laser kidney stone removal side effects - #12726
I am really freakin’ confused about this whole situation with my kidney stones and their removal. I just had laser kidney stone removal a few days ago because I was tired of the pain and all these visits to the ER with severe symptoms. They kept saying the stones are too big to pass naturally, and I was desperate for relief. I thought this laser thing would be magic, ya know? I read about how quick the recovery is and how effective it could be, but now I’m hearing some stories of people talking about the laser kidney stone removal side effects. Like, why didn’t anyone mention this?! I’ve been feeling a lot of discomfort, and sometimes there’s this weird burning sensation when I pee, and it’s freaking me out. I also feel some kind of pain in my lower back that's not going. I mean, is this normal? How common are laser kidney stone removal side effects? Should I be worried about long-term effects? I asked the doctor and he said some stuff, and it was reassuring but still, the burning won’t go away!!! Ugh, I just want to know if this is all part of the deal with laser kidney stone removal side effects or if I should go back and get reexamined or something. Anyone experienced this?
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Doctors’ responses
Laser kidney stone removal, also known as laser lithotripsy, is generally quite safe and commonly effective, but like any medical procedure, it can have some side effects. It’s not unusual to have symptoms such as discomfort or a burning sensation when urinating, as well as mild bleeding in the urine for a few days post-procedure. These are usually short-lived and can be attributed to the irritation caused to the urinary tract as stones are broken down and the laser does its work. Lower back pain can also occur as your body adjusts and heals. It’s part of the normal healing process and should gradually improve. However, if you experience severe or unbearable pain, fever, or the symptoms persist beyond a few days, it’s wise to reach out to your healthcare provider for further evaluation. These could indicate potential complications like infection or a fragment obstruction that needs addressing.
In terms of long-term effects, laser lithotripsy tends to have a low risk, with most side effects being temporary. Usually, any concern about significant, lasting impacts is minimal, but individual cases can vary. It’s beneficial to stay well-hydrated to aid stone fragments’ passage and minimize discomfort. Over-the-counter pain medications like ibuprofen or paracetamol can help with managing present discomfort if recommended by your doctor. Ultimately, as long as the symptoms you’re experiencing don’t escalate or deteriorate, you might just be going through typical post-procedure effects. But it’s always better to err on the side of caution—don’t hesitate to revisit your doctor for reexamination if your instincts tell you something might be off. They know your case details best and can guide you through recovery with confidence.
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