Hi all. I am now to the boards BUT not new to kidney stones and the pain that comes with it.
I recently (3 days ago) had lithotripsy and am still in much pain. I am on anti inflammatories and Advil. I ve been straining and nothing yet.

In my CT Scan and Xray i showed 4 stones but they only 'blasted one!! WHY??????:confused:

The kidney can only take so much pounding to blast a stone or stones (I think around 3000 blasts in one surgery). Also hard to see the stones visually through the scope, well into the procedure, as the stone(s) sometimes move around. I went through this last year with a 1/2" stone and afterwards had many little stones in my kidney. To say the least, I was recommended for another lithotripsy two weeks later. I did not want to do this again, as I was in a lot of pain with the first one (as you are now). Keep on straining to get some remnants of the blasted stone. You need to know what type (composition) of stone that you have. Some stones (like the uric acid variety) can be dissolved with medication with no further procedures. Also, need to know how big your remaining stones and where they are now located. I assume a stent was inserted (and not removed after surgery) and this can cause irritation along with your poor (pounded) kidney. Until the above is known, keep up with your pain pills and discuss with your doctor. Any other questions, just log. Good Luck!

Hi ya...Thanks for replying.

No stent,,,2 stones that are 2.5 mm, one stone 4.5mm and last one (which i presume they blasted) was 4.8mm

I go for a week later exray this comin wednesday then 2 hrs away to my urologist in 3 weeks.
If this doesnt work, and they suggest i do it again? I say.....umm?

Hi ya...Thanks for replying.

No stent,,,2 stones that are 2.5 mm, one stone 4.5mm and last one (which i presume they blasted) was 4.8mm

I go for a week later exray this comin wednesday then 2 hrs away to my urologist in 3 weeks.
If this doesnt work, and they suggest i do it again? I say.....umm?

Hi ya...Thanks for replying.

No stent,,,2 stones that are 2.5 mm, one stone 4.5mm and last one (which i presume they blasted) was 4.8mm

I go for a week later exray this comin wednesday then 2 hrs away to my urologist in 3 weeks.
If this doesnt work, and they suggest i do it again? I say.....umm?

The stones described above will cause problems if they try to pass (through the ureter), as the ureter only has a 3mm diameter. Try to find out what the stones are made of, if you have passed some of the remnants. This is important to know for your treatment. I question why the wait of 3 weeks, since you are in pain now. I am not a doctor, but to perform a lithotripsy without a stent could cause later on some damage to the ureter (and kidney), if a full blockage occurred. The stent is placed to prevent blockage from happening. Also, lithotripsy surgery is not cheap ($$$) either. I'll explain briefly what I did to rid myself of stones in the next reply ...

After the lithotripsy surgery, all the pain and frustration, and the recommendation of a second litho, I decided to see another Urologist. This time however I asked others for a recommendation. I was recommended (by a good friend) to see a specialist who worked in a clinic. This new physician was caring and attentive to all my needs and questions. On top of his expertise, the clinic provided the necessary tests (i.e. CT scans, blood tests, X-rays, ...) in the same location with very little wait time between. I just so happened to have some particles of stones that passed (which my previous urologist didn't bother to analyze!) that this doctor had checked out right away. He suspected that I had uric acid stones (a good guess by just looking at the remnants, and he was right!) and he recommended that I try to dissolve them with medication (Urocit), after seeing how large the stones were and where they were located (this was done with a CT, all in one day!). Of course, the stent was to remain in place to prevent any blockage of the ureter while the stones dissolved. On my next visit a month later, he had another CT scan to see the progress. Good news, the stones were now small enough to pass on their own, he pulled out the stent (ouch!!!), and sent me home. I was peeing sand for the next couple of days, but no pain at all! I have since changed my diet to more vegatables, fruits, and juices (more water too!) and monitor my urine periodically for PH level (I look for alkaline levels > 6). I optionally take the medication when my urine is too acidic (I still have cravings for meat), to be on the safe side. I have been stone free (at least, I have felt no stones passing) for almost a year now. I realize that my experience(s) was unique, but thought that I could share with others. Maybe they can help you and your physician(s) decide, how best to treat your problem.

My medical costs are covered by our Canadian medical insurance...thank goodness. I have yet to pass anything that remotely looks like a stone or gravel for that matter and a stent was never even mentioned even prior to lithotripsy.
So to tell you or anyone what the stones are made up of, I do not know (as of yet).
As for the mth doc visit, its to see how much progress i ve made since litho, that and the xray comin up in 3 days.
I m not sure I could live without meat lol...

Chances are that you don't have uric acid stones, but more common is the calcium variety. They are harder to get rid of though. Good to hear you have decent insurance, as you'll need it. Enjoy your meat until diagnosed!

My nephrologist told me not to take Advil for pain. It is not good for the kidneys. I found that out when I had just had root canal surgery.

Debbie

Oh my...Advil is my pain medication! I cant take Tylenol 3 or anything with codeine......

My urologist and nephrologist have me using Hydrocodone 500mg and 7.5. It's my understanding that is Tylenol 3. Am I wrong?

Debbie