Kidney Stone Found on Ultrasound and x-ray---My 1St One

I have had many, many kidney stones and have been through lithotripsy at least 5 times (I've actually lost count). I have never been given a choice, as the stones have always been too big to pass on their own.

If your doctor is giving you a choice, it makes me think that this stone isn't too big. Is this doctor a urologist? If not, I strongly encourage you to ask for a referral. Urology is a specialty, and they deal with this every day. You really want to talk to a urologist about the pros and cons. My first concern, really, is that a stone that doesn't pass soon will most likely get bigger over time and ultimately force you to have lithotripsy anyway. Like I said, a urologist is the one to advise you.

Just to let you know, lithotripsy is really not that big a deal. The last couple of times I had it, they did use general anesthesia, but I had virtually no pain or discomfort from the actual procedure. My doctor inserts a stent to make it easier for the stone and fragments to pass, and that's kind of a pain (seriously, it's painful), but treatable with meds. He (my doc) likes to leave it in about a week.

Definitely talk to a urologist. You want to make sure you're talking to an expert.

Is your doctor a nephrologist? If not, you really, really need a nephrologist to look at your ultrasounds. You need bloodwork and urinalysis test results for the nephrologist to look at as well.

It has been explained to us by a nephrologist that a nephrologist is the doctor you use if your stones are in the kidney. Once they start their way down the tube out of the kidney, then a urologist is the next in line to work with. I would not hurry to have anything done until you have been completely assessed by a nephrologist. You need to completely understand the in's and out's of what having it broken up will mean. That's VERY important.

The good thing about knowing about your stone is that if you start to pass it, you'll be able to tell the hospital. Having a fever and pain is indication of an infection, and telling the ER will save valuable time with them knowing of a pre-existing condition to help with your diagnosis.

Meanwhile, a nephrologist will tell you to drink plenty of water and keep your salt level to a minimum. You'll also be asked to come in every six months to be checked, if not more often. The fact that you have pain is a reason to REALLY take seriously being checked as often as the nephrologist wants.

Look into a good nephrologist in your area. If you are in a larger area (lots of good hospitals), and it takes a while to get an appointment, that's an indication of the nephrologist being a good one...

Good luck.

I passed a small kidney stone and the pain was UNBELIEVABLE! I also gave birth 100% naturally 2 year's earlier and, for me at least, the birthing was easier.... and yeah that was super hard too.... but the pain came on so fast from the stone I think my body went into shock because I started vomiting (which didn't happen while giving birth). I guess my point is that if its "large" I would consider the surgery or be OK with pain killers, if you can get them fast enough. Seriously, that stone passing business was for-the-birds....... I'd rather have another baby!

I'm sorry, the discomfort must be so frustrating. I also suggest waiting it out. I know someone who passed his within a week and is feeling great. From what I hear, the "surgery" can be excrutiating. Good luck!

I would wait it out. Discomfort is livable. My feeling is why go thru a procedure if you do not have to.