I had my lithotripsy procedure last friday. It went OK I guess. I was a little disappointed that I didn't get to see what the machine looked like that they use cause I was out before I made it to the OR. Is that normal? I was told at the pre-admission testing that I was going to get twilight sleep. The day of the procedure about 5 minutes before they were going to take me to the OR they tell me I'm going to have a general and they but something in my IV to relax me they said. When the guy came to wheel me to the OR I remember being wheeled out of the room and starting down the hall and the next thing I know I'm back in the room I started in only it is an hour later and it was all over. It was weird.

I have not passed any stones yet. I have felt some pinching and some cramping a couple of times but have not seen anything and I am using a strainer.

My husband read a report that got taped to the x-ray I had that morning before the procedure that said they did whatever they do with that procedure 2500 times to me. Does that sound like an average amount of times or a little amount or a lot? The doctor never really said if it broke up or not. When we asked he said they didn't take another x-ray. He did write a perscription for me to have a renal ultra sound and a renal x-ray before I go back to see him for my check-up.

I did not make it to my daughters swim meet. The doctor said no way and I really did not feel up to it the next day anyway.

Well if anyone can shed some light on when I can expect to see some stone pieces I would appreciate it. I drive a school bus and do a lot of field trips so I am a little nervous about accepting any long distance ones not know what may happen. I feel like a loose cannon right now. Thanks to everyone and hope all of you are doing fine.

Maggie

It can be anytime from now to 3-4 weeks until you see stones. Stay hydrated and try to keep your hips elevated so that the pieces do not settle.

Hi MK,

I've had over 40+ lithotripsies, along with aton more surgeries. Anyway, the 2500 they are referring to is how many "shocks" you received to the stone. Average is anyway between 2000-4000. 4000 is the max at one time for each stone. I've had 4000 delievered to 6 different stones at one time. Totally idiots!!! This was back in the "old days" when ESWL first came out in 1987, I was 16. Plus, back then the machine (there was only one) was EXTREMELY POWERFUL!

My back was black and blue and it looked like I had been hit with a baseball bat. Back to what I was saying about the max shocks. The docs did sooooo much damage to my kidneys, I eventually had to have my left one removed almost 2 yrs. ago and my remaining one is dysfunctional/failing.

I won't go on dialysis, so that will be it for me. Also, all the stones and surgeries have landed me in pain management. I take the most potent pain meds on the market today (what you would normally see cancer patients on). Please be careful with the ESWL's, ok??? Take care!! :angel: (By the way, my screen name used to be ksqueen, if this story sounds familiar. My name was changed.)

P.S. Today's machines are far less powerful. This is why you end up having repeat procedures done. Do you see the cycle??? I'm sure I put many docs kids through college, bought the docs mansions and cars...you name it. I was their cash cow (having over 400+ stones), along with other patients. Don't fall into that trap. If your doc just keeps wanted to do ESWL and you don't think it's necessary, don't do it!! By all means, if you are miserable, then yes, do something. Just try not to have too many ESWL's done. It's not worth it.

Hi Friendly One.

Thank you for your reply. I was wondering about the money end of it also. I am covered under good health insurance but just the same I don't believe that docs should take advandage of that just for the reasons you stated.

I think that they stopped at 2500 because it did break my skin. they but antibiotic ointment and a band aid on it. I did that for several days but it was not drying up so I just started leaving the band aid off.

I went this morning for my follow-up ultra sound and x-ray. The women that did my ultra sound told me and showed me that it did break up. She said there was one area where the pieces were (clustered). I hope that is not a bad thing. I have been putting the lemon and lime juice in the water I drink like 2plus one not three said to do, but I don't know how much to put in so I hope it is enough. I just dump some in after I fill the container with water.

I am sorry to hear about your current statis with all this kidney business. Would you consider the kidney transplant route? There are people who donate out of the goodness of there heart sometimes. One of the news people in my area just did this as his daughter donated one of hers to her uncle. The dad had wanted to but was not a good match, but went ahead and donated one of his anyway so someone else could lead a normal life. It's something to consider anyway. Maybe someone in your family would be willing if you asked. I know of at least two people in my community who live normal lives with just one kidney. Take care and stay in touch we all care about you here!

Maggie

There is no said amount per say. I just dump the lemon and lime juice in. It helps break up the stones and it makes drinking water this much less boring!

Hi All,

I just wanted to add a little more info on the ESWL and the money. Now, as most of you know, I've probably had more surgeries and ESWL's done than you can imagine (over 65+). Just remember, I'm a rare case. Anyway, back to the ESWL. I've been on every machine available. Some machines require general anesthesia, some twilight sedation (you are awake, but don't remember), and then there is the lovely "experimental machine" back in 1990 at the research hospital I go to. On this machine you are wide awake!! If you move, gotta stop and reposition. They figured I was a "good candidate" since I have a high pain threshold. Let me tell you, it was no picinic.

The reason I'm going into detail is because of what I've seen over this 27 yr. kidney stone "career". Now, most of you don't remember or know what actually happens in the ESWL suite. I do!! The docs really don't do anything but give orders to the litho techs and nurses!!! They don't even change into scrubs (at least none of mine did). This is because generally it only takes around 30-45 minutes max on this new machines. Plus, you really don't have to be sterile (not like an actual surgery). Now, they will change into scrubs and sterile if you need a stent or scope done before hand, that is different. I'm talking straight ESWL, nothing else.

Ok...well, the doc sits somewhere around the machine so he can see the "action" on the screens. To see if there has been good fragmentation, etc. The litho techs and nurses do ALL of the work!! The doc barks orders at them as to how much power, how many shocks. When to start, when to stop, etc. The power is started low and then increased. You feel it (even if sedated, trust me, you just don't remember.....most of the time). The thing with me, I've had sooooo many drugs and anesthesia, I'm very much aware of what's going on, unless I'm completely out.

Well, to complete the story. The doc gets paid to basically sit there and play a video game. My mom came up with that, and it's partially true. Think about it. Now, ESWL generally costs somewhere around $3000-$6000. Just depends....could be more, but generally not less. I haven't had an ESWL done in over 5 yrs, so who knows by now. These docs love ESWL soooo much because they don't have to actually do any work (before ESWL where they actually had to do some work) and get paid. Just think of how many ESWL patients your doc does in a week?? It just reminds me of an assembly line. Then, there is the repeat procedures. More money, more money!!

I just think it's pure greed and they (and there are a lot of these docs who have operated on me) do not accept what ESWL has done to me!! Only my research docs. Why?? Because they see the end result and they don't make a living off of it. If you search around the internet, you will find ALL kinds of ESWL research projects and the dangers and consequences. Check it out and just educate yourselves, ok?? Take care and bye for now!! :angel:

When i had it done i pass some that very day
then a larger piece took 4 weeks.
drinks lots and i pray it was well beoken up for you and comes out fastly

Thanks Hopesprings2, I still haven't passes anything and is has been one week today. Maybe I don't drink enough. I drive a bus all day and it is hard to take a potty break when you want to so I don't drink to much. I have been drinking more when I get home, but that has been getting me up a couple of times during the night and my night is short. ( i get up at 4:30 a.m.) I am going to OD on water this weekend no matter how it impacts what I am doing.

Someone mentioned that i should keep my hips elevated. Could someone explain to me exactly what they mean by that. How do you do it, how long do you do it? I would think standing upright would be better and gravity would make them come out. Well I will be patiently awaiting directions on this one.

Thanks everyone and have a great weekend. I am going to go see my daughter at college this weekend and nothing is stopping me. I am going to take my pain pills with me in case I get stoned unexpectedly. lol

Maggie

Standing upright makes the gravity pull the stones to the base of the kidney - by keeping your hips elevated, hips higher then head you get them out of the kidney and into the ureter. Think of the kidney as a soda with a straw. The ureters are the straws and you something to get the soda into the straw -- elevating the hips does this.

Thanks Hopesprings2, I still haven't passes anything and is has been one week today. Maybe I don't drink enough. I drive a bus all day and it is hard to take a potty break when you want to so I don't drink to much. I have been drinking more when I get home, but that has been getting me up a couple of times during the night and my night is short. ( i get up at 4:30 a.m.) I am going to OD on water this weekend no matter how it impacts what I am doing.

Someone mentioned that i should keep my hips elevated. Could someone explain to me exactly what they mean by that. How do you do it, how long do you do it? I would think standing upright would be better and gravity would make them come out. Well I will be patiently awaiting directions on this one.

Thanks everyone and have a great weekend. I am going to go see my daughter at college this weekend and nothing is stopping me. I am going to take my pain pills with me in case I get stoned unexpectedly. lol

Maggielol you might get stone in to ways.with the kidney kind and pain pills lol
you must drink even on the route
some how ...........mine looked like christals when they first came out the day of lipo
then they got darker as they dried .one bigger looked tan and got darker
depending on the size .

also 2plus helped me alot and many others on here
they know alot

Thanks 2plus and Hopesprings, I get it now about the hips being elevated. I just don't know my anatomy very well. I was thinking the opposite way. I had no problems on the trip and NO kidney stones as of yet. Maybe they blasted them to oblivion. I just wish I knew. Every time I strain and get nothing it is disappointing. Like getting your period when your trying to get pregnant. Well maybe not that bad. (lol)

I was at the grocery today and found (by accident) a product called True Lemon, they are little packets of crystallized lemon substitute. How convenient you can carry them in your purse or pocket and add to bottled water. Has anyone used them. Do you think it is the same as lemon juice? Well I must be getting back to work, everyone have a great day.

Maggie

I tried the True Lemon and couldn't stand it. It "effervesces" bottled water which I personally have a hard time with it. I have always hated soda for the same reason. I am not sure if it works or not - but if it works for you I have 48 packages of it at home unopened - It comes in lime too.

Thanks 2plus and Hopesprings, I get it now about the hips being elevated. I just don't know my anatomy very well. I was thinking the opposite way. I had no problems on the trip and NO kidney stones as of yet. Maybe they blasted them to oblivion. I just wish I knew. Every time I strain and get nothing it is disappointing. Like getting your period when your trying to get pregnant. Well maybe not that bad. (lol)

I was at the grocery today and found (by accident) a product called True Lemon, they are little packets of crystallized lemon substitute. How convenient you can carry them in your purse or pocket and add to bottled water. Has anyone used them. Do you think it is the same as lemon juice? Well I must be getting back to work, everyone have a great day.

MaggieHi
how are you? Have you passed any yet?

Hi hopesprings,

NO! I still have not passed any. I don't really have time to do the elevated hip thing, don't know if that is the reason or not. My follow up appointment got canceled by the doctors office and I have not got around to calling and rescheduling. When I am able to (waiting around on a bus on a field trip) I don't have the number I need to call to do it. I have the doctors number in my cell phone, but I need to call a central scheduling number to make the appointment and I did not program that one in. I must do it soon.

Nice talking to you but I must run. Take care.

Maggie