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best treatment of kidney stone
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Kidney & Urinary Health
Question #15723
45 days ago
97

best treatment of kidney stone - #15723

Janvi

I am really concerned about my situation with kidney stones, and I'm not sure what to do next. A few weeks ago, I started feeling this intense pain in my side, like something was stabbing me. I thought it was just a bad cramp, but then my doctor did an ultrasound and confirmed it — I'm dealing with kidney stones! Ugh, the worst. He mentioned a few options, and I just don't know what’s the best treatment of kidney stone for me. I mean, I’ve read that natural remedies can help, but I've also seen people talking about surgical options and things like lithotripsy, which sounds super scary. What if I try something and it doesn't work? I just want to know what the best treatment of kidney stone is so I can get back to my normal life. Is there a way to dissolve them naturally, or do I have to go through a more invasive procedure? Also, any tips on pain management while I figure this all out? I can’t even sleep right with this pain! I could really use some advice from you guys who might’ve been through this.

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Doctors’ responses

Kidney stones can be quite painful and disruptive, so let’s breakdown the best treatment options for you. The approach largely depends on the size of the stone, its location, and your personal medical history. Small stones often pass on their own with adequate hydration. Drinking plenty of water, typically aiming for at least 2-3 liters per day, can help flush the stone out. Adding lemon juice can sometimes help due to the citrate, which can assist in breaking down stones. Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen can help manage the pain, but always check with your doctor about the suitability given any other conditions you might have.

For stones that are larger or not passing naturally, your doctor may suggest more proactive treatments. Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) uses sound waves to break stones into smaller, more passable pieces. It’s non-invasive and usually manageable with mild sedation. If that’s not suitable, ureteroscopy may be an option, where a small scope is inserted into the urethra to directly remove the stone.

Unfortunately, natural remedies have limited proven efficacy in dissolving stones; thus, relying solely on them may not be the safest choice. Also, to prevent future occurrences, dietary modifications might be recommended. Reducing sodium intake or certain oxalate-rich foods (like spinach and nuts) can make a difference depending on the stone’s composition.

For now, focus on keeping hydrated and use pain medications as guided by your healthcare provider. If the pain becomes severe, or you experience symptoms like fever or vomiting, immediate medical attention is necessary as these could indicate complications. Collaborate with your healthcare provider to tailor a definitive plan that considers both current symptoms and prevention of recurrences.

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