PianoSteve123
02-07-2008, 12:17 PM
Hi. I am happy to have found this board. I have been plagued with uric acid stones for the past several years. I have had 9 ranging from 3mm to the last 2 (which I passed at the same time) which were 8mm. Twins.
Obviously, I am not a very happy camper.
I started taking Uriflow in hopes that it would be a healthy alternative to Alapurenol (not sure I spelled that correctly). However, I still have an 11mm stone sitting in my left kidney. In recent days it has started feeling a little crampy and I went to the doc to find out what my choices are, fearful that if this starts to move I would be in BIG trouble.
He recommended the lipotripsy. I made an appointment but I must say I am scared to death. Of what? You name it: being put to sleep, having a catheter inserted and a stent, scary release papers that promise a possibility of "intense pain" when the remaining particles come out. Should I continue?
Because it is a uric acid stone, it's not so much a walk in the park but a big deal with dye injected and going to sleep and all that mess.
Has anyone had anything like this done with the size of my stone? I never even had an operation so I am frightened of every aspect, especially of being knocked out.
Please help me with any and all reassuring words.
Thanks!
Steve
Obviously, I am not a very happy camper.
I started taking Uriflow in hopes that it would be a healthy alternative to Alapurenol (not sure I spelled that correctly). However, I still have an 11mm stone sitting in my left kidney. In recent days it has started feeling a little crampy and I went to the doc to find out what my choices are, fearful that if this starts to move I would be in BIG trouble.
He recommended the lipotripsy. I made an appointment but I must say I am scared to death. Of what? You name it: being put to sleep, having a catheter inserted and a stent, scary release papers that promise a possibility of "intense pain" when the remaining particles come out. Should I continue?
Because it is a uric acid stone, it's not so much a walk in the park but a big deal with dye injected and going to sleep and all that mess.
Has anyone had anything like this done with the size of my stone? I never even had an operation so I am frightened of every aspect, especially of being knocked out.
Please help me with any and all reassuring words.
Thanks!
Steve
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rpg
02-07-2008, 09:51 PM
About 5 years ago, I was diagnosed with a 12mm stone in my left kidney. The urologist recommended the lithotripsy which I agreed to. The surgery wasn't that bad but things got worse. After 3 weeks of constant pain (not as bad as passing a stone though!) a second lithotripsy was recommended. At $15k a pop for litho and very poor insurance, I decided to get a second opinion. First question the new urologist asked "What kind of stone did I have?". Luckily I saved some of the remnants that passed and he analyzed at once. I had the uric acid variety. He said that I should try to dissolve the stones by keeping my urine alkalized. Gave me a Urocit prescription and I changed my diet to a lot of fruits and vegatables. Monitored my urine with litmus paper for 3 months and returned for another exam. The stones were mostly gone. He removed the stent (inserted during litho) right there in his office. I have been stone free ever since, but I still monitor my urine daily. Beats having one of those stones growing again!
Goldie_Locks_5
02-11-2008, 11:12 PM
so sorry you are going through all this - it stinks.
I have calcium oxalate stones - and had many of them while pregnant last year- which was horrible... b/c they can't do anything but stent you and give you morphine and percocet and hope you pass them.
I passed a few after the stents were put in- but still had some left after giving birth - and was going to be sent in for litho - but then another scan showed i passed them last minute i guess.
the one stent i had put in with just a spinal - i was awake- and couldn't feel anything below my chest --- i hated that! Being put to sleep was much better the next time - i didn't know what happened... no laying there with my legs in stirrups miserable and embarased and in pain... I'd take general anesthesia any day over being awake.
I had general anesthesia for the removal as well - i don't know how people do it without anesthesia! I was in a lot of pain the day after the removal- felt like i was scraped inside when I urinated.
the stents were really uncomfortable when i was pregnant- but after i gave birth i barely noticed they were there -- just the occasional muscle spasm in that area.
best of luck to you - try not to read too much on here b/c it will freak you out. I used to be on here all the time and was SOOOO scared of all of it - but when it came time to have the things done to me- it wasn't 1/2 as bad as what i read on the internet.
I have calcium oxalate stones - and had many of them while pregnant last year- which was horrible... b/c they can't do anything but stent you and give you morphine and percocet and hope you pass them.
I passed a few after the stents were put in- but still had some left after giving birth - and was going to be sent in for litho - but then another scan showed i passed them last minute i guess.
the one stent i had put in with just a spinal - i was awake- and couldn't feel anything below my chest --- i hated that! Being put to sleep was much better the next time - i didn't know what happened... no laying there with my legs in stirrups miserable and embarased and in pain... I'd take general anesthesia any day over being awake.
I had general anesthesia for the removal as well - i don't know how people do it without anesthesia! I was in a lot of pain the day after the removal- felt like i was scraped inside when I urinated.
the stents were really uncomfortable when i was pregnant- but after i gave birth i barely noticed they were there -- just the occasional muscle spasm in that area.
best of luck to you - try not to read too much on here b/c it will freak you out. I used to be on here all the time and was SOOOO scared of all of it - but when it came time to have the things done to me- it wasn't 1/2 as bad as what i read on the internet.
michele1982
02-23-2008, 05:12 PM
Having the lithotripsy for me has always been okay. I've had it about 6 times and have passed about 180 stones in the past several years. They gave me IV sedation, don't remember anything, next thing you know ...you wake up and are in pain from the procedure. They give you IV pain meds until you feel well enough to go home. If all goes well, the stone should be broken up into gravel or sand and is much easier to pass than a full size kidney stone. You pass this and probably a little blood- make sure you are sent home with adequate pain meds and you should be okay. Sometimes the stone doesn't break up enough and a second procedure is recommended. Now for stents....I would not have a stent put in again unless it was life or death situation. Dr's will tell you some people are fine with stents and some do not "agree" with them or are "uncomfortable" . For me the stents were horrible ( I wish the Dr would have been upfront with me and told me that was something that might happen) and I had to be hospitalized for pain control until the Dr agreed to remove them. I was pregnant so it is possible that made it worse. I would rather pass a huge stone then have stents. But, every person is different. Don't be afraid to have the lithotripsy, it is much better than passing the stone. You are put "out" and shouldn't feel a thing. Most of the time lithotripsy isn't even an option for me ...I just have to pass the stones with no choice, be glad you have one! Some people pass these things for years , I have and I'm still here, cranky but , here. Good luck!
sunshine123
02-23-2008, 06:59 PM
I've had many Lithotripsy's and only had a stent once. The Lithotripsy's aren't that bad. I only had pain afterwards for a couple of days. It felt like someone had beat me up in my back. I also had lots of trapped gas. I would recommend having some Gas-X or activated charcoal pills on hand, just in case. If you take the charcoal pills, don't take them too close to the time you take other meds. My stones are calcium oxalate. I've got (7) 3mm or smaller stones that I hope I can pass. I've some pain pills on hand in case they start moving. I'm drinking more water than I ever have in my life in hopes of getting rid of the stones and not letting them get bigger. Good luck to you. I know it's scary not knowing what to expect. Oh, and I had the stent removed at the Urologist's office that time too. It felt like he was pulling on the stent for 20 minutes before it came out. I felt like I had to pee right away and found out that's why the Dr. was wearing like a vinyl apron. lol.:angel:
PianoSteve123
02-29-2008, 06:09 PM
Well I had it done yesterday. I was truly frightened, shaking on the table. They couldn't get the catheter from the needle into a good spot so I was poked 3 times. I needed that right? They were very nice however and sympathetic to my nervousness. I spoke to the anesthesiologist at length about my fears. I told him I didn't want to be nauseous when I woke up. He said he would take care of everything.
All I remember is getting the IV, a shot to "relax" and, within minutes, the gas mask and the next moment, they were calling my name to wake me up. Trippy! I had never had a general before and that was a big fear but it really was okay. And this is coming from a guy who is a total control freak!
I felt like I couldn't really eat last night but had some soup. I was still in a daze and in some pain.
Today, I feel much more myself but I am feverish, my kidney hurts, I am running to the bathroom every 15 minutes and I am a virtual gravel machine! It's amazing. I cancelled an appointment I have for tomorrow morning before working tomorrow night. I am hoping to feel a little better by then because the work is rather strenuous so I can use the extra time to get myself strong again.
I'm on Cipro as an antibiotic, that medicine that turns urine orange, and painkillers. Luckily, they did not put a stent in. My throat hurts from the air tube they use when you are knocked out.
All in all, the experience sucked (especially the day and night before with the not eating and the laxatives and the other thing I won't mention). However, as one or more of you have said, it sure as hell beats a trip to the ER holding my back and screaming in agony, followed by weeks of recouperation. I do not want to have to go thru it again. I am taking Uriflow which was recommended to me by a friend who also had a lipo and uric acid stones. He said he has been stone free (isn't that a Hendrix song?) ever since he started it.
I can honestly now say that the weeks and weeks of constant worry about this procedure was worse than the actual experience. For others who are worried and frightened like I was, I can say now that it really wasn't that bad in retrospect. I feel like hell right now but that's all part of this kidney stone experience. I've felt this way many times before. At least I now know that I don't have an 11mm stone that could get stuck at any moment and put me in excruciating pain.
Thanks for your input!
Steve
All I remember is getting the IV, a shot to "relax" and, within minutes, the gas mask and the next moment, they were calling my name to wake me up. Trippy! I had never had a general before and that was a big fear but it really was okay. And this is coming from a guy who is a total control freak!
I felt like I couldn't really eat last night but had some soup. I was still in a daze and in some pain.
Today, I feel much more myself but I am feverish, my kidney hurts, I am running to the bathroom every 15 minutes and I am a virtual gravel machine! It's amazing. I cancelled an appointment I have for tomorrow morning before working tomorrow night. I am hoping to feel a little better by then because the work is rather strenuous so I can use the extra time to get myself strong again.
I'm on Cipro as an antibiotic, that medicine that turns urine orange, and painkillers. Luckily, they did not put a stent in. My throat hurts from the air tube they use when you are knocked out.
All in all, the experience sucked (especially the day and night before with the not eating and the laxatives and the other thing I won't mention). However, as one or more of you have said, it sure as hell beats a trip to the ER holding my back and screaming in agony, followed by weeks of recouperation. I do not want to have to go thru it again. I am taking Uriflow which was recommended to me by a friend who also had a lipo and uric acid stones. He said he has been stone free (isn't that a Hendrix song?) ever since he started it.
I can honestly now say that the weeks and weeks of constant worry about this procedure was worse than the actual experience. For others who are worried and frightened like I was, I can say now that it really wasn't that bad in retrospect. I feel like hell right now but that's all part of this kidney stone experience. I've felt this way many times before. At least I now know that I don't have an 11mm stone that could get stuck at any moment and put me in excruciating pain.
Thanks for your input!
Steve
sunshine123
03-01-2008, 03:13 AM
Hi PianoSteve: Glad you got through it OK. Were you nauseous afterwards? I was after mine in July. My back hurt bad afterwards too and I had trapped gas in my stomach, ribs and back. I have (7) small stones in my right kidney, but none in my left kidney. The Litho in July was on my left kidney. I can't wait til the stones start moving. They're small enough to pass at this point, but I'm hardly looking forward to passing them!!!
PianoSteve123
03-01-2008, 10:36 AM
Hi PianoSteve: Glad you got through it OK. Were you nauseous afterwards? I was after mine in July. My back hurt bad afterwards too and I had trapped gas in my stomach, ribs and back. I have (7) small stones in my right kidney, but none in my left kidney. The Litho in July was on my left kidney. I can't wait til the stones start moving. They're small enough to pass at this point, but I'm hardly looking forward to passing them!!!
Hi;
I wasn't really nauseous afterwards and that was a big concern of mine because I'm kinda phobic where that's concerned. I made sure the anesthesiologist knew that I did NOT want to feel that when I awoke and aside from shaking uncontrollably, my wake-up was bearable. I felt a little queazy the past couple of days for only a few moments at a time but I think it's more a result of the stones passing and the cipro I'm taking. Nothing that has prevented me from eating or even taking anything for it.
My back hurts and I have to keep telling myself that it's because of the lipo and NOT that I'm about to double over in pain from an attack. The hardest thing post-litho is the passing. For a man, it's a bit intense and all the blood is scary, I was assured that everything is how it should be and it will all feel better soon.
Hi;
I wasn't really nauseous afterwards and that was a big concern of mine because I'm kinda phobic where that's concerned. I made sure the anesthesiologist knew that I did NOT want to feel that when I awoke and aside from shaking uncontrollably, my wake-up was bearable. I felt a little queazy the past couple of days for only a few moments at a time but I think it's more a result of the stones passing and the cipro I'm taking. Nothing that has prevented me from eating or even taking anything for it.
My back hurts and I have to keep telling myself that it's because of the lipo and NOT that I'm about to double over in pain from an attack. The hardest thing post-litho is the passing. For a man, it's a bit intense and all the blood is scary, I was assured that everything is how it should be and it will all feel better soon.
sunshine123
03-01-2008, 01:19 PM
My Urologist isn't the most compassionate man. When I told him that I was so nauseous afterwards, he told me "that was to be expected". lol. Thankfully, the nausea didn't last for too long b/c we were driving back on the freeway and I thought I'd upchuck then, but didn't. Yes, I can imagine how much worse it is for a man to pass a stone. I hope all will be well with you now and I'll send good vibes out to you!!! Sue
PianoSteve123
03-04-2008, 12:16 AM
Okay it's day 4 post op and it's been pretty lousy. I still feel like I have to go every half hour and sometimes more often, followed by a little feeling of nausea. The nausea was a little worse today so I'm thinking it might be from the Cipro (antibiotic). This is a very strong medicine used for Anthrax and it may be a little rough on my system. Last time he prescribed it was when I had an actual stone attack and I thought the nausea was just from passing a stone. It's not all the time and it's not very bad but it's a reminder that all systems are not back to normal.
Don't wanna complain. I'm just doing this as a follow up to possibly help others who plan to go thru it or can relate.
Any others who have had some post lipro queasiness?
Don't wanna complain. I'm just doing this as a follow up to possibly help others who plan to go thru it or can relate.
Any others who have had some post lipro queasiness?
sunshine123
03-04-2008, 12:57 AM
I'm sorry you're still nauseous. I only had nausea for a day or so afterwards. Antibiotics always bother my stomach. It's possible that the Cipro is causing your nausea. Hope you feel better soon!!!:confused: