how long do kidney stones last - #25895
I am really worried about these kidney stones I've been dealing with. About two weeks ago, I suddenly got this intense pain in my lower back, and I thought it was just a muscle strain or something. But after a trip to the ER and some tests, they told me I have kidney stones. The doc didn’t go into too much detail, just gave me some pain meds and said to drink lots of water. But now I'm just constantly wondering, how long do kidney stones last? I mean, do they just hang around or pass quickly? I’ve heard stories from friends and family, some say it’s a few days, others a week or more! It feels like a rollercoaster with this pain, and sometimes it’s unbearable. The first few days were just awful, and now I’m scared if this will keep going on and on. How long do kidney stones last before they finally decide to move on? Is there any way to speed up the process? I’m just trying to get back to normal life, you know, and not just sit around worrying about how long kidney stones last. Anyone who’s gone through this, please share your experience!
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Doctors' responses
Kidney stones can be quite variable in their timing. The duration they last or how long they take to pass depends on several factors — primarily the size and location of the stone. Smaller stones, typically those less than 5 mm, often pass more quickly and might exit the body in a few days to a couple of weeks. Larger stones can take longer, potentially a few weeks to a month, and may require medical intervention if they don’t pass naturally. Most stones will pass within 6 weeks, but this isn’t universal. Symptoms you experience, like severe pain or immobility of the stone, can influence how long it feels like this whole ordeal is lasting. During the waiting period, pain management and maintaining hydration are critical. Drinking plenty of fluids can help facilitate the passage of stones by keeping the urinary tract flushed. Aim for a clear urine without strong color, indicating you’re well-hydrated. Sometimes, medications like alpha-blockers are prescribed to help relax muscle and reduce pain, and to potentially speed up stone passing. If you notice symptoms such as severe pain, fever, chills, blood in urine or the pain is worsening, immediate medical attention is essential as these might indicate complications. Always follow up with your healthcare provider for ongoing symptoms or if you haven’t passed the stone over an extended period for further evaluation and possibly imaging to assess the situation. Avoiding getting anxious about the duration can be tough, but sticking to a comprehensive plan with your healthcare provider can offer solutions for relief and if necessary, procedures to remove or break the stones may be considered.
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