kidney stone removal - my experience

lady1954

In 2013 I found out on a trip to the ER that I had a 1.7 centimeter kidney stone. A tumor was also discovered. Thankfully, the tumor is benign (this after a biopsy was done.) However, within just a couple of weeks, I started peeing pink. When I called the doctor's office, I was told it was probably because of the biopsy. Within two days I was in agony. Back to the ER. This time they told me that I was currently passing two tiny stones. I was given Percocet ( after telling them that it made me sick.). So they gave me Zofran for nausea. By later that day, they sent me home. Within a couple of hours, I was in so much pain I couldn't stand it. I took the Zofran and waited like I was told, but within minutes of taking the Percocet, I was vomiting and couldn't stop. I was also peeing blood. I had all I could do to get to the car. My husband wanted to call an ambulance, but I wouldn't let him. Even though the hospital is only about 5 minutes away from our house, my husband had to pull over twice so I could be sick. When we arrived, they took me right back. I was still vomiting. They moved pretty quickly and were surprised that I had been there that morning. I tried to tell them that I knew I was passing two tiny stones, but I've never had that much pain in my life. They started anti-nausea drugs and after the 3rd one along with pain medications, I was pretty much out of it. When the ER doctor came back in with the ultrasound machine, he quickly did a scan and told us (my husband and daughters were there) he knew exactly what was wrong...the stone had moved and was completely blocking the left ureter. He went on to explain that I would have to have a stent inserted to push the stone back into the kidney and allow the kidney to drain. The reason why the pain was so bad was because the kidney was extremely swelled. Then the doctor found out that they had no urologist on duty. One was on vacation and the other had a family emergency. My oldest daughter made the decision to have me taken by ambulance to a bigger hospital. The ER doctor had called the head of Urology at the other hospital and was told to ship me and they would put me on the surgery list for the following morning.
The next morning I passed the two tiny ugly stones after waking up and not even knowing where I was or where the rest of my clothes were. Of course the minute I woke up the vomiting restarted, so another "cocktail" was given. I know they came in and talked to me, but I just wanted the pain to stop.
After the stent, the vomiting stopped and there was some pain, but not nearly as bad. I could feel the stent every time I moved.
Within a couple of weeks I had the 1st lithotripsy. It broke the stone, but the urologist told me he cancelled the 2nd lithotripsy. Let's just say him and I had a difference of opinion. I requested a 2nd lithotripsy be done when he told me there were still several stones 8-11 millimeters in size. His goal was to remove the stent. When I questioned about another blockage, he told me that my chances of having another was next to none and that I obviously didn't handle pain very well; that their patients didn't just get shipped to another hospital and it must have happened on a Sunday. Actually, it was a Thursday. He got angry. Told me he would reschedule me and I could deal with his partner. Thank goodness!
So 1st lithotripsy in July, 2nd in August (several 8-11 millimeter stones). Was told my stones were extremely hard, very difficult to break. Did the maximum number of blasts. In September I had the stent removed. Not terribly bad, but lots of spasms after. Then thinking I was in the clear, the doctor decided to do another KUB x-ray. So you can just imagine how surprised I was to be asked if I felt alright. I was still having some pain in my left side. They setup an appointment within a week or so and asked if I had Tramadol left (which I did.). At the appointment I was told I had another blockage. A 3rd lithotripsy was done. I didn't have to have another stent. I passed the last stones (lots of them over about 4 weeks.)
Now I take a supplement called Theralith X R. It balances the urine chemistry in your kidneys so you don't form stones.
In March of 2014 I passed the one 5 mm stone that was left with ease. I have been stone free since.
My stones were calcium oxalate. I did a low oxalate diet for several months and still watch what I eat. I also consume lots of lemonade and lemon water and lemon in food. Seems the citric acid works to break down the stones and make them easier to pass.
Theralith is NOT a prescription. It was doctor recommended and it does work.
I opted for the lithotripsies because it's a non invasive method.
It is very common to have pain and bleeding with the stent.
Find out why you are making stones and try to prevent them because they can cause damage to the kidneys and ureters.
Good luck!