Oct 4, 2011 @ 3:52 am | delete
    Good post thanks for the important reminders!
  • Reply
    mama2four Jun 23, 2011 @ 11:25 am | delete
    I am a 29 yo female and I have a history of stones for 10 years. I recently had a ct done after severe pain and they told me I have 7 in lk and 5 in rk. I also have msk and nephrocalcinosis. My docs seem to think I am drug seeking and not in real genuine pain. I have been to ghe er twice in two weeks and theyve helped with the pain but then my uro says I cant be in pain because I have no blocking stones. Not true! I am in pain most of my day! I M switching to a new uro, but now my pcp thinks I am drug seeking too! I dont care aboit pain meds! I want to know what is causing these, how I can fix it, and what the heck msk and nephrocalcinosis are! My uro never even took the time to explain any of those. I am tired of being brushed off or treated like an addict!
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jun 23, 2011 @ 2:17 pm | delete
    The drug seeking label seems to get applied to many of us with MSK. I am lucky my Uro believes in my pain. I hope you get a more knowledgeable Uro the next time. I suggest you see a nephrologist who can help get you on meds to adjust your urine so you don't make more stones. My uro removes the stones that are in my kidneys when I start having too much pain, and I get better, so he knows that the stones in the kidney cause pain. He can only get a small amount of the kidney stones because with MSK the stones are mostly embedded in the flesh of the kidney (In the collecting tubules that are in the renal pyramids also called the medula, where the name msk-Medulary Sponge Kidney -comes from.
    I hope you are feeling better soon and get some good doctors.
  • Reply
    g.k. Jun 18, 2011 @ 6:58 am | delete
    hi, i think i passed a kidney stone, because after it, i don't feel burning or anything but now my lower left side feels like sore, it doesn't hurt unless i stretch a certain way but i feel sore, any ideas of what is going on? i'm going to the doctors in two days, so right now i have no idea what is going on,
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jun 23, 2011 @ 2:18 pm | delete
    G.K. Sorry I did not respond sooner. I was on vacation, camping. I hope you are feeling better by now and had a good doctor's appointment.
  • Reply
    susang12345 Jun 2, 2011 @ 1:38 pm | delete
    I am an MSK patient. Had my right kidney removed in 2003 due to constant pain. Until now I have been pain free. Last weekend became my worst nightmare. Stone attack. I was too scared to go to the ER, as I have been so many times in the past with doctors shoving me aside, not understanding MSK. I have urine test strips at home, so I was able to monitor the blood in my urine. I finally went to the doctor yesterday and confirmed the presence of blood and also bacteria. I was given something for pain (which thankfully I had a supply at home from a previous illness) and a script for the infection. They did a ultrasound and there is no swelling of the kidney or presence of stones in the ureter.
    Because of the MSK my doctor feels that I passed a stone and that I have "junk" still leaving the kidney to the ureter causing a spasm. The urine is being cultured, so I am anxiously awaiting those results.
    It has been a scary week, as I had been pain free for so many years.
    Just wondering if you have any thoughts on my situation or advice on what could be causing the pain if the ultrasound came back negative. I assume the ultrasound would show if there were stones in the kidney?? But I didn't ask the doctor that question.
    Great site-thank you!
  • Reply
    susang12345 Jun 2, 2011 @ 1:33 pm | delete
    I am an MSK patient. Had my right kidney removed in 2003 due to constant pain. Until now I have been pain free. Last weekend became my worst nightmare. Stone attack. I was too scared to go to the ER, as I have been so many times in the past with doctors shoving me aside, not understanding MSK. I have urine test strips at home, so I was able to monitor the blood in my urine. I finally went to the doctor yesterday and confirmed the presence of blood and also bacteria. I was given something for pain (which thankfully I had a supply at home from a previous illness) and a script for the infection. They did a ultrasound and there is no swelling of the kidney or presence of stones in the ureter.
    Because of the MSK my doctor feels that I passed a stone and that I have "junk" still leaving the kidney to the ureter causing a spasm. The urine is being cultured, so I am anxiously awaiting those results.
    It has been a scary week, as I had been pain free for so many years.
    Just wondering if you have any thoughts on my situation or advice on what could be causing the pain if the ultrasound came back negative. I assume the ultrasound would show if there were stones in the kidney?? But I didn't ask the doctor that question.
    Great site-thank you!
  • Reply
    Sue C. May 30, 2011 @ 12:02 pm | delete
    First of all, sorry you are experiencing so much pain. I find it is often difficult to tell exactly where a stone is when its passing. You might think it is halfway down the ureter when it is still in the kidney! Ask your doctor to prescribe an anti-spasmodic to help with those spasms in the ureter - or go to the ER if/when the pain gets really bad. My doctor prescribed Buscopan. Oh, and a hotwater bottle or heating pad really helps too.
  • Reply
    DB63 May 29, 2011 @ 5:57 pm | delete
    I'm on my first stone and dont really know whats going on. 5 days ago I had severe pain in my right kidney so i went to the doctor, got some blood work done and urine tests. They found calcium in my urine and said it was most likely a kidney stone. I felt like i could feel it traveling down the ureter into the bladder and seemed like i could feel it pass from the bladder into the urethra. I went to the bathroom last night and had UTI like pain while peeing. And for that night and still now i have discomfort in the urethra and some pain when going pee. Feels like i need to pee a lot, but not very large amounts of urine come out. I'm worried that the stone may be stuck in the urethra and i was hoping someone could shed some light on the situation.
  • Reply
    Amy May 29, 2011 @ 6:34 pm | delete
    This is exactly how if feels when I am passing a stone! I usually get the UTI feeling about 2-3 days before it actually comes out. I have never felt like one was stuck in my uretha, but I can imagine that its painful! My doctor has perscribed me a medicine called phenazopyridine 200mg; this helps termendously with the urges to pee all of the time and the spasms. If you can't get it from you doctor, its very simular to Uristat, which you can find at every drug store. Hope you feel better soon :)
  • Reply
    Renee V. May 28, 2011 @ 1:23 pm | delete
    Do you think the migraine you had was caused by the kidney stone?
  • Reply
    Tris Boston May 24, 2011 @ 10:17 am | delete
    How do you know if you are feeling like you're passing a kidney stone, if you've never passed one before? I had this horrible sharp pain in my pelvis and lower abdomen. It felt like knives were stabbing me. I also had a horrible tingling feeling too. It hurt when I went to go to the bathroom, but nothing came out and even though I've drank so much, it feels like I don't have to urinate even though I do. That kinda sounds like a uti, but the pain only lasted about 5 hours. It made it very hard to walk. My urine was also discolored (brown, dark yellow and red). The pain was unbearable until I took some pain medicine. It didn't quite feel like a uti, but there were similar feelings of pain. I started to get anxious because I'm a hypochondriac when it comes to things being wrong with my body. (I'm very intact with my body). Something just didn't feel right. I've been to the doctor and the ER multiple times, and each time they said the test results came back negative for a uti. I've just never felt that type of pain before, so I'm glad I found this web-page because I'm in need of personal feedback. I just would like some answers as to why I'm feeling this way (without the doctors ignorance). What are the symptoms of a kidney stone? Please help.. It'd be nice to have some answers.
  • Reply
    Sue C. May 24, 2011 @ 8:29 am | delete
    Have never heard of Randall's plaque till now, looked it up, calcium deposits in the kidneys, you learn something every day! I bet a lot of us kidney stone sufferers have this too. I have another stone coming down, interestingly enough after eating a lot of parsley, which someone suggested was a great cure for dissolving stones - I wasn't thinking of that when I ate the stuff!
  • Reply
    WT May 23, 2011 @ 8:57 pm | delete
    I love this page and am so glad to have stumbled on it. I too am a kidney stone producer of epic proportion. I have had 12 years of kidney stones...but the past few years have progressed to having about 4 bad episodes a year that always include multiple stones in both kidneys. During a cystoscopy last year my previous Urologist diagnosed me with Randall's Plague...is anybody else familiar with that? I had to have a Litho on one kidney in January and the other kidney in February...then last week they found multiple stones again in both. I was supposed to be taking a Citrate supplement but to to an H Pylori infection that has caused an ulcer it was suggested that I stop. My last 24 hour urine showed I had almost non existant Citrate output (<25 when it should be over 300). Long story short it is INCREDIBLE to see others have pain while the stones are STILL in the kidneys. I usually will have pain in the kidneys for weeks until the stone starts to move...then after it passes on to the NEXT stone : )
  • Reply
    Amy Gabel May 28, 2011 @ 3:44 pm | delete
    That is exactly how I am. I will feel pretty bad for a few weeks, but when I start getting UTI symptoms (with no uti) I pass the stone within 3 days or so! I went to the dr yesterday and she said she thinks she wabts to do a cystascope sp? But she first wants to talk to another doctor and see what he thinks. I have been sick off and on for 2 and a half years, but this time it's worse. I have been in pain since the end of Feb and have passed 3 stone (one 6mm and two 2mm) and have at least one more moving. The pain is mostly on the right, but the xray showed a 3mm in the left kidney. The docs are trying to avoid me getting another CT scan because I have already has 2 in the past few weeks. They are afraid of me getting too much radiation. I guess xrays aren't the best way to see the smaller stones because on my previous ct scan I had a ton of 2mm and smaller and they did not show up. I know i did not pass them because i strain my urine everytime.
    Oddly, sometimes the stone hurts worse when it is still in my kidney than they do when they are in my uritur
  • Reply
    Sue C. May 21, 2011 @ 2:47 pm | delete
    I often get a sharp pain in the kidney whenever a stone starts to move, and have often had pain only in the kidneys. I think doctors/urologists need to know that we who suffer from stones/infections, do experience pain in the kidneys. It would make sense that when a stone starts to move, it will cause pain!
  • Reply
    ngio64 May 21, 2011 @ 3:09 pm | delete
    I also have pain in my kidney often without a stone passing. I wish the doctors would believe the patients. My doctor believes me but many do not believe kidney stones in the kidney cause pain. I hope you feel better.
  • Reply
    Madison Aug 12, 2011 @ 10:05 pm | delete
    I am 16 and have had at least 2 kidney stones that they know of: one in each kidney. I have had lithotripsy done on the left side, but It has been 2.5 months and I do not think I passed it. They just found a stone on my right side and are doing a CT scan to see how big it is. These stones have not left my kidneys, yet they are causing me terrible pain. Motrin and Aleve are not strong enough; I have to take Loratab. So like you said, Doctors need to realize that kidney stones still in the kidneys do cause pain. My doctor understands but I know some that don't.
  • Reply
    Brandi May 13, 2011 @ 9:47 pm | delete
    I have been told that i have a 5.5 kidney stone. It is the first one I have ever had and I have heard about how painful it is. I have had it for about a month or two and they just found it. My question is, how long will it take to pass?
  • Reply
    ngio64 May 14, 2011 @ 8:57 am | delete
    There is no way to know how long it will take to pass or even if it will pass without surgical intervention. 5.5mm is pretty big to pass on it's own. Did you see a urologist yet? They should be able to help you. Are you in any pain? Even if it is still in your kidney it can cause pain.
  • Reply
    chicks1968 May 12, 2011 @ 9:00 pm | delete
    I am beyond frustrated at this point. This July it will be 16 years that I have had kidney stones so many that I don't even have a clue as to how many I have had. I currently am going to Cleveland Clinic but in the past month have become so disappointed. I have multiple stones in left kidney 2-3 stones in left ureter and 15 stone in right kidney along with 2 cysts in left kidney. They are all under 3 mm in size and the dr. keeps telling me they are small and they cause NO PAIN> well.....I would love to give them all to him and see if he still says the same thing. The past 3 weeks have been hell, I have a few good hours a day and the rest of the time I am miserable, I am worried about loosing my job, feel bad b/c I am not being a good wife or mother. I just want to sleep so pain goes away(oh wait) I should not have pain. Anyone else have same issues. Currently I have severe pain in bladder all the way across, and pain in right kidney.
    The pain is much worse after I urinate.
    Just looking for someone with similar problems to chat with.
  • Reply
    Amy May 12, 2011 @ 9:46 pm | delete
    Sounds just like me! I am in pain a lot of the time. I have also been feeling very guilty about not being able to keep up with my kids and leaving my husband to do much of the work I should have no problems doing. It is very depressing, so much so that I am talking with a doctor about it. I just passed a 6mm stone a few days a ago and then two more smaller ones two days ago. I know that I have one in my bladder right now too. I would love to chat with you. Please feel free to send me an email; amy.lynn.gabel@gmail.com !
  • Reply
    ngio64 May 14, 2011 @ 9:03 am | delete
    I am also in pain a lot of the time. It really interferes with family life. My family is very understanding, but it is frustrating to them too. I am sorry your doctor says you should not be in pain. Many of us here can attest that kidney stones that are in the kidney can cause a lot of pain. Gravel sized stones can cause pain. Many stones are sharp and jagged. Do you ever catch your stones in a filter or a "hat"? You may be passing stones you don't know about. I collected all the stones I caught in a month and brought them to my urologist in a specimen cup. Some of them had sharp protrusions that must have stabbed me on the way down.Maybe you can collect some of yours and see if they are sharp. 3mm should hurt! You are right, all urologists should have to experience a kidney stone at least once. It is indescribable. I hope you feel better soon or at least find a urologist that believes your pain.
  • Reply
    Jennie K. May 21, 2011 @ 8:08 am | delete
    I began having pain in my right side and back and lower abdominal area about a month ago to the point of tears. My husband is under the care of a urologist for kidney stones, so I finally decided to get my pain looked into by his urologist. My doctor ordered a KUB which showed no kidney stones. Baffled by my pain, the doctor ran an ultrasound on my kidneys. The ultrasound finally reviled a single kidney stone in my right kidney measuring about 4 mm. According to my urologist, I should not be in the amount of pain I am describing and claiming to be in BECAUSE the stone is situated in my kidney and not blocking my urine flow to my ureter.---- I have had level 5 pain and nausea this week and actually had a painful episode while at the urologist while there with my husband for his appointment. The urologist ran another ultrasound while I was there, only to discover the stone still sits in my kidney. I too am tired of hurting. How is it that the doctor is still trying to say that because the stone is still in my kidney that I should not be hurting this much. I think the symptoms of kidney stone pain need to be re-evaluated.
  • Reply
    Angie Jul 21, 2011 @ 2:14 pm | delete
    I too feel like a horrible mother and wife. I had a 8 mil stone that was obstructing my right kidney. I had lithotripsy and felt pretty good until about 2 days after the procedure. The stone they told me was demolished was actually now stuck half way down my ureter causing me even worse pain than before. They actually admitted me to the hospital after an entire week of suffering and did another couple procedures to remove it. I am in constant pain because of the stent and the won't be removing it for another week. This whole ordeal has been a complete nightmare not to mention excructiatingly painful. Tomorrow is my husbands birthday and I am stuck in bed, and probably going to lose my job as well because of all the time off I have needed. I feel your frustration and literally your pain!
    ~Angie
  • Reply
    peg m Aug 24, 2011 @ 11:03 pm | delete
    i understand you completely i was diagnosed late june with bladder infection 6 days later july 3rd ended up in er 10mm stone left side 3 days later had stent put in 8 days later lipotripsy which broke stone in three pc 4 8 and unknown size doc said original size not correct wonderful. extreme pain 3 days later another stent. 10 days later surgury #4 another lipotripsy again largest stone untouched i am heading to different hospital for laser with same doc. i lost my job i had to go to work in extreme pain had no coverage. was ho nausa and in pain mad a error was fired due to not following protocol. i lose my insurance in 8 more days hope laser works unforunately i am now experience alot of pain in my legs and my right kidney.
  • Reply
    lailaelmo May 9, 2011 @ 8:48 pm | delete
    on february i was told that my right kidney was blocked and that it has 20% function and that my left one was fine. they told me that i was born with a blockage and need surgery to correct the problem and try to save the kidney. my consultation is tomorrow. but yesterday i called an ambulance and was taking to hospital after i has pains on both kidneys after a few xrays i was told that i was passing a stone on my good kiney (left kidney) therefore i should have passed the stone last note as they said it was just getting in my bladder but tonight i have kidney pains again even thought the whole time from february i had kidney pains and was in and out of A&E now its both of them. i started by having pains on my left kidney could i be passing anotherstone? what s happening to my kidneys? please help :(
  • Reply
    CiCi RN (MSK Patient - 70 stones passed!) May 9, 2011 @ 9:26 pm | delete
    Hang in there...better days ahead! Sounds like you are getting good medical care so take advantage of the pain medicine and try to do something to distract you in order to relax...let us know how you are doing!
  • Reply
    Amy Gabel May 7, 2011 @ 1:03 pm | delete
    It's been a few weeks since I have checked in here and wanted to let everybody know I have finally passed a 5x6 stone. It was the same stone that has been bothering me since the begining of March! I feel like I have another one coming now too :( I have no infection, my urine is cloudy and smells strong and I feel like I have to pee all of the time. This is terrible! I was able to find a good urologist and I have an appointment with a nephrologist in a few weeks. I am hoping to get over this. Does anybody else have MSK and not have symptoms all of the time?
  • Reply
    Sue C. May 7, 2011 @ 3:33 pm | delete
    Yes, I have MSK and do not have symptoms all the time. I'm glad (and sure you are too!) that you passed that stone - sounds like you may have an infection there, maybe try to see your doctor sooner?
  • Reply
    Amy May 7, 2011 @ 4:06 pm | delete
    No infection, I was checked a couple of days ago and I am taking an antibiotic for a month. I will be calling the urologist again on Monday and I am going to call and get an earlier appointment with the nephrologist. I am starting to get a sharp pain in my side again and just feel lousy all over. Crossing my fingers I don;t have to go back to the ER. Seems like this always happens over the weekend :(
  • Reply
    ngio64 May 7, 2011 @ 3:49 pm | delete
    That is great that you have a good urologist. Hopefully you can get back on your feet soon. I agree with Sue, you probably should be seen sooner to check again for an infection. They are common after passing a stone. The stone can cut and scrape up your ureter while passing through, making it easier to get an infection.
  • Reply
    Sue Apr 22, 2011 @ 9:27 am | delete
    Good luck passing that stone! I've just had a ct scan which showed several fair size stones in both kidneys, and one just at the juncture of the ureter in the left kidney - not sure yet whether it is too big to pass by itself - I hope not, but it is taking a long time. I have MSK and have had numerous stones in the past. I know, drink lots of water!
  • Reply
    Stoned Apr 22, 2011 @ 7:48 am | delete
    I've got my 5th stone. I discovered it when my urine was BLACK! It scared me because I had no fever. no pain and no nauseousnous. After a few days of testing, I had to get a CT Scan and there it was. Not again! I hope that when it decides to make an exit, it won't be bad.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Apr 26, 2011 @ 1:34 pm | delete
    That must have been scary. I have had "cherry koolaid" colored urine, but never black. I hope it passes easily.
  • Reply
    Megan Apr 9, 2011 @ 11:24 pm | delete
    I was in the ER 3 nights ago and diagnosed with a 5.5mm stone and hydronephrosis - I was sent home with a strainer to wait and pass the stone and to follow-up with a urologist to analyze it.... I'm still waiting in wain and pain to pass it and I"m just wondering from what this site says above and form your experience ... does hydronephrosis indicate that I won't be able to pass this stone? The first appointment with the urologist was not for a week!!
  • Reply
    CiCiRN Apr 10, 2011 @ 12:17 am | delete
    This means you are having swelling from having a stone blocking. First, you must drink as much fluids as you can! Second, take the pain medication as this will help the relax and dilate the ureter and assist in passing it. Flomax is supposed to help so ask the MD about taking this now. I find my heating pad helps, as well. Try and stay active and not lying down all day....gravity helps too! remember....drink at least 2 liters a day!! Good luck,
  • Reply
    CiCiRN Apr 10, 2011 @ 12:17 am | delete
    This means you are having swelling from having a stone blocking. First, you must drink as much fluids as you can! Second, take the pain medication as this will help the relax and dilate the ureter and assist in passing it. Flomax is supposed to help so ask the MD about taking this now. I find my heating pad helps, as well. Try and stay active and not lying down all day....gravity helps too! remember....drink at least 2 liters a day!! Good luck,
  • Reply
    ngio64 Apr 10, 2011 @ 1:43 pm | delete
    I don't know about your case, but whenever I have hydrponephrosis they go in the same day and take the stone with retrograde urotoscopy and laser lithotripsy. If I have a stuck stone, but no hydo, I wait to have it scheduled.
  • Reply
    chicks1968 May 12, 2011 @ 9:01 pm | delete
    hydronephrosis is not good
  • Reply
    Mar 25, 2011 @ 4:37 am | delete
    your information could be be more helpful for me to update my knowledge about stones. .........thanks
  • Reply
    CiCi, RN Mar 25, 2011 @ 7:43 am | delete
    One suggestion to the group.....with MSK it is different that "just" passing stones. Our problems are different, and we are born with issues within the kidney itself which is why we form stones....not due to diet like others without the disease. Saying that, many of MSK patients will list things we "think" can cause our stones to drop. I can drink tea, and beer....when I was drinking lots of beer playing in a pool league I hardly ever had stones pass, probably because I was staying very hydrated, LOL. When I stopped playing and drinking I noticed more stones...I also notice more when taking more road trips, as well as my dehydration times, like with the flu or playing sports in the heat of summer. I have passed 70 but only one lodged and into the hospital, and interesting that I had had major back surgery 6 weeks prior and still on major bedrest and limits to my activities....I probably was not drinking water as much due to pain pills. So everyone can be different but the most important commmon demoninator is lots and lots of water every day!! Good luck and keep the stories and questions coming! CiCi, RN
  • Reply
    Sue Mar 18, 2011 @ 11:49 am | delete
    I have MSK too, lots of stones & infections over 30 years, numerous trips to ER etc., 2 lithos. Re: the pop, tea, coffee, alcohol question. When I was first diagnosed, the urologist said I had nothing but back pain - until the x-ray showed both kidneys chock full of stones. I changed urologists at that point! But I did find that drinking red wine definitely made the pain worse - tannins? My dad also suffers from stones and he said when he was working & sitting at a desk, drinking tea through the day, his bouts with stones were more frequent. Now he is retired, he has hardly had any stones. And yes, I also get sharp pain right in the kidney when the stone moves. But do go to the ER if your pain is unbearable, tell them you have MSK and need pain medication. Most medical professionals know how awful kidney stone pain is.
  • Reply
    Rae Oct 1, 2011 @ 2:50 pm | delete
    Hi I am DESPERATE for advice!! I am 25 years old and after my second child was born six weeks ago I've had an awful time! It was an awful labour ending with forceps, causing a horrible infection a week later. I had niggling bladder pains ever since, feeling like the start of cystitis but it never got worse. Then two weeks ago I had agonizing pain in my bladder and back, they thought it was an infection but after a ct scan it was a kidney stone. 6mm big and I was given tramadol, tamulosin and diclofenac.
    The pain went a few days later, but urethra pain did not go, so I am confused!!!?
    Now pains are back today even worse, but it's been 2 weeks, did I pass the stone or am I having another!!??
    Please I need advice!! I'm struggling to look after my 4 year old and my newborn son!
    Someone help me figure out whats going on
    Raechel
  • Reply
    MSK Sympathiser Mar 18, 2011 @ 11:09 am | delete
    I don't have any kidney stones so I am thankful for that. But I feel really bad for MSK patients. One of my family members has MSK and I can see how much pain they go through! It really affects their life. I will be praying for your kidney pain.
  • Reply
    melissa Mar 18, 2011 @ 2:37 am | delete
    Also there is never a night where I don't get up to pee at least 3 to 4 times a night does others have this problem as well? Thanks
  • Reply
    melissa Mar 18, 2011 @ 2:26 am | delete
    I am so glad I have found these posts, I was starting to believe I was crazy ! I'm 28 and been seeing a urologist now for about 9 years started with frequent uti's then kidney stones and my urologist diagnosed me with Msk it seemed my doctor was really good in the beginning bit over the years be just been blah like this recent episode I had started with uti symptoms and after two months of cipro I was still in pain, of course they test my urine and say no infection ,doctor did write me a bactrim and a levaquin script but told me I think your pain is from something else because I tell him its in my right back and moves in the front under the ribs , well finally a week after the doctors visit I went to the e.r. got a scan and I have stones in both kidneys ! E.R. says they are small enough to pass but this time around has been the worst pain ! Thanks for sharing your info ! Oh also this is the first place I've read any thing about POP or tea making it worse! I can drink alittle POP but if I ever ever drink tea or coffee my back kills me also alcohol , and I ask my doctor if this recent bout could of been caused by alcohol and he said no ? Have you ever heard of this ? You can email me @ Jones.missy@gmail.com
  • Reply
    Amy Gabel Mar 18, 2011 @ 3:47 am | delete
    First thing first, you're not crazy! Secondly, do I have a fellow Pittsburgher with MSK??? The whole POP thing gave it away :) YES YES YES!! Coffee, tea, and sometimes pop hurt me badly; but usually if only in large amounts. It took me a long while to wean myself off of iced-tea. I don't usually need to pee that much at night; I always go right before bed.
    My kidneys have been hurting like H@LL the past few weeks and I am having a hell of a time finding a new urologist (mine retired) I was sent by my pcp for a scan last week, which took days to get in because the urologist wouldn't call the place and tell them I needed it right away. Only because I was not an established patient) Anywho, the morning after the scan I called the office to tell them I had it done and they should have access, per their instructions. Called back, dr was at lunch, call back at 3 and the nurse says, "Oh! How funny, I have your file on my desk. I will pass it along to the doc when he is through with his next patient." I literally started crying because at this point it's friday at 3 and I only have 2 pain pills and no more antibiotics left (I also have an infection). She calls back about 20 minutes later and tells me that I definitly have kidney stones, one that is quite big, however the dr. says you can't be in pain because they have not left your kidneys yet. I tell her to tell the dr. that he's wrong and I am in pain and think I might need a stronger antibiotic because I felt like I still had an infection. She says (meanwhile I can hear the dr. he was standing right next to her) the dr said if you are in that much pain and you think you still have an infection you can always go to the ER. I said thank-you and that I would do that (at this point I was just not feeling well). I then asked her if I could make the follow up appointment while I was on the phone..her response, "Sure, his first appointment is the end of MAY!!!!!"
  • Reply
    ngio64 Mar 18, 2011 @ 12:59 pm | delete
    It sounds like time to find a new Urologist. Do you have a nephrologist yet. They might be able to help with the infection too.
  • Reply
    Amy Gabel Mar 25, 2011 @ 4:45 am | delete
    I am trying to find both a new urologist and nephrologist. The new urologist I treied to see took one look at the report from my cat scan and told the nurse to tell me that there's stones only in my kidney's and I should not be in any pain and if I was in pain to go to the ER. And if I wanted to make an appointment that I would have to wait until the end of May! I am still in pain and think my infection is still there and this is after going to the ER and having the dr there tell me the same thing. There is no reason for my pain because the stones are all in my kidneys. :( I have been taking tylenol which doesn't even work and trying to avoid advil because I have heard that it does more harm than good to your kidneys. Not sure, I just know that I HAVE to find somebody who will help me with this pain.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Mar 18, 2011 @ 12:55 pm | delete
    Melissa, I emailed you, and yes alcohol caused my kidneys to hurt.
  • Reply
    Mr. c Apr 22, 2011 @ 7:22 pm | delete
    Iam 37 and i have had 25 or more kindey stones and iam going to tell you that when i feel one coming I drink a very very large can of beer and bealive it or not you pee alot and it eather comes out or you know for a fact that it aint going anywhere and your in time for doctor but for me and my 25 or more stone a large can of light beer always does the trick and i have had them as big as 7mm in size.
  • Reply
    Amy Mar 5, 2011 @ 8:31 pm | delete
    I have finally found another person who has MSK!! Every other place I have come across has entries from a few years ago. Although I have never passed a stone, they are in there. (I have all of the images and video to prove it.) I found out about two years ago I had MSK because I kept getting UTI's and kidney infections. About once every three months or so I get really bad flank pain; it's usually on my right side, but it has happend on my left. I am so tired of this pain and cannot imagine what passing a stone would be like. Every time these episodes happen I am so scared that it may be a stone passing. My husband, who does not have MSK, has passed stones before and I feel so bad for him when it happens. I ended up at my urgent care this morning because my refills expired on my antibiotics and pain meds and my nephrologist retired last month. I was actually due for my check up this month, but of course this would happen before my appointment to see my new doctor. I have to go for a ct scan tomorrow, I just hope my pain doesn't get any worse because this time seems to hurt more than any other episode I have ever had :(.
    Thank-you for making this site. It was much more interesting and educational than anything other one I have seen. I will be sure to check back here often, even if it's just to take a look!
  • Reply
    CiCi, RN MSK Patient Mar 5, 2011 @ 11:24 pm | delete
    You could be passing stones and not aware of it....I go into a container that fits in the toilet when I am in pain, to see if I pass any and that is how I ended up with my "collection"! Of course so are very obvious and you can track the stone progress by the pain you have but others may not be as perhaps smaller or not so jagged. On thing I have learned by my 70 stones is try not to become anxious, as that causes more tensing and spasms causing more pain. At the first sign I start guzzling as much water as I can before I get to the nausea phase, and of course immediately take pain medications and use the heating pad. Try and perform some relaxation techniques and you may want to practice those when healthy so it comes more naturally when a the pain hits. Good luck and remember that you can get through this and though will always have stones ready and waiting....drink 2 liters of water a day for the rest of your life! The biggest problems I have had with MSK is when I have been dehydrated, pregnant or post surgery. Let us know how you do! CiCi, RN
  • Reply
    Amy Mar 10, 2011 @ 10:09 pm | delete
    Well, I went for my ct scan today and after looking at the images I have a few in there. One I am concerned about because it looks quite large, much larger than the others. I also found out that I do in fact have an infection. I have been taking my antibiotic but I don't think it's working. Yesterday my other kidney started to hurt. I have to call my new urologist first thing in the morning; I pray he can see me. I don't want to end up in the er over the weekend. I don't have enough pain meds to last me. Also my husband has drill duty and I will have my four kiddos with nobody to help :( wish me luck
  • Reply
    ngio64 Mar 18, 2011 @ 12:57 pm | delete
    Amy I hope you did ok over the weekend. MSK can really interfere with everyday life sometimes.
  • Reply
    Demo757 Mar 4, 2011 @ 2:13 am | delete
    I'm 23 just had my spleen removed 3 weeks ago and ever since my back has been killing me. A few night ago I woke with extreme back pain( the worst I ever felt) and wound up in E R begging for help. After a CT scan I find out I have stones. They give me a iv dose of hydromorphone, and 5 day supply of flomax. I'm on day 3 and the pain is still crippling. I drink 4 to 5 quarts of water a day n pray my a$& off. I'm racing the Internet to get help with my ordeal. I hope there are more words of wisdom for me
  • Reply
    CiCi, RN Mar 4, 2011 @ 9:09 am | delete
    My heating pad has helped, keep it on low and place it on the site of the pain/stone. I would advise, though, that due to your recent abdominal surgery you ask the Doctor if that would be ok. I think it helps by relaxing the blood vessles in the area as well as the ureter and it does lessen the pain for me. (I have passed approx. 70 stones.) Did they give you information as to if these stones should pass themselves? Good luck, CiCi, RN
  • Reply
    ngio64 Mar 4, 2011 @ 9:23 am | delete
    did they refer you to a urologist? They should have. If not try to get in to see one ASAP. Did they give you any pain medicine to take at home? I have strong pain meds to take at home. I could never do it on my own. Heating pads help me too. Cici is right. It sounds like you are drinking lots of water, good job! I hope this passes quickly.
  • Reply
    Demo757 Mar 4, 2011 @ 2:13 am | delete
    I'm 23 just had my spleen removed 3 weeks ago and ever since my back has been killing me. A few night ago I woke with extreme back pain( the worst I ever felt) and wound up in E R begging for help. After a CT scan I find out I have stones. They give me a iv dose of hydromorphone, and 5 day supply of flomax. I'm on day 3 and the pain is still crippling. I drink 4 to 5 quarts of water a day n pray my a$& off. I'm racing the Internet to get help with my ordeal. I hope there are more words of wisdom for me
  • Reply
    sc Feb 27, 2011 @ 2:27 pm | delete
    Sorry you are/have been experiencing so much pain from your stones. I have just begun to get that tell-tale twinge in the back, and know their is either another stone on the way, or an infection - sometimes it is really hard to tell! I had some antibiotics on hand, so have begun taking them to nip any infection.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Feb 27, 2011 @ 5:57 pm | delete
    I take antibiotics daily for kidney infection. It really helps my pain, believe it or not.
  • Reply
    Larry Feb 27, 2011 @ 1:56 pm | delete
    I wanted to thank you for the info on this site. I discovered it while researching hydronephrosis to understand my condition, diagnosed through a pelvic CT scan about two weeks ago. I would like to share my kidney stone experience.
    My doctor found high calcium levels in my blood nearly 9 years ago during a routine physical. I was not able to followup at that time, against my doctor's wishes.
    Five years later, in 2007, I passed 2 stones within a month. The first was 7mm and the second 5mm. OUCH!! My doctor ordered bloodwork which revealed extremely high levels of calcium. I was subsequently diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism and had one enlarged gland extracted in mid-2007.
    I was informed then that 5 stones remained in my kidneys; 2 in the right and 3 in the left, and was recommended to pursue lithotripsy treatment, which I did not due to financial reasons. It came back to haunt me two weeks ago when I felt a familiar pain in my lower back and abdomen. I went to my doctor and a new scan revealed that the 2 stones in my right kidney had finally moved and become stuck in my ureter because of their size. One was 10mm, the other 5mm. I had them removed by a urologist 10 days ago through outpatient surgery and he also placed a uretal stent, which is being removed tomorrow. I can't wait to get it out, as it has been very uncomfortable for me. But I am also quite nervous, even more so after seeing the photo of the cystoscope on here. I appreciate it though because I prefer to be informed and know what's happening to me. It helps to know there are others that have been through it, and I'm sure I'll be fine.
    Three stones remain in my left kidney; 8mm, 3.5mm, &2mm. I will pursue additional lithotripsy this year to smash them in my kidney, because the largest will not pass again.
    I sympathize with your condition. I cannot imagine going through this constantly, as you do. I encourage anyone suffering from kidney stones to have their doctor find out what is causing them. There could be a remedy. Since having one enlarged parathyroid removed 4 years ago, I have not formed any new stones. Also, we would all benefit from drinking a lot less soda and a lot more water!! Good luck to all!
  • Reply
    ngio64 Feb 27, 2011 @ 5:56 pm | delete
    Wow, you have been through a lot recently. You will feel much better with the stent out!
    You are the second person in a row to comment about the parathyroid. I will look into it.
  • Reply
    anjanette higgins Feb 24, 2011 @ 10:10 am | delete
    I just wanted to tell all of you that once u have a a stone start getting a calcium check. if your calcium is above 10.5 you could possibly have a bad parathyroid. I have had stones since I was 16 yrs old the recent ones have been 13 stones in less than three months and 9 lithros. I had a bad pararthyroid in 2008 , i now have 2 more bad ones . I am currently awaiting to see a second surgeon next week. Please just make sure again you ask to check your calcium level to be sure you done have the bad parathyroid . Good Luck to all
  • Reply
    ngio64 Feb 27, 2011 @ 5:53 pm | delete
    Best wishes on your second surgery. I hope it stops your stones. I will ask my nephrologist about my parathyroid. Thanks for the tip.
  • Reply
    Jacques Feb 16, 2011 @ 1:38 am | delete
    Hi there. i was looking up the word Cacchi-Ricci and came upon your website. I have the same condition as you and also pass a few stones very often. the pain is not that bad anymore. My question to you is has your doc given you anything to retard the making of the stones, and secondly have you had kidney failiures? i currently have a stent in my right kidney, getting it removed on friday. please email me @ sliepster@gmail.com. I have never met someone else with the same condition and would like to hear more. thank you.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Feb 16, 2011 @ 1:14 pm | delete
    I emailed you. Hope things go well Friday.
  • Reply
    Betty Jones Feb 15, 2011 @ 10:43 pm | delete
    Thanks for the fabulous website. I found the pictures very fascinating. Thank for the size references. I also liked the story part of it. I'm sorry this is a chronic condition for you. I had kidney stones about twenty years ago. Fifty times worse than giving birth (but maybe that is because my kids each came in about an hour and my stones lasted about a week). I've just been searching the web because I had kidney pain for a couple of days, but just thought maybe it was because I had been doing some strenuous cleaning, but then it came back a week later and much worse with some nausea. I was really scared by then, but the next day it was gone again. I'm wondering if stones can wander over to your ureter and back off again. Thanks for the tip about Toradol. I was given all kinds of pain medication when I had my stones and it didn't even touch the pain. I had lithotripsy and in those days they didn't put you out which I understand they do now. A nightmare, the whole thing. I'm feeling sorry for myself right now just thinking back on it. I can't imagine what people with MSK go through. After the lithotripsy I finally passed the stones and couldn't believe that little bit of sand had caused so much pain. Anyway, thanks for sharing your story.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Feb 16, 2011 @ 1:13 pm | delete
    Thanks for all the complements. I am glad I can help other people learn more about dealing with kidney stones. Remember the stones were not sand before the lithotripsy. The lithotripsy breaks it up into sand size fragments. Sometimes the sand is "shards" that can hurt anyway. If you are in pain, you are in pain no matter how large or small the stone. Feel better.
  • Reply
    Feb 14, 2011 @ 1:18 pm | delete
    Great article about kidney stone, kidney stone is really painful and every one wanting to remove it naturally. thanks again
    Ravi Kishore
  • Reply
    Samanth Feb 4, 2011 @ 2:08 am | delete
    I have a Z-pack I can take. I went to the urologist today. Seems like doctor's don't know what they are doing. They told me that there was still no sign of infection and the stones aren't trying to pass. They said I have blood in my urine though and that the stones could be moving and blocking sometimes. So they set up a ureteroscopy/laser lithotripsy wth ureteral stent for Monday. I sure hope they know what the are doing. It seemed like it was more like "Ah well we have no explanation as to what's going on so let's just go in there." :/
  • Reply
    Samantha Feb 2, 2011 @ 2:17 am | delete
    I have a question for you...Mr. Kidney Stone King. I was in the hospital last week with nausea, chills, fatigue, frequent urination and kidney pain. They said I didn't have any type of infection and that my 3 stones haven't moved and I'm obviously not passing one because they are still in the same place. I am still having my symptoms over a week later and just waiting for my appointment with the urologist. Anything you think I should ask about? Any idea what it could be? My dad had his right kidney removed last year because of stones so I get freaked out.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Feb 3, 2011 @ 8:48 pm | delete
    I am sorry to hear about your dad. I would ask it they would give you a course of antibiotics just based on your symptoms. Have they done a renal ultra sound? There are many of us that have pain like you describe with no stone or obvious infection. Antibiotics help me with my pain. (I AM ONLY A PATIENT!) I hope3 you feel better very soon.
  • Reply
    Nancy Jan 31, 2011 @ 2:37 am | delete
    My 1st stone CT-5-6mm a few weeks later KUB 4x2mm. Seeking 2nd opinion and both say lithrotripsy--I have NO pain and have read horror stories regarding lithrotripsy. Being a nurse doesn't help either.
  • Reply
    joanv334 Jan 27, 2011 @ 12:22 pm | delete
    Thanks for sharing!
  • Reply
    Othercat Jan 25, 2011 @ 8:32 pm | delete
    I get kidney stones in response to stress. For me that means I spend the first week trying to tough it out. On day 7 or 8, I finally go to the doctor (and swear each time that the next time it happens, I won't wait). He prescribes pain meds and I spend the next 1-1 1/2 weeks feeling loopy until the stone passes. In the end, I'm thankful for my stones. A couple years ago I had a stone, so they took pictures. 9 months later I felt the pain again and this time when they took pictures, they found a 27 mm tumor growing on my kidney. Because of the previous stone, they were able to look at the previous pictures and determine how long it had been growing.
    My Dad is like you. He has kidney stones all the time. So far he's filled up 3 medicine bottles with them. I wonder if part of his problem is calcium. When he first started getting them, he cut all calcium out of his diet. I'm going to send him to this lens.
  • Reply
    Betty Jones Feb 15, 2011 @ 10:48 pm | delete
    I read somewhere that cutting out all calcium scares your body into hoarding calcium which can cause stones. I don't know if it's true. Just a thought.
  • Reply
    Tyler L Jan 9, 2011 @ 4:49 pm | delete
    Thanks for a legitament site!!! not just one thats trying to sell you something.. I have not had a stone attack (down to your knees pain) thank goodness, but my kidney and ureter have been in pain from time to time,, particularly after drinking soda. Ultrasound turned up nothing, but my doctor did say that if they are microscopic the ultrasound will miss them and you still feel them moving.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 10, 2011 @ 4:02 pm | delete
    Thank you, My uro warns me against any dark (cola, Dr. Pepper) sodas. Iced tea does me in.
  • Reply
    LizMac60 Jan 4, 2011 @ 12:49 pm | delete
    Very helphul information, worth knowing. Blessed by a squid angel.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 7, 2011 @ 12:20 pm | delete
    Thank you!
  • Reply
    Sara Hoffman Jan 2, 2011 @ 2:39 am | delete
    Wonderful post! Thanks so much! I had my first stone at 13, and was diagnosed with MSK at 20. I'm 33 now. Like you I pass them all the time. I just stopped counting. But several a month. I've had issues with infections as well. I also am a BIG fan of toradol. I can remember for years going to the ER and the Dr's would have to look up MSK in a dr's manual. LOL Never had to have stents, and since my dad didn't do well with them, I think it is a blessing for me. I've had 4 babies, 3 with NO pain medicine. I'd say some stones hurt worse, and sometimes the labors were worse than some stones. Just depends. Can't wait to follow your blog!
  • Reply
    CiCi RN Jan 3, 2011 @ 8:03 am | delete
    I think having this has prepared us to tolerate pain differently as I also had a natural birth! It was the best thing ever but I think both kidney stone and birth pain were horrendous! LOL Some things in life we did not choose but bear the weight of and we are fortunate to be in the USA where medical treatment almost always readily available. Hey...we have a wonderful excuse if we need to get out of something, ha ha ha, that ole' stone is a coming down! I think I hate the overwhelming fatigue I get 24 hours prior and then after....it is interesting as my daughter has the opposite of me....she has a rare disease called Gittelmans syndrome and has low magnesium and potassium levels causing issues frequently and potential for death. Hers is a kidney wasting disease......the doctors think it is just a strange coincidence and has discovered a genetic link to her disease. Well hugs from here and chin up and keep the pain meds handy! :) CiCi RN
  • Reply
    kat from michigan Feb 15, 2011 @ 12:19 am | delete
    hi my name is katarina and ive been going through alot of kidney stone issues since jan. 1st 2011 ive had kidney stones in the past but these last ones were horrid ive had 2 stents already and just got the second one put in lastnight i hate stents but if it helps i guess its workth it doc says my kidney is so swollen that he couldnt even get up deep enough to examine it so he hopes the stent will help the swelling go down and im praying does also i had 2 3 mm stones that were stuck and he had to lazer them then he left the stent in for 5 days felt better for a few days but the pain returned and i became very nauseated it was a horrible feeling my question is do u think that the scarf tissue i have will heal with the stent he wants me to keep it in for 3 wks ant info would be greatly apprecited thanks :)
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 10, 2011 @ 4:06 pm | delete
    Don't forget you have something positive to enjoy after labor. With a kidney stone there is nothing but a little stone if you even catch it.
    With my first kidney stone I kept asking to have my tubes tied, saying I REMEMBER LABOR! LOL
  • Reply
    Gall Bladder Symptoms Jan 1, 2011 @ 6:25 pm | delete
    Thanks for this great post. I blog a lot about gallbladder pain. It's surprising how many people get confused between the two types of "stones" -- gallbladder stones vs. kidney stones. Both can be very painful, but in different ways and different places.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 2, 2011 @ 4:41 pm | delete
    I had gallbladder attacks during the last trimester of my second pregnancy. It was terrible. I had my gallbladder removed when the baby was 2 weeks old.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 2, 2011 @ 4:41 pm | delete
    I had gallbladder attacks during the last trimester of my second pregnancy. It was terrible. I had my gallbladder removed when the baby was 2 weeks old.
  • Reply
    Dana Dec 14, 2010 @ 11:17 am | delete
    drink half your body weight in ounces of fresh water a day at least.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 10, 2011 @ 4:03 pm | delete
    I try to drink a lot of water, then I am in the restroom all day, but it is worth it.
  • Reply
    OuchHelpme Dec 10, 2010 @ 2:58 pm | delete
    Thanks CiCi, I do have a UTI. Actually, in the last two years I've had a UTI more often than I have not. It seems like 5 to 8 times a year. But I do know that even after Cipro and when the UTI is "cured", the pain doesnt seem to go away. I will definitely increase my water intake. But should I try to get rid of this stone even though its not in my ureter yet or keep pursuing non-urology related causes. Heating pads, Vicodin, darvocet , tylenol 3, ultram, ibuprofen have all been tried and have not even helped me take the edge off the pain. Dauladid in the hospital is the only thing that has ever worked for me. In between emergency room visits I remain in severe pain.
  • Reply
    adeline726@gmail.com Dec 11, 2010 @ 10:04 pm | delete
    I also have Kidney Stones in both kidneys, and I do have pain even when i am not passing them. I have Chronic UTI's, i can only be off antibiotics for a few days then i get another one. The Dr's that i have been seeing say that the infection is in the stones in my kidney, and there is no way to resolve my problem except for treating each infection, but this is going on for 2 years now and i am beginning to get resistant to some antibiotics. Next month i am going to the Cleveland clinic to see if I can get any help there.
  • Reply
    OuchHelpMe Dec 10, 2010 @ 9:19 am | delete
    Hi guys. Have a question for all of you experienced kidney stone passers. I have a stone int left kidney but it has not entered my ureter. I've passed one stone before and the pain I'm experiencing is exactly the same as when I passed the stone last time. Is it possible to have pain from a stone even though it hasn't entered the ureter. I've gone broke trying to find the cause of all this pain and the only thing any doctor has found is the stone. But they all tell me it can not cause the pain while still in the kidney. Is this true?
  • Reply
    CiCi, RN Dec 10, 2010 @ 10:07 am | delete
    Though most of the pain is associated from the stone passing through the ureters, etc., there can be pain assciated with kidney or urinary issues. For example an underlying urinary infection can cause back pain. Some suggestions: 1) What is your water intake? You definitely have to drink at least 2 liters, unless your MD has directed otherwise. 2) Avoid caffeinated drinks! 3) Exercise has shown to be a benefit, even though I know you hurt and probably do not feel like it try to include or start it. 4) Perhaps ask the MD if taking an antibiotic may help, some studies have shown that even without an active infection antibioctics used for urinary infections have helped alleviate the discomfort in the back. Hope this gives you some "food for thought" and feel better soon! (Just when you think it will last forever and never go away it will! :) FYI: I have PKU and have passed over 70 stones with only one lodged causing me to have inpatient treatment! The heating pad helps and I always drink more than 2 liters a day!
  • Reply
    CiCi RN Dec 10, 2010 @ 3:13 pm | delete
    So sorry about the pain and taking all those drugs make me crazy! LOL I would definitely pursue options even if it means getting another consult. Your quality of life is so important! One tip: my pain MD reminded me to focus on the things I can STILL do and not on the things I cannot! It may be helpful to use when dealing with pain, focus on the positives and work on distractions other than lying down and taking pain medications, lots of hugs your way! (Chin up!)
  • Reply
    Larry Feb 27, 2011 @ 2:20 pm | delete
    In my experience, I had 5 stones in my kidneys for nearly 4 years and did not feel any pain until they moved into my ureter. I do know that the pain when they move is definitely recognizable to me.
  • Reply
    Robert Oct 29, 2010 @ 7:41 pm | delete
    Hey, I just had a stone removed from my ureter for the first time (5th stone overall) over a month ago and still seem to be having some symptoms. Blood (clots and bits of flesh) in my urine and pain (moderate to mild) in my groin and also a tender abdomen. My doctor keeps putting me off, saying I probably have a fragment lodged in my urethra and that he thinks it will pass. But it's been 27 days since he took the stent out. Should I be worrying or looking for another doctor?
  • Reply
    ngio64 Nov 10, 2010 @ 6:22 pm | delete
    Robert, it could also be an infection from the procedure.I hope you got in to see your doc and are feeling well by now. If not, it is probably time for a new doc.
  • Reply
    Robert Nov 10, 2010 @ 6:30 pm | delete
    Thanks for the response. Yes, I think it ended up being an infection. Antibiotics have seemed to ease my symptoms. The fact that I was uninsured made me feel like the doctor was trying to get me out the door as quick as he could. I saw him 3 times after the procedure and he never offered me any sort of explanation at all for the blood and the pain. He seemed to be mystified. Not what I want in a doctor. It was quite frustrating....
  • Reply
    ngio64 Nov 10, 2010 @ 6:53 pm | delete
    I am so glad your symptoms have eased. Make sure to follow up about the infection. Kidney infections can hang on and need more than one course of antibiotics. I bleed almost all the time I have a stent in, but when they pull it I feel so much better.
    He could be mystified because he is worried you caught MRSA from the procedure and he does not want that on his record. Be very careful about this infection.
  • Reply
    Sue from Canada Oct 27, 2010 @ 12:46 am | delete
    Hi Wes, sure hope you made it to your doctor's office and he was able to help out - sounds like a kidney stone stuck somewhere. Here in Canada, if the pain is agonizing, I head straight to the ER where they know what stone pain is like and can give me stronger pain meds. But I hate going to hospital and usually try to handle it myself at home.
    My dad also has kidney stones and has had his share of them. He once had one during the night while vacationing on a small island in Fiji where the only way off was by boat, and they were experiencing the edge of a hurricane, so he had to tough that one out. Now he's older he doesn't get many stones - he swears it was all the tea he used to drink at work that caused them, well, that and sitting too long! Yes, I am a tea drinker too!
    But your dad's experiences sounded absolutely horrific. I hope that he is much better now and does not get as much pain. I am glad that I have not agreed to having stents put in.
  • Reply
    Wes in TX. Oct 26, 2010 @ 5:26 am | delete
    I had my first kidney stone, the day I came back from extreme cold weather training in the Marine Corps 6 years ago. Since then I have been fortunate that my stones have been very small that even passing wasn't more than a discomfort. That changed about two weeks ago when they found a 6mm stone in my left ureter. I had cystoscopy with laser lithotripsy to break it up. I had a stent placed in for 1 week and had it take out yesterday. Well at about 330 this morning severe pain has returned to me and I can't even sleep. The pain meds that I do have on hand aren't doing anything. Darvacet, Flexiril. So as it is, I've been up for a couple hours now pounding water opening I can pass something. The pain is in my bladder area, and I have that urge to go but can't produce anything. As soon as the doctor's office is open I am calling in. My stones come from my father, he has a bad history with them, back in 1980 they thought he needed back surgery and were going to fuse two of his verterbre together, he held off and later found out he had a stone approximatley 1.5 Inches not mm, attached in his kidney where they had to cut him open and retrieve it. He has had the laser treatment so much that his ureters are like a kinked drinking straw and has to have permanent stents where he was replacing them every 12 months this has caused a problem has stones were crystalizing on the stent, he came down with a very bad kidney infection. They couldn't remove one stent and had to go through his back again to finally break it free. My story is no where like yours and I am both sad that you have had to endure that kind of pain, but also lucky that mine isn't as severe. I mean we can communicate via video games across the world but we can't find something to fix the issue with kindey stones?
  • Reply
    Sue from Canada Oct 23, 2010 @ 12:15 am | delete
    Hi Cici, I also suffer from extreme fatigue if I over-exert myself. Diagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome, or may be a result of the atrial fibrillation (for which I had the cardiac ablation). I empathize cuz it's no fun, right? Now I know what that phrase means "the spirit is willing but the body is weak"! When I had the cardiac surgery, I was under general anesthetic for 3 1/2 hours, so with the fluid being given by IV, was not aware anything was wrong until I woke up in sheer agony. I could not pee so they had to put a catheter in - sheer relief! But the kidney pain was just awful (took my mind off the surgery for a while tho..).
  • Reply
    CiCi, RN Oct 23, 2010 @ 6:05 am | delete
    Wow much to deal with! I also have tried acupuncture and it is a miracle for my low/sacral back pain.....I had a failed spinal fusion and was left in more pain until I got smart with the acupuncture, now off all pain medications!! I have read it can help with the chronic fatigue as well. So nice to hear back from you and keep us posted!!
  • Reply
    Sue from Canada Oct 22, 2010 @ 5:04 pm | delete
    Hi! I have MSK too, have passed numerous stones over 30 years or so. Lithotripsy twice, first one worked, second not so much, also many kidney & bladder infections. Just passed a large stone yesterday, & since last CT scan showed 8 stones in both kidneys, and 4 are now gone, 4 to go! I had a cardiac ablation April 2010 and the fluids they pumped in me during surgery overloaded my kidneys - since then I've been passing stones like crazy! Urologist recommended litho and/or cystoscope but don't want either - last cysto I ended up with kidney infection - no thanks. Can you end up with kidney damage or failure after passing so many stones or having infections? My left kidney has not been the same since the ablation, it is either downright painful so I know there is a stone on the way, or dull ache.
  • Reply
    CiCi, RN Oct 22, 2010 @ 7:59 pm | delete
    I am so sorry to hear you are in constant pain. Even though I have way too many stones in both kidneys I am fortunate not to have the kidney pain unless one is on its way out! I do suffer from extreme fatigue, though, and I do relate much to the disease. Unfortunately kidneys can be damaged by this diesase but it does appear that with proper medical treatment, getting treated quickly for any infections, etc., that our chances are much better to prevent kidney failure than other diseases. I am now 55 and do not look forward to being 80 and passing a stone! Ha ha ha but what is the alternative? Hang tough and chin up! (And do not forget the increased water intake EVERY day!)
  • Reply
    CiCi, RN Oct 22, 2010 @ 7:59 pm | delete
    I am so sorry to hear you are in constant pain. Even though I have way too many stones in both kidneys I am fortunate not to have the kidney pain unless one is on its way out! I do suffer from extreme fatigue, though, and I do relate much to the disease. Unfortunately kidneys can be damaged by this diesase but it does appear that with proper medical treatment, getting treated quickly for any infections, etc., that our chances are much better to prevent kidney failure than other diseases. I am now 55 and do not look forward to being 80 and passing a stone! Ha ha ha but what is the alternative? Hang tough and chin up! (And do not forget the increased water intake EVERY day!)
  • Reply
    tessa from san jose Sep 5, 2010 @ 2:14 pm | delete
    Hi, Im glad to find this site. I have 1 kidney stone in my right kidney lower part. Drs said no need to remove and wil not pass out even f i take meds. i dont really experienced pain i had this for 8 yrs now. my concern is i have pelvic pain for 4 years now also pain in my right abdomen. i had check kidney ok no cancer ovary ok. i can tolerate the pain but its annoying having this for many years not going away its affecting me alot. pain occurs 6 time a day maybe evry 4hrs somtime and happen only 8 to 10 days amonth then no pain for 20 days straight. I am scared to have tumor or cancer i am not sure if this related to my kidney stones also i pee alot 6 time at night i feel better after i pee not constipated. my kidney will damge if i dont remove the stone? i dont know what kind of test. I need your help. i am really worried.
    Thank you very much.
    tessa
  • Reply
    jessica Sep 5, 2010 @ 7:10 pm | delete
    i had my stone for 3 years before i realized it. i was diagnosed with ovarian cysts then when the pain was too bad for that they said i probably have endometriosis (spell?) i didnt want the scope procedure to diagnos so i delt with it for years my pain was also pelvic and i always thought it was gynocalogical(?spell)....untill it moved and got stuck mine was 5mmX10mm the only prob i had was liptotripsy didnt work it was too dense i think the density problem was from it being so old but im not really sure. i had two prcedures and now it is gone. i am 28 and felt 80 for the past 3 years. no appitite amongst many many other small annoying problems that have magicly disappeared since the stone is gone. i say get rid of it if you can i would think it could move and get stuck one of these days and then its an emergency. hope this helps. I am just so happy now that i am done. all the procedures were awefull but the end result is sooooo worth it.
  • Reply
    Amber Sep 5, 2010 @ 8:18 pm | delete
    When I first expirenced pain from my kidney stone, I had pelvic pain as well as abdominal pain. On my right side. The pain can be unbearable at times. However, if the stone is at the bottom of your kidney it can block the flow of urine, which causes you to not go pee all the way, and make you have to go quite alot. They cant do the surgery to remove your stone? Once, I had the surgery I had instant relief, once the stent was removed. I lost 55% functioning of my right kidney, due to having the stones for 10 years without getting treated. The sooner you get it taken care of the less possibbility you have of damaging your kidney. If your urologist tells u that arent gonna pass it or that u cant have surgery see another urologist, cuz there is always options. Did they tell you how big the stone actually is?
  • Reply
    jessica Sep 3, 2010 @ 8:08 pm | delete
    hey everyone finally done..........1 failed lipto, 2 week break,cyto/laser/stent,stent removal. well i will never get those 2 months of my life back but after 3 years of misdiagnosis and many days of pain and surrering i can honestly say and during it i never thought i would....this relief was really worth all the suffering. i never realized how bad i felt all those years till today. i finally feel like i am going to get my life back and i do have a 5 year old that i am looking forward to keeping up with again : ) Thankyou so much for all the help and support. -jessica (aug.5)
  • Reply
    Amy Sep 2, 2010 @ 8:30 pm | delete
    Thank you so much for this page. I am experiencing my first kidney stone and was quite frightened when I first received the diagnosis. I have heard many horror stories about stones, but your story makes me feel confident about handling the pain and the hassle of it. And I definitely share your opinion of Toradol! It took all the pain away just when I thought I'd go insane from it!
  • Reply
    Richard Sep 1, 2010 @ 5:09 pm | delete
    During my last Ultrasound / Aug 2010 --- the one before that was in 2004 --- it showed the same: a black spot on my right Kidney and they said it is a stone and the same from 2004. I just had my Annual Blood Test the Results are:

    Creatinine is 1.3 HIGH [Range is 0.5 - 1.2]; however by GFR is 72 NORMAL [Range 49 - 113]

    Any thoughts? Input? Comments? This is new to me...rwmoss7@hotmail.com

    Richard
  • Reply
    Cecile Behymer, RN Aug 31, 2010 @ 10:59 am | delete
    It would be helpful for you to talk with a dietician if your insurance will cover it. Also google the foods you can eat and make a pln. You will feel better being back in control......and it is VERY important to drink water.....at least 2 liters. I bought a 40 oz stainless steel water bottle so it keeps it cold and by my side at ALL times! I go in the car with water, shopping with water....never without in order to comply. I have passed over 70 stones and have MSK, a disease which causes my stones and no diet will impact the formation. I am on a diuretic, or a water pill, which helps prevent any new formation. Never, NEVER give up on life and being in control.......you can get through this and on dark days just thinks how much worse it could be! We are not in wheelchairs, blind, deaf, and have all of our limbs!! Keep us posted, we do care!!
  • Reply
    Amethyst Aug 31, 2010 @ 10:27 am | delete
    Its been almost a month since I had my last kidney stone surgery. Which was July 30th. I had my stent removed 6 days after the surgery. Due to a prior surgery I lost 55% functioning of my kidney. Now, as September 1st is near, My kidney hurts on both sides and is causing me some pain. After dealing with this since 2008, I am scared to go back in cuz I dont want to have no more stones or surgery. Or pain killers. They told me the cause of mine are calcium oxalate stones. Which is a mixture of sodium and Oxalate. Oxalate is a natural acid that is found in a lot of veggies. So its hard to find foods that wont cause me to get these bug-gers. I have no idea how to rearrange my diet. I try to cook healthy, but the most unhealthiest foods are the cheapest. Any one have any ideas?
  • Reply
    Amber Aug 17, 2010 @ 7:14 pm | delete
    Surgery isnt fun and its defintly painful. But once you get it done and they actually catch the stone, maybe they could tell you what is causing it. But you will never know unless they analyze it. I hate the thought of surgery but I got it done twice. HATED IT. The stent was worse then the surgery itself but that does not stay in that long. Drink plenty of water. They say that usually helps them pass. I had multiple kidney stones for 10 years and never passed one. Just keep pushing the fluids. I also carry vicodin around because they do work for pain. Good luck!
  • Reply
    Cristin Aug 9, 2010 @ 12:10 pm | delete
    So let me know if Im crazy.. but I have been having pain in the same spot starting under my left rib radiating to back back. I have had this I want to say since Nov 09 that I can remember.. back and forth from the dr and er. pretty much told me I was constipated and I needed miralax. I took it. the pain continued on and off.. In May I had a tummy tuck and that pain kinda just took over and pretty much put the back pain on the back burner. 2 weeks after the tummy tuck I got an infection. Well they had to cut my incision open to let the infection drain. My stomach was open about 8 inches.. It's now Aug and I have been open since the end of May.. it's about 2 inches open now so it has shrunk incredibly. Well 2 weeks ago I was brought to the er 3 different times with the "pain" and I ended up with an ultrasound where they found a 1.8cm kidney stone. the 3rd time in the er I ended up with a catscan where they found a bunch more piling on top of each other like a snow man. they also found some in my right kidney and one in my left ureter passing. Well they wanted to do the scope surgery.. but told me I would need about 2 possibly 3 treatments. I just started crying. I can't do this for months and months.. I have already lost 3 months not working and being apart of my kids lives.. so the dr called me and said the most definitive this is the pcnl. I have decided to do it on my left kidney and later will do something else on my right side. do you guys think Im making a mistake? Some people say to try the other methods but seriously I can't take it anymore..what do you think?
  • Reply
    CiCi Behymer, RN Aug 16, 2010 @ 8:22 pm | delete
    Definitely have the "scope" surgery and have a chance on getting on with your life! I have passed approx. 70 stones due to MSK and though I live in fear and travel with Vicodin I do not let it control my life, instead I stay in control! If you do not like your doctor everyone, please get another one! I have been fortunate to have Doctors who care but once in a while in the group I may get someone who has no interest in "stone" patients and I can sense it right away....I change doctors right away! Remember too not to lay around often, even if you have pain. Gravity and fluids will always be your friend! 2 liters a day at least if you have stones! I am nver without my water......please take care and hugs from all of us "stone" people.....ha ha ha
  • Reply
    Amethyst Aug 31, 2010 @ 10:35 am | delete
    I have had the surgery done and its not that bad, it will keep u down for a few days but its defintly worth it. The pain will subside and it will be better. I was scared to death to get it done but I did it and i felt allot better. I have a 3 year old son and couldnt be a part of his life for a good few months and it was the worse thing I ever had to deal with. But now that I had the surgery I am able to do the things I did before, dont let pain control your life. Take care of your self and drink plenty of water. If the stones are small enough to pass thru they will. By drinking plenty of water! Good luck!!!
  • Reply
    jessica Aug 5, 2010 @ 2:20 pm | delete
    1st timer had liptotripsy tues. passed a tiny stone maybe the size of a grain of sand. my question is........ i hate to even ask.......is that big? or small? really not sure what to expect and feeling very scared and alone till i found your site. thanks for taking the time to help the nonpros im not sure how you do it im still depressed but im sure glad your here and feeling a lot better now that you gave me knowledge it really is power. thanks again.
  • Reply
    amber Aug 5, 2010 @ 10:46 am | delete
    Ok. Here is my story. For the past 10 years I had got multiple kidney stones in my right kidney. In 2008 they told me that I was not healthy enough to go into surgery. Finally in July of 2009 I had them lasered out and everything was clear. I started getting pain again in the begginning of July 2010. Within weeks they had me under again and they were able to remove the stone. Now I have a stent in which is suppose to come out tomorrow. But theres no doctors available. until monday. But its weird because I dont remember the stent bothering my kidney this much.
  • Reply
    Brandon Jul 24, 2010 @ 9:20 am | delete
    Thank you for sharing your story. I am experiencing my first kidney stone and hearing your story helps a lot.
  • Reply
    Debbie Staffordshire, England Jun 29, 2010 @ 6:04 am | delete
    Hi there, I wonder if anyone can help. I was diagnosed two years ago with 16 kidney stones (9 in left, 7 in right). My urologist has told me theres nothing they can do, they are stuck and he doesnt believe they will ever move. I have an x ray once a year to see if they are any bigger. I have stage 3 kidney disease because of this and have constant back pain is this right?
  • Reply
    CiCi Jun 29, 2010 @ 7:40 am | delete
    What kind of doctor? You need to see a nephrologist as well as a urologist. I would definitely keep searching for answers as to what caused this, as well as treatment options. For example would you be a candidate for a transplant? Drink plenty of water forever!! I have MSK and have passed about 70 stones and I am 55.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jun 29, 2010 @ 11:53 am | delete
    Debbie, Try to ask your urologist to look into Dr. Wolf, at The University of Michigan, who has developed a procedure to remove the stones from the collecting tubules without damaging the kidneys. It is called URETEROSCOPIC LASER PAPILLOTOMY. My urologist performed the same procedure on me and I am feeling much better. Also do you see a nephrologist? Are you on medication to prevent further stone formation?
  • Reply
    tessa Sep 5, 2010 @ 2:01 pm | delete
    Hi, I am glad to find this site. I have 1 kideny stone in the right side of my kidney 1cm size in the lower part. doctor said it will not pass even if i take meds because of the position. My only sypmtom somtime i felt burining and back pain. i dont realy feel pain in mykideny stones. But im worried if how removed this drs said thre no need to remove. my problem right now is have pain in my lower abdomen pelvic area and also right side of my abdomen been 3 years now. pain occurs 8 to 10 days every month and go away no pain at all for 20days straight.the pain inteverval like every 4 hrs. I had check said no cancer ovary ok. i can tolerate the pain but it annoying its affect my daily life i have this pain for 4 years now. also i pee alot at night like 6 times not constipated. its my kidney will be damage someday if i dont remove the stones I am not sure my pelvic pain is related to my kidney stones. please, help me!!! what kind of test i nee? Im scared to have tumor.

    thank you very much
  • Reply
    Adeline Oct 20, 2010 @ 9:29 pm | delete
    Hi! I am so interested in this procedure, I have Kidney Stones and the last 2 years have been horrible. Now i have Chronic UTI's because of the stones in my kidneys. The DR said the ones in there now are 2 small for litho. I am seeing a Dr at U of M Hospital now for the UTI"s in the Infection Disease Department. I would love to know about the procedure you were talking about. Any info would be wonderful! Thank you Adeline
  • Reply
    BJ Feb 15, 2011 @ 11:21 pm | delete
    Socialized medicine terrifies me!
  • Reply
    Amanda in California Jun 15, 2010 @ 12:23 am | delete
    Hey there, I have had constant kidney stones since the age of 12 Iam now 24, married and with two little ones. It sucks, I have had surgerys stents, and pretty much have acess to every pain medication. I loved your blogs and pics, everyone thinks im a nut cause every time I pass a bog one, ( biggest was 9) I wanna save it, like I ran a marathon or something. Lately im feeling depressed, it hurts so bad on my left since my last stent removal I think there was some sort of damage,,, so far my kidneys have gone through hell.. will they last another 12 years? No diagnoses and im quickly losing my faith in "specialists" and doctors... just throwing more pain meds my way. =( I needed this, thank u.
  • Reply
    Gina in Arkansas Aug 11, 2010 @ 4:16 pm | delete
    Amanda,
    We are in the same boat. I have had around 15 kidney stones since age 19. I am now 36. My right side, extending around my back, aches almost constantly. The doctors can't find exactly what it is. My urologist mentioned, yesterday, that I could have scar tissue in my uretor. I am going down this road to find out and will let you know. Sounds like there are several people who can sympathize with us; espesically the creator of this blog. Good luck!
  • Reply
    ladycdw May 16, 2010 @ 2:35 pm | delete
    Hope you continue to feel better. I am dealing with a 3mm and 4mm kidney stone in my right kidney as I write this. In December I had lithotripsy done on my right kidney and passed several stones. I was diagnosed in late October, saw the urologist in early November and had the stones crushed in mid-December. I was very upset at how long it took to get the stones crushed. After the lithotripsy I still felt some pain but not as intense. Now the intense pain has returned and I could not get into the urologist that did the lithotripsy until August. It is May right now! I found another one that I went to this past week and he is scheduling the lithotripsy if I want it. He didn't feel like all my pain was kidney stone related. I know the pain because I have went through it before. Why do doctors not realize the intensity of the pain? I just don't feel that they are sympathetic enough to the pain I feel. It always takes way to long for them to do anything about it. Do other people feel this way too? I would love to know.
  • Reply
    BECCA Jun 16, 2010 @ 7:36 am | delete
    people who have never had a kidney stone will never know the intense pain of it, i just wanted to cut my hip out while rolling around on the floor. I am currently waiting to pass my stone .. oh the joy of it. My urologist is great tho and he has to have suffered at some stage himself as he will not discharge me from hospital until he knows the pain is controlled
  • Reply
    BELLA Jul 13, 2010 @ 3:31 pm | delete
    Yes, I am right there with you. I have been dealing with kidney stones for 5 months. Last month I had a procedure done where the urologist removed a 5mm stone. I am still having pain on my right side that shoots around to my front, and I somtimes get really nautious. The urologist told me that the stones are not blocked, so he does not know why I am having pain, and also told me he did not think the pain was kidney stone related. Just like you my friend, I have been through this and know the pain and my body enough to know what I am feeling. Well bottom line is I am still having pain. I agree with you a lot of doctors don't realize how intense the pain can be. I have now followed up with my family Doctor, who totally understands what I am saying, and will be sending me to a kidney Doctor, if this matter is still not resolved he will then send me to UCLA. I feel for you, just know you are not alone. It's too bad the both of us had to be seen by a WORTHLESS urologist...Well that's how I feel about the the one I saw. I mean how is he going pretty much call me a liar, and just leave me to deal with it when he is Doctor? It can be very frustrating trying to explain how you feel to a fool. I hope this gave you some comfort.
  • Reply
    Anna in New York City Aug 3, 2010 @ 9:27 am | delete
    I just had the lithotripsy on June 9th and passed over 100 pieces of stone from a 1/2 inch kidney stone and let me tell you I would have preferred to give birth to triplets at the same time than to go through this pain. And, now 8 wks later my back and kidney area still hurt some days more than others. Not sure what to do will contact urologist for an earlier appt. however, he has stated that it is normal to feel discomfort and pain after surgery for several weeks. But hey enough is enough for it stops you from enjoying life and it hurts. Doctors have no idea how much it really hurts. I find that a heating pad helps as well as a hot shower letting the hot water hit your back area. Drink lots of water, water water. Watermelon is good too. Stay away from green peppers, tea, sodas and fruity drinks.
  • Reply
    JESSICA Aug 5, 2010 @ 6:34 pm | delete
    i am new to this but i do know my urologist got me in for 1st appointment in 4 days and then schudulded my lithrotripsy for tuesday at noon, that was the next day. he is very simpathetic and i dont have insurance either and he helped with payment arrangements. even with a great doc this has been hard. my advice FIND A NEW DOCTOR ASAP!!
  • Reply
    Pauly Aug 31, 2010 @ 6:26 am | delete
    Hi wasn't gonna comment till i saw this, yes waiting is the worst part for me as a newby stone sufferer. Everyone here appears to be a lady, but however i am a 35yo male based in Northwest England. I intially went to my GP on 22nd April, and am still awaiting a CT scan (31/8/10). Having seen the Urologist and had 2 US, i'm still no closer to knowing what i'm having and when. My stone (singular) is 20mm, and i'm not ashamed to admit, this bu99er made me cry like a baby, and i wished i'd have gone to A&E to get emergency treatment, instead of outpatient. I'm now sat here, with my 6th UTI and still none the wiser. Its incredibly frustrating to have to do all this waiting, and taking antibiotics and pain relief that make me feel like crap - so your not alone in your frustrations - 5 months for me, from GP's visit to sitting here still waiting for diagnostic tests
  • Reply
    poutine May 12, 2010 @ 3:41 pm | delete
    Thanks so much for all this good information.
    Might come in handy one day.
    Hope you get better.

    Poutine
  • Reply
    Aimee Apr 21, 2010 @ 9:20 am | delete
    Had 2nd stone, 1st one that took me to the E.R. yesterday. was looking for info on k-stones and found your site. Thanks so much. lots of info and very helpful. Test show I have 4 more, so who knows when that debiltating pain will strike again. I do hope your disease slows down soon for you.Thanks again, Aimee
  • Reply
    Amber Aug 31, 2010 @ 10:19 am | delete
    They can be very painful. I lived it with them for a very long time. Even when I was in the worse pain, I still didnt go in to get seen. For 10 years I dealt with the pain and no pain killers. If you have to have the surgery it isnt so bad, its the after effects of the stent that will get you. Good luck and i hope you feel better!!!
  • Reply
    thankful Apr 18, 2010 @ 9:24 am | delete
    Thankfully I have never had a kidney stone but they really painful
  • Reply
    estranged911 Apr 12, 2010 @ 11:52 am | delete
    Medications that contain high level of calcium include diuretic and antacids can cause kidney stones in most of the cases. High level of calcium in urine also increases the risk of kidney stone formation. Vitamin A and D also contain calcium, so patients should not take over supplements for these vitamins.
    read more at http://www.kidney-stone.us/
  • Reply
    Beth Mar 21, 2010 @ 3:27 pm | delete
    Nice web site. Thanks for helping others cope!! I feel for you. I currently have 1st traveling stone. I also have poly cystic kidneys. I am playing the waiting game, straining, dealing with the pain ok so far. I have only taken Tylenol ES and now 3 Norco, which make me feel a little too good and a little goofy! I stopped taking them and have not passed a stone, but still not feeling the bad, bad pain. Where did it go? Does the pain stop when it gets into the bladder? I feel like a time bomb, wondering when the terrible pain will hit. I am 51 yrs old. Work in Radiology at a hospital as a secretary. I have already missed 4 days of work from this. CT confirmed it a 5mm stone in the lt. distal ureter on Fri. 3/19, pain started in left flank on Tues. 3/16. Hopefully not to much further to go. I don't want to have to have it removed.
    I was told in the past that they would not blast my stones due to the cysts in fear of causing kidney failure. I am trying to remain optimistic and hope it will pass on it's own. Thanks, and good luck to you. MSK sounds bad. PKD has never sounded very good to me either and I pray that my 2 kids didn't inheirent it.
  • Reply
    sarand Mar 9, 2010 @ 10:53 am | delete
    Just found your website and love it... I too have had MSK I found out I had it in my left kidney when I was 3 as I had one side bigger than the other which is a trait of MSK. I now have it in my right. I have had my ups and downs over the years as im 41 now... There is not much left of my left kidney due to all the lithotripsy I have had over the years.
    My old Urolgist was going to remove my pipe and replace it with part of my bowwl so the pipe would be wider and hopefully be less painful when passing stones... But this was when I was in my 20's and I wuldnt let her do it as I thought I was too young...
    I am currently suffering with a stone and waiting to go for intensive lithotripsy under general next week... Hopeing they will then take the stent out.

    Sarah
  • Reply
    susan Aug 16, 2010 @ 5:23 pm | delete
    I am going next week too. Is this your 1st kidney stone it is mine and i dont know what to expect. Im really scared but i want the pain over. and the stint is very uncomfortable to me is it for you and do you know how long after you pass them they will take the stint out. my stone is 15mm and i dont know how long it will take me to pass it all after its busted up. I really appreciate this website. I have learned more from it than my doctor. but i think its because i dont have insurance. I dont know whats worse the pain from stone or the doctos bills im gonna get. I have been so depressed is that normal? thank all of you for your stories!
  • Reply
    Amber Aug 31, 2010 @ 10:16 am | delete
    Im assuming you already had your stent removed. But from what Im told the longest they can keep the stent in is 3 months. I had multiple Kidney stones over a 10 year period and when they finally took the stent out it was 6 weeks. For the most part they keep them in for 7 to 10 days. HOpe you are better!
  • Reply
    SUZY Feb 7, 2010 @ 2:39 am | delete
    I HAD PAIN ON BOTH SIDES AN A PINTCHING ON BOTH SIDES WENT TO ER SAID I WOULD BE PASSING A COUPLE OF STONES BUT BOTH MY KIDNEYS HAD SEVERAL OTHER STONES. WENT TO A KIDNEY DR AN HE HAD A CAT SCAN DONE AN IT SHOWED THEM. SO HE GAVE ME FLOMAX TO TAKEE FOR 2 WKS. THE AFTER TAKING IT HE HAD A IVP DONE AN IT SHOWED NO STONES. SO HE SAID I'LL SEE U IN A YEAR FOR A KUB WELL 3 DAYS LATER I WAS IN THE ER WITH BLOOD AN PAIN THEY SAID I HAD KIDNEY STONES WENT BACK TO MY KIDNEY DR AN HE PUT ME ON FLOMAX AGAIN FOR 3 WEEKS AN SCHEULED ME FOR SURGERY IF THE DID NOT PASS. WELL AFTER 3 WEEKS THEY DID NOT PASS SO I WENT FOR SURGERY AN HE REMOVED THEM AN PUT A STINT IN ME. IT IS SO UNCOMPABLE AN HURTS SO I GO THIS WEDSDAY TO HIM TO SEE IF HE IS GOING TO TAKE IT OUT OR WHAT!! THERE TERRIBLE TO HAVE BUT I'M SICK OF ALL THE PAIN AN STONES. HE DID PUT ME ON A PILL TO PREVENT THEM I TAKE EVERYDAY. HAVE U EVER HEARD OF THAT AN DOES IT WORK!!
  • Reply
    Liz Mar 13, 2010 @ 5:26 pm | delete
    I am finding that I do not like Urologists. Mine is a bit of a, ummmmmmmmm, not nice person?! lol He told me that the sand in my kidneys and the fact that my stones were not too big could, in no way, be causing me any pain. Ummm, Okay! My doctor at the pain center (for unrelated problems) did not agree with the Urologist. I have heard many horror stories about Urologists. I wish you the best of luck Suzy. Personally, I think IVP's are a waste and so do many of my friends who are nurses, some specializing in Urology. Maybe a second opinion would be good for you.
  • Reply
    CiCi Feb 3, 2010 @ 11:28 pm | delete
    Hello! I certainly do find it comforting that there are others in the world that go through what I do, on a "routine basis"! I am 54 and dignosed since age 24, after graduating from nursing school. I have 4 ureters, with sep. openings, so I think I am able to pass stones easiser as the urine has another ureter to get down through! Anyone else have 4?
    I have not ever had issues with any doctors or hospitals, but as a nurse I can just imagine how frustrating that is! It is hard to be strong when in such pain so having an advocate with you, someone who can speak up and demand the care you deserve is very helpful. My daughter is mine to prevent mistakes and poor care that seems to occurr in any hopsital we go to. She can also get nursing care with pain medication faster than if I was on my own! The heating pad definitely helps, so have it handy at all times. I even travel with one, as I travel almost weekly on business and live in fear of having a stone while stuck on the plane! Having large amounts of vicodine help but I think also having ativan would help so I am going to suggest that to my doctor.
    I always get lectured on not dringing enough but boy is that hard to do, 2 L a day! I feel waterlogged and bloated.....and you are correct, no one does or will ever understand our fatigue level, our pain difficulties, or what that "tiny" little stone can do ot our life! I always threaten my husband to make a big deal when he sees the stone, and give me praise in passing it, but initially I see his eyes when he sees it as if to say "that LITTLE thing you are complaining about?". We can only hope in their lifetime they can have a stone...ha ha ha.
    Well, good luck all.....I am off to the doctor on Friday after getting a call that my routine KUB has shown such a dramatic increase that he wants to discuss my "options". That is not a good sign! Two weeks ago I passes my record as I had 8 stones I caught passed in 7 days! My little container is getting full but hey, who else but our "group" has such a neat collection? Keep your chin up and look forward, never back!!
  • Reply
    Christal Feb 2, 2010 @ 7:11 am | delete
    Thank you for your website- I have been suffering from a Kidney Stone for 7 days now, and it is just horrible. As a second semester senior college student, I feel life passing me by. It is of much comfort to know that others have, and are, going through it too.

    My question to you is- do you ever feel abandonded by your doctors? I was in the ER, notified my general P.A., and the instructions from both were "here are some painkillers, feel better." How long do I wait? Nausia and attacks prevent me from driving and attending work and school. How long do I wait it out? Surgery is not a fun alternative, but neither is being in pain for 2 more weeks,
  • Reply
    Liz Feb 7, 2010 @ 2:09 pm | delete
    Hi Christal,

    I hear ya! My doctor had the receptionist call and tell me to pick up a strainer! I did not know how many I had or anything. I have been to the ER twice where two different doctors told me there is no way I am passing stones. Both times I passed stones the next morning! I turne one in which was diagnosed as calcium oxate (sp) and have saved the rest so I can "proove" that I am indeed passing kidney stones. I am up to five now and it started the beginning of January.

    I finally advocated for myself and am seeing a urologist tomorrow. I feel your pain as I am in grad school and only have four classes left. Between school, work, and life, I sometimes feel like I am having a nervous breakdown! Start advocating for yourself Christal and don't let the doctors wear you down.

    Best of luck!
  • Reply
    susie Aug 16, 2010 @ 5:36 pm | delete
    I feel very abanduned. I dont have insurance and the doctor is treating me terrible. They call me and tell me how to get help but i work 40 hours a week and they say i make too much money. The doctor told me he wasnt in a hurry to bust my stone he would give me tome to get help paying my bill. So i am stuck between not getting stone busted or going bankrupt. He wont even give me pain meds. I have been so depressed for 9 weeks and in pain. My stone is 15mm so i worry if i leave the stone and stint in it will get worse. I dont know what to do.
  • Reply
    Liz Jan 15, 2010 @ 11:26 am | delete
    I loved your sight! Thank you! I'm not certain I have a kidney stone, blood in the uring and a nagging pain that gets bad at times. I have decided to be in denial! :) I do have Norco here for a past back surgery so, for now, things are good. Do I really need it "diagnosed" or is it okay as long as I can bear the pain and am not physically ill? Thank you so much for all you did to inform people of the life of one with kidney stones. You are such a brave person!!
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 16, 2010 @ 5:44 pm | delete
    Liz, I was told that kidneys can suffer damage without any symptoms. If it is hurting enough to need narcotic pain relief, you should get it checked out. If your kidney gets blocked and it is not treated, the kidney can be permanently damaged. My Urologist does and ultrasound to check if my kidney is blocked or swelling.Ultrasound is a quick and painless .. At the ER they would probably end up doing a CT scan instead. If you can get to a urologist you might have more thorough treatment than in an ER.
    I have had hydronephrosis several times and did not know it.
  • Reply
    Liz Jan 16, 2010 @ 11:19 pm | delete
    Thank you so much for answering me! My doc did a ct and found that one is formed and small and one is forming. I was doing okay until last night when I started vomiting so I went to the ER. It was horrible! He did give me medication but he also told me that there is no way I could be feeling the stones and to not bother using my strainer because all stones are the same anyway. He (the ER doc) really made me feel two inches tall! He also told me to go home and drink cranberry juice and they will dissolve. Now he has me questioning if the back and side pain is due to the kidney stones. I am still using the strainer though. My question is, can you feel them while they are in the kidneys? That's what sent me to my doctor in the first place, was the pain, or constantly being uncomfortable. Thank you so much for your reply!
  • Reply
    susie Aug 16, 2010 @ 5:42 pm | delete
    I can feel my stone. My back and ribs have hurt for months. I think the doctor shouldnt be a doctor. So yes you can feel them. My stone is in my right kidney but it also hurts in left kidney and my back.. My doctor called it rebound pain.
  • Reply
    Lori Jan 13, 2010 @ 10:40 am | delete
    I have found it helpful to have a prescription type note from my doctor to give to the ER that let's everyone know that I am not a drug seeker but have a reason to A. That I am suppose to be on heavily prescribed pain medication (which I have been taking and isn't working) and B. My pain is real and I need hospital intervention. I had to get this after being treated so poorly in the hospital in the past. If a Dr. has no idea about MSK then you are going tohave a bad attitude for sure!
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 16, 2010 @ 5:46 pm | delete
    Lori, That is a really great idea. I might ask my urologist for a note explaining my situation. I am out of town a lot and could find myself in a new ER where they don't believe me.
  • Reply
    Jim. Aug 15, 2010 @ 5:48 am | delete
    I know what you are on about.I've had several hundred KS's so far. I presented at the Hospital in excruciating Pain only to be told by the Sister to go home and take Panadol. My Doc found out. Now it is written in big letters in Front Page of my File Morphine on request as he is really in Pain!
    To those who suffer Stent Pain I have allways managed to pass the stones and control the Pain. The present one is extra big so Urologist inserted a Stent. The discomfort will settle in a couple of days he says, 13days ago. I've been on constant Morphine ever since and would prefer the worst big Stone to this. The pain is only slightly controlled by 20 mg Morphine and I look forward to finally getting a nights sleep one day if they ever decide on an appointment to blast the Stone and remove the Stent. I wish I'd found this page before I believed the Drs.
    Many thanks for the enlightenment.
  • Reply
    Jim. Aug 15, 2010 @ 5:48 am | delete
    I know what you are on about.I've had several hundred KS's so far. I presented at the Hospital in excruciating Pain only to be told by the Sister to go home and take Panadol. My Doc found out. Now it is written in big letters in Front Page of my File Morphine on request as he is really in Pain!
    To those who suffer Stent Pain I have allways managed to pass the stones and control the Pain. The present one is extra big so Urologist inserted a Stent. The discomfort will settle in a couple of days he says, 13days ago. I've been on constant Morphine ever since and would prefer the worst big Stone to this. The pain is only slightly controlled by 20 mg Morphine and I look forward to finally getting a nights sleep one day if they ever decide on an appointment to blast the Stone and remove the Stent. I wish I'd found this page before I believed the Drs.
    Many thanks for the enlightenment.
  • Reply
    Jazmin Jan 11, 2010 @ 2:47 pm | delete
    Hi everyone, I also suffer from kidney stones, I have passed three small ones already, but this time I had to have a procedure done. This stone is 7mm and caused me horrible pain. I couldn't handle it by my own since all doctor did before was prescribing pain killers.I have to go to ER and wait for hours, however, this time I got an stent procedure and next week they will crush the stone into smaller pieces. I hope everything goes well. Your explanation was very helpful.Thanks, And by writing this I am joining the group of kidney stone survivors. We are the champions!!! :)
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jan 16, 2010 @ 5:49 pm | delete
    Jazmin. Sorry to hear about all your stones. I hope this will be the last time you have to deal with this. The stent can be uncomfortable, but when they remove it you will feel such relief!
  • Reply
    TS Oct 1, 2009 @ 12:10 pm | in reply to Penne | delete
    I am very glad you compensation for that crazy hospital. The problem though is that pill heads have ruined honest people really in pain being able to be correctly medicated and that's sad! I'm glad you were able to find a hospital that cared about you and didn't judge you because of some pill head's problems!
  • Reply
    ngio64 Sep 13, 2009 @ 11:52 pm | in reply to Davebentley | delete
    Wow, my brother found me! I guess the kidney stones run in the family. :,( I hope you had your last one. I fill 2 64 oz insulated 7-11 mugs with ice water every morning and make sure I drink them both before I go to bed. It helps me to remember and it stays cold all day.
  • Reply
    Davebentley Sep 9, 2009 @ 2:07 pm | delete
    I have passed 3 stones and thankfully they passed within hours not days or weeks. During the first two I went to ER and waited over an hour each time after being seen before any pain meds were brought in. Miraculously the stone passed to my bladder just before the nurse arrived with the morphine shot. The third time I spent 6 hours on my couch with my 2 sons watching over me. My stones have been analyzed and are made up of calcium oxalate. My urologist also said that I need to drink 4 times the amount of water that I was in the habit of drinking at the time. All three of the stones have followed periods of dehydration. First one after forgetting my water bottle during a long hot day of rock climbing, stone within 2 weeks. Second was after putting on three roofs in 2 weeks during the hottest weeks of the summer, stone within a week. And the third was a week after I had a bout of bronchitis acompanied by high fever. So for me I need to drink more water. Nice lens Sis.
    Dave
  • Reply
    scotty mchugh Sep 8, 2009 @ 6:42 pm | delete
    I everyone sorry to hear about your stones & pain I just passed a couple 2and 3 mm ones
    but only to fined out that I have 11 mm a 10mm and a 7mm in the right kidney and almost the same in the left side my doc said because I have MSK kidneys there is nothing he can do I would like to know if that is true I've benn passing stones for years the older I get the harder it is on me
  • Reply
    poutine Aug 22, 2009 @ 6:32 am | delete
    What an informative and well done lens.

    Kudos to you and hope you life is better now.

    Poutine
  • Reply
    Lauren Jul 18, 2009 @ 11:39 am | delete
    I have had kidney stones since I was 12. I was diagnosed with Medullary Sponge Kidney Disease, and have been hospitalized more times than I can count. I have had lithotripsys, stents, and have had my urologist go in and take it out if it's close enough to the bladder. I was just in the ER yesterday. I woke up at 7 am with horrible pain on my left side. They took a CAT scan, both of my kidneys are filled and I'm currently passing a 2mm stone. Its very uncomfy and all the pain meds cause me to be nauseated and groggy. I hope I grow out of this eventually. Also, I have poor medical insurance, so I cant wait to see how much my ER bill is.
  • Reply
    Mike M. - Lemon Juice test Jul 17, 2009 @ 10:45 am | delete
    Just have to share this will all. My wife has been through it all. Her last episode was around 10 years ago and there were so many stones they had to go through her back to remove them. Almost lost her kidney. Well they are back....now had scans - x rays. urologist says left kidney has 2 large stones causing the pain and to large to pass...next scheduled for a stent in 2 weeks and see if he can use laser to crush them.

    Well we read so much about the lemon juice & olive oil and give it a try before she goes in. To our suprise when the surgon goes in he does not find the 2 big stones. Says he must have moved them and can not see them. So she winds up with a stent only.

    The pocket with the 1 inch cluster still remains and she has lipotripsy. Now passing fragments.

    We take a large stone and do a test. Put it in lemon juice. I called my wife from work 6 hours later. She said she picked the stone out of the juice and guess what...it fell apart to nothing. Oh my God..Imagine that!
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jun 13, 2009 @ 10:07 pm | in reply to Tee324 | delete
    Very Nice, I will lensroll your lens!
  • Reply
    Tee324 Jun 13, 2009 @ 3:22 pm | delete
    Very good lens! I just experienced kidney stones and outlined my experience and what I've learned in one of my lenses. Tell me what you think?

    http://www.squidoo.com/aboutkidneystones
  • Reply
    ngio64 Jun 3, 2009 @ 8:58 am | in reply to FrancesFarmer | delete
    I am sorry to hear how much you are suffering. I am taking Bactrim daily and I no longer need pain medicine. Perhaps you have a subclinical UTI from the procedure & stents. I would suggest you ask your doctor what he thinks of a trial of antibiotics to see if you improve. I always had positive urine dips but no bacteria would grow when cultured.
  • Reply
    FrancesFarmer May 26, 2009 @ 10:55 pm | delete
    I suffer from chronic kidney stones, UTIs, flank pain, abdomen pain. This is due to the Medullary Sponge kidneys both left and right. Over 15 years I have had too many too count. I hope to request a referal to a kidney specialist as I am only treated by the urologist for the kidney stones.

    My pain has become more frequent and intense after this last lithtripsy and 34 day stent my body rejected. I have also passed two larger stones and two small gravel like pieces. Now I have major pelvic pressure, urinary frequency, burning, right lower abdomen pain with left back flank pain.

    I am sometimes debilatated by this pain and nausea the over come me. I also find it difficult to have MSK without medical support, people just don't understand. This leaves me silently suffering and worrying about when the pain is going to take me back to the ER and multiple hospitals (last time it was three hospitals over a weekend).

    I am grateful to all who have taken the time to read my post.
  • Reply
    missthang May 26, 2009 @ 6:48 am | delete
    my brother has a kidney stone.And he is only almost turning ten.
  • Reply
    Shelley Apr 2, 2009 @ 10:33 am | delete
    Great Lens Nancy !
  • Reply
    kimberlyfra Mar 25, 2009 @ 1:21 am | in reply to ngio64 | delete
    To you (& any of you that have had a stent in before) did you bleed alot? I did! But, it made me pass SO many stones! Some attached to the stick itself & lots fell out onto the toilet & floor afterwards. I want to do it again to get rid of a bunch more I have now, but am scared for how much I bleed from it.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Mar 21, 2009 @ 2:48 pm | in reply to amy becker | delete
    Hi, I am sorry you are in so much pain. When I have a stent in, I try to not bend or twist, empty my bladder often. (it hurts more when it is full.) and take a tranquilizer with the pain medication.
  • Reply
    amy becker Mar 21, 2009 @ 6:01 am | delete
    On my left side in march 09 i had my 4mm stone lasered and that was fine, still have the stent, but i passed a 2mm stone on thursday of this week and my urologist put a stent in because there's 2 more stones in my ureter, i believe this is the worse pain with this stent. The pain meds are not working and the heating pad gives maybe a tiny bit relief. anyone got any ideas, cause i'll try just about anything. please help
  • Reply
    Juan Sosa Fernandez Feb 26, 2009 @ 1:17 am | delete
    I been suffering from kidney stones for the last 35 years.I was only 19 when it happens for the first time, and I keep getting the horrible pain almost every year so I can say my stones are like the energizer bunny they just keep going and going,so I hope to get rid of them before they kill me
  • Reply
    Deb Feb 19, 2009 @ 6:40 pm | delete
    I've suffered from 3 kidney stones. Once in 2000, and then twice while I was pregnant in 2006. On Jan. 1st of this year I was in the ER with the most incredible pain, but not quite the same as kidney stones. They came up with the diagnoses of a ruptured ovarian cyst, but then during the CT scan they discovered quite a collection of stones in my right kidney. Two are about 6mm in size. I've been doing alright with no pain until this morning. My right backside is killing me! Though the pain hasn't been gradually increasing as it usually does with the stones I've experienced. It's just been a constant irritating pain that doesn't get better and doesn't seem to be getting
    worse ......yet. I keep debating about going to the ER because the Advil and Tylenol dont' touch it, of course. I don't even know why I bother...... I"ve never had the pain just stay at a constant without getting worse or better. Any thoughts on what I should do?
  • Reply
    Tara Lang Feb 17, 2009 @ 2:42 pm | delete
    Wonderful site! I have suffered from chronic kidney stones for several years now (I am 27 years old). I have an attack, on average, about every 3-6 months. They originally diagnosed them with IVP in the ER. Since then, it has been an ongoing battle. I've only managed to catch one stone which was not much bigger than a grain of sand, though I've been not so diligent about catching them. My stones began after being put on calcium supplements to counteract the side effects of osteoporosis caused by the Depo-Provera injection. Needless to say, I quite both those medications. More TRUE independent research needs to be done. My previous stone almost shut down one of my kidneys and caused infection. I was luckily able to avoid the hospital, though. Now, I have another one... I wish they would pass much quicker; it takes me 1-4 weeks to pass one. I always take Vicodin 7.5 and Xanax to ease the weeks of passing the stone. Thanks for the site! God Bless everyone going through this!
  • Reply
    ngio64 Feb 9, 2009 @ 12:40 pm | in reply to Michelle | delete
    I think the medical profession looks for certain signs that help them figure out if someone is drug seeking. If you are only going every 3-4 months, you are probably safe! Also if they see a stone they should stop doubting you!
    Have you been to Medhelp's MSK forum. We are very supportive there.
  • Reply
    Michelle Feb 9, 2009 @ 12:10 pm | delete
    I too, have MSK and stones and the pain is sometimes unbearable. My husband doesn't understand that when I have to go to the ER to get something for the pain that I am not kidding! I wish more people knew about MSK and stones--even the docs in the Er look at me funny sometimes. I am a well educated person and well known in our small community, but I am afraid that the docs and nurses are going to think I am addicted to them pain meds. I am in the hospital ER usually every three to four months with another round of stones.
  • Reply
    Michelle Feb 9, 2009 @ 12:09 pm | delete
    I too, have MSK and stones and the pain is sometimes unbearable. My husband doesn't understand that when I have to go to the ER to get something for the pain that I am not kidding! I wish more people knew about MSK and stones--even the docs in the Er look at me funny sometimes. I am a well educated person and well known in our small community, but I am afraid that the docs and nurses are going to think I am addicted to them pain meds. I am in the hospital ER usually every three to four months with another round of stones.
  • Reply
    ngio64 Feb 6, 2009 @ 2:56 am | in reply to Tina | delete
    Tina, In my experience, when the pain is unbearable, the only thing I can do is go to the ER. Sometimes IV pain medication is all that will work. I hope your husband is feeling better very soon.
  • Reply
    Tina Feb 6, 2009 @ 12:09 am | delete
    My husband had lithotripsy today and he is so miserable I dont know what to do. He had a stent and they had to go in through a very uncomfortable area to break the stone and place the stent. His pain is bad. he is taking 5/500 vicodin, but nothing is touching it. This is 6 hours post procedure and I am not sure at what point I should take him to the ER. The doc called me and said that other than going to the ER there isnt much that can be done tonight, but to call his office tomorrow for stronger pain meds. Any suggestions? Help!
  • Reply
    Tina Feb 6, 2009 @ 12:09 am | delete
    My husband had lithotripsy today and he is so miserable I dont know what to do. He had a stent and they had to go in through a very uncomfortable area to break the stone and place the stent. His pain is bad. he is taking 5/500 vicodin, but nothing is touching it. This is 6 hours post procedure and I am not sure at what point I should take him to the ER. The doc called me and said that other than going to the ER there isnt much that can be done tonight, but to call his office tomorrow for stronger pain meds. Any suggestions? Help!
  • Reply
    Judy Jan 7, 2009 @ 9:36 pm | delete
    I had a kidney stone and a stent. I am suppose to get the stent out tommorrow..Will it hurt.?.My back still hurts..Why? I am bleeding and peeing alot...Thank you
  • Reply
    Penne Jan 1, 2009 @ 10:39 pm | delete
    Just completed my first and hopefully last kidney stone. I had always cringed when I heard others who had them, but I had no idea just how bad it was and is. Mine was 9mm and after six weeks, two stints, ultra sound shock waves that did nothing, and laser shock waves, finally the bastard is gone. Had much worse flank pain with the second stint after the laser for some reason. The stint really hurt a lot the second time for 17 days until they took it out. Could not have survived without the pain meds. Even then it was exhausting and dibilitating. Three days later I'm still feeling achy all over and exhausted from all the pain. Still having some flank pain and ureter pain as I'm passing some small pieces. I'm 46 year old female and don't know why I'm just now getting stones? Can't wait to find out why. Thank you for your site. It's very informative!
  • Reply
    Sean Dec 5, 2008 @ 1:59 am | delete
    I have had 2 basket captures and 4 surgeries where a tube was inserted through me back and into the kidney. Nephrostomies (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Nephrostomy) since 1991.

    My last emergency visit went badly. The hospital nursing staff took the position that I was in the ER, only to get morphine. The nurse claimed that she had heard me snoring from her station after I received a shot of morphine. I had been in pain for 3 days with no sleep.

    They sent me home, and I was so embarrassed that I refused to go back to a hospital for 3 weeks.

    The stag horn stone got infected and shut the kidney down. When strands of infection came out while peeing I decided to go to another hospital. Holy Cross in Ft. Lauderdale Fl is a godsend. They were very concerned and professional despite me being uninsured. At first they warned that the kidney was not savable. But they did save it,

    3 weeks in the hospital.

    Received $100,000 from other hospital about 6 months later. AND an apology letter
  • Reply
    Rebekah93 Dec 2, 2008 @ 8:31 pm | delete
    what a well written informative site!
    Great job!
    I have not had kidney stone ever in my life, but my Mom has & it looks extremely painful She is in pain alot. even with meds.
  • Reply
    Shelly Nov 29, 2008 @ 5:08 am | delete
    Nancy this is great! I am going to add this link to my website for MSK! I hope that is OK?
    I am soo glad you are going to CL the board! It amazes me how much we have in common!
    Shelly
  • Reply
    T B Fan Nov 28, 2008 @ 1:27 am | delete
    I pray that anyone who is experiencing this sort of condition receive the treatment they need. I can't imagine how difficult it must be. I learned a lot from this lens. Thank you for sharing.
  • Reply
    Ajmal Nov 27, 2008 @ 12:41 am | delete
    What a fab site, wishing all your readers a pain free future!
    Ajmal (Birmingham, UK)
  • Reply
    BarryKrost Nov 7, 2008 @ 12:49 pm | delete
    Very Good Lens!!
  • Reply
    GregGiordano Oct 28, 2008 @ 8:34 am | delete
    Good update on your condition. I hope that others in your condition learn from this lens. Great job!
  • Reply
    Joan4 Oct 23, 2008 @ 1:23 pm | delete
    This is such an important and informative lens. My husband has suffered with kidney stones also. Great lens!
  • Reply
    KimGiancaterino Oct 23, 2008 @ 10:50 am | delete
    My niece is having problems, so I'll refer her to your lens. I hope your next procedure is a success.
  • Reply
    KimGiancaterino Oct 23, 2008 @ 10:50 am | delete
    My niece is having problems, so I'll refer her to your lens. I hope your next procedure is a success.
  • Reply
    Kristen Oct 18, 2008 @ 3:19 pm | delete
    Thanks for the site i just had 2 procedures and a stent and none of the procedures worked so hopefully the third one will I HOPE SOOO
  • Reply
    kenny taylor Sep 29, 2008 @ 12:39 am | delete
    i to get stones every year for the past 15 years and the doctors also told me i had spongee kidneys and ive got one now thats killing me loratab 7.5 is the only ease to stop the pain for at least 5 to 6 hours.and drink plenty of water with lemon juice
  • Reply
    JoeLovesDogs Sep 27, 2008 @ 9:29 pm | delete
    My mom is the one who made this lens. I hate it when she is sick on the couch with kidney stones.
  • Reply
    ChitChatNine Aug 20, 2008 @ 6:17 am | delete
    What a wonderful site! It is great and I really love the poll! We stone suffer's have a great resource tool through your website! THanks so much for taking the time to put it together to help us!

    Cheryl (MSK w/ calcium oxalate stones)
  • Reply
    Andy C Aug 16, 2008 @ 1:31 pm | delete
    I to suffer from chronic
    Stone disease. It has been just over ten years and hundreds of stones ranging in size from sand to 1 cm.

by

ngio64

Homeschool wife and mother. Our entire family are Lensmaster. Browse their lenses. Greg -our Papa squid, Bekah -our adult squid, Bizzy -our 14
year old... more »

Feeling creative? Create a Lens!

Explore related pages

Related Tags