stone in kidney treatment - #16787
I am feeling really stressed out because a few days ago, I had this excruciating pain and finally went to the ER, where they did a scan and told me I have a stone in my kidney. They didn’t give me much info other than it's a small stone, but I keep hearing about different types of stone in kidney treatment options. Since then, I’ve been doing some digging online and found out that some folks had surgery, while others passed their stones naturally, which is super confusing! I am also worried about what diet changes I need to make because I'm hearing that diet can play a huge role in prevention or even treatment of a stone in kidney issues. How does one even choose between different stone in kidney treatment methods? Because honestly, I'm not sure what would work best for me. The pain hasn’t come back yet, but I'm freaking out that it might, you know? Like how do doctors even decide the best stone in kidney treatment? Is it based on size? Symptoms? I just want to understand my options better. Anyone have experiences with this?
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Doctors’ responses
When it comes to kidney stones, the treatment really depends on a few key factors such as the size and type of the stone, its location, and your symptoms. Since you’ve mentioned the ER found it to be a small stone, that’s often a good sign because many small stones can be passed naturally. The primary goal is to relieve pain and help the stone pass. Doctors typically start with recommending increasing your fluid intake to help flush the stone out. Aim for at least 2-3 liters of water per day unless otherwise advised. Pain management is crucial, so non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs like ibuprofen or prescription medications help manage discomfort while the stone passes. Your diet can indeed affect stone formation, so identifying the stone type is helpful. If possible, your doctor may analyze the stone or conduct further tests to see if its made of calcium, uric acid, or another material. Generally, drink plenty of water, reduce sodium intake, and depending on the stone type, you may be advised to limit or include certain foods. For example, reducing oxalate-rich foods like spinach might be helpful for calcium oxalate stones. If the stone doesn’t pass with these measures, there are several medical interventions. Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL) uses shock waves to break stones into smaller pieces. Ureteroscopy involves inserting a small scope to remove the stone or laser it into smaller parts. Percutaneous nephrolithotomy is less common and reserved for larger stones. Doctors base their treatment choice on the factors mentioned, alongside your overall health and any risk factors such as recurrent stones. Since your pain hasn’t returned, it could mean the stone’s past or not causing obstruction currently. Stay informed and regular follow-ups with your physician are essential to monitor the situation. If symptoms like severe pain or blood in urine occur again, seek medical attention immediately as it might indicate the stone is moving or causing blockage.
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