Had Lithotripsy-When can I expect stone pieces? - Kidney Disorders Message Board

MKMaggie · 10-30-2007, 08:00 PM

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

duzford · 10-31-2007, 05:51 AM

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.

friendly_one · 10-31-2007, 10:26 AM

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!!

(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.

MKMaggie · 10-31-2007, 10:54 AM

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

duzford · 10-31-2007, 12:14 PM

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!