Hi~
I have a 1/2 cm kidney stone in my right kidney that I know of. This morning I have been having a lot of pain in my right pelvis area. I have also been throwing up. Could this be caused by the kidney stone. My dr had told me it was probably to big to pass.
Also, the pain isn't in my back at all. Just in the front, but it keeps getting worse.
~Hilery

I'm afraid I can't answer your question, but I have one for you! How did they diagnose your kidney stone? I have been in a lot of pain for several months now...mostly in my right front abdomen, but lots of lower back pain too. I have recently developed sharp stinging pain at the tops of my hip bones. An ultrasound of my kidneys revealed nothing, but that was several months ago. A recent x-ray of my abdomen showed a 3 mm stone in my left ureter and I am wondering if there might be more, but the doctors don't think this is any big deal, but yet they can't figure out the cause of my pain. Recently they tell me it might be irritable bowel syndrome, which doesn't make sense to me. I have had protein in my urine for several months now...does anyone else have that?

Hi Rorie~
My kidney stone was discovered by accident when they did a CT scan of my chest. I also get get sharp pain through my hip bone area. When they checked my urine they found traces of blood and a small amount of protein. My dr. didn't seem very concerned either-which is frusterating. You might try to ask your dr to do a CT scan of your kidney area.
Hilery

hilery,

Here's a copy of a reply I sent to another member earlier this month. Hope it helps you to understand.

I am a 13 year veteran and have passed MANY stones. I've also undergone 5 lithotrypsies. Kidney stones can be very scarey. Is your pain sharp like a bad gas attack in the abdomen area or dull, but severe, and more in the lower back or flank area? For me, a 'passing' stone is always a sharp pain with some nausea and has been, by and large, endurable with oral pain meds. Blockages start feeling like a sore back (lower back/flank) and progress to the point that I cannot stand up straight or get comfortable in any position, have mild to high fever, and have more severe nausea. At that point I head for the ER. Blockages are VERY dangerous. An untreated blockage can cause permanent kidney damage. An IVP (IV push) in the ER will show a blockage. Basically they rapidly push fluids into a vein through an IV with a dye in it. Then they take an xray that will show whether the dye can pass out of the kidney.

In my experience, shape has more to do with the pain of passing than size. I passed one very smooth stone (re-formed from litho sand) that was 5 - 7mm and didn't feel it at all until it was 'spit out' (anyone who has passed a large one knows what I mean - putoee). I have also passed one that was less than 0.5mm that felt like it was ripping me apart all the way through. I looked at it with a microscope (I'm funny that way) and it looked exactly like a little tiny, razor-sharp arrow head. So, YES, a small stone can definitely hurt as much or more than large ones.

Time for a stone to pass: I don't think I have had any single stone that took more than a week to pass.
Pain: If you are having severe pain and your doctor is only giving you muscle relaxants (useless) and steroids, find a new doctor. Noone should have to stand this kind of pain without at least Darvocet or Lortab or something else of like strength. One of those in combination with phenigren for nausea works well for me. Of course, as with any narcotic these should be taken properly. Also be careful of driving or operating machinery if you are one of those effected strongly by these medications (I am not).

The good news is that I have never been (nor have I heard of anyone else who has been) permanently damaged by passing a stone. Nor have I been permanently damaged by a blockage (I don't let it go that far). It definitely isn't fun, but you will get through it. Remember to as your doctor any question you want, no matter how dumb it may seem, you, or your insurance, are certainly paying enough for his time. Make sure you understand exactly how he is diagnosing you, exactly who he plans to treat your condition, and, MOST important, WHY. Look for all the info you can find. If you don't think he is treating you properly, don't feel bad or embarrased about getting a second opinion. Doctors are human and make mistakes just like the rest of us, even though some don't think they can.

Hilery79-
Thanks for answering my question. I also have some symptoms consistent with thyroid problems...just wondering if you do also and if you know if thyroid and kidney stone issues are related? Thanks for your help!

Rorie~
Actually, I have had thyroid problems lately. Unfortunatly, I just found out I have thyroid cancer along with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. I also have many symptoms of hypothyroidism and sometimes hyperthyroidism. (short of breath, hair loss, heart races, tremors, dizziness, and feeling faint)I have had these symptoms for 2 months now.
I found out about my kidney stone at the same time I started having all of these thyroid symptoms. I'm not sure if they have anything to do with each other, but it would make sense if they did. I'll ask my dr on monday.
Hilery