Kidney Stones, Encourage It Along ?

[CW1]

Hi,

Was diagnosed with 3 kidney stones last night, 1 in each kidney & 1 in a ureter (7mm), the latter being the problem at the moment. Hospital said the 2 in the kidneys would be "lasered" (later told, "vibrated") to break them up.

No one ever mentioned drinking more but seems a sensible thing to do, though I do drink probably getting on for 2l a day. A thread from years ago suggested cutting out tomatoes (of which I eat a lot) & strawberries. But (possibly a dumb question, I blame the medication LOL). If the ureter's blocked (would 7mm block it ?), would the other kidney / bladder be used more / instead ? The GP's said it could up to 10 days to be passed, anything I can do to encourage it on it's way ?

[Mamyalynne]

Drinking more clear fluids will help a bit.

[Peter Pedant]

press fluids
info here

https://www.healthline.com/health/kidney-health/how-long-to-pass-kidney-stone

[woofgang]

you only have one bladder. What did they say in the hospital about the one in your ureter?

[Tilly2]

I can't answer the question but I hope it's not too painful.

[Cloverjo]

Poor you, having three of the little blighters at once. Hope it’s not too painful.
My brother in law had one and was advised to drink plenty of fluids. He was also told not to drink too much tea once the thing was out. He was on at least eight cups a day.

When you do you pass them, make sure to keep the stones to show people and gross them out!

[Sqad]

I don't understand:

////If the ureter's blocked (would 7mm block it)////
What doesn't mean?

You have a stone in each kidney and they are to be treated by with lithography........no problem there.
The stone in your ureter is to be treated with masterly inactivity, hoping you will pass it naturally......no problem there.
You drink 2 litres a day......that could be a problem, depending on your kidney function tests
One normal kidney even with a stone in it should be able to cope,
I am still worried about you drinking 2 litres a day of water.

What is your question?

[KARL]

I find it fascinating that, if you are and have for months/years been drinking of the order of 2 litres of water a day (on top of all other liquid intake), you are nevertheless suffering from kidney stones.

[Sqad]

Ah! You mean the stone inthe ureter is 7mm?
That is unlikely to pass naturally and may need surgical help.

[CW1]

woofgang, just that it was stuck in the ureter & was 7mm. I don't know how wide a ureter is so don't know if it needs to be "dislodged" or it'll just make it's way out.

The stuck one is excruciating, worst pain I've ever known, hence painkillers including a suppository (haven't tried that yet). I just hope I get an appointment to get the others "blasted" before they become painful too.

Cloverjo, omg, gross ! LOL

Sqad, how wide is a ureter, ish ? What's wrong with 2l fluids a day ? More than most people I know ! Main question, as in the title, is how can I encourage it out. Looking at Peter's link, 7mm could take a year ! Can't be taking painkillers for that long ! They can take up to 2hrs to kick so in the morning it's agony for a couple of hours *sob*

[CW1]

KARL, did notice (again from Peter's link) that too much protein can be a factor. I started increasing mine some time ago, when I was dieting, but not excessively.

Sqad, when they showed me the CT scan they told me both facts, didn't mention treatment for that.

[Sqad]

7mms IS about the diameter of a ureter.
I presume you have painkillers e.g Pethidine.
Ease up on the 2litres unless instructed by the Urologist...........and pray.
Personally, I would push for surgical removal.

[CW1]

KARL, same here hence bit nonplussed by Sqad's
"You drink 2 litres a day......that could be a problem, depending on your kidney function tests
...
I am still worried about you drinking 2 litres a day of water."
Kidney function, as far as I'm aware, is fine. Had 2 lots of blood tests in last few weeks, including last night.

[CW1]

Ease up, Sqad ?!
I'm on Codeine Phosphate, Econac & Omeprazole (presumably to counteract possible side effects of Econac ?), & they said I could I could take paracetomol, which I'll stop if the Econac are any good.

[Sqad]

CW1....drinking fluid in kidney problems isn't simple.
In some cases pushing fluid 2 litres is beneficial but in other cases it could be harmful and fluid restriction is the order of the day, all depending on blood tests.
Drink what the medics have recommended.

[CW1]

Nobody mentioned fliud intake, or food for that matter.

[CW1]

https://www.theanswerbank.co.uk/Body-and-Soul/Question1000057.html
I know that's from a while ago but one poster who'd had loads of stones said,
"For anyone who suffers from this painful condidtion.....drink LOTS of water every day. I mean 3 litres...........and I was advised to avoid tomato skins and pips, also strawberries, raspberries"

[Sqad]

Poor quality of medical care in my opinion.
Carry on with your fluid intake of 2 litres and continue your normal diet.

[tinkerbell23]

My opinion drink plenty .. as in attempt to PEE two litres a day.

7mm one might pass might not & mabye need that fished out!

Ones in kidneys may stay therr... if they move you will know all about it!

Reduce salt intake and red meat in moderation.

Never heard of any issues with strawberries or tomatos!

Lazer/vibration = lithotripsy.

The suppositories are reported to be the most helpful alongside the other meds.

We commonly prescribe Tamsulosin for stones- might be an option.

Feel for you- they are not pleasant!!!

[CW1]

Thanks Tinkerbell.
I avoid salt where I can, don't add it to anything, & am vegetarian so no red meat, latter one reason I started adding a protein powder to cereal when I was dieting but I did see somewhere excessive protein might not be a great idea (tho' don't consider 20g excessive).
I wondered if the "avoid tomatoes, strawberries & raspberries" would be something to do with the pips. I do eat a lot of tomatoes.
The Econac is wonderful, took it when I went to bed, slept thru' & still completely pain free for the 1st time since Sunday :)
If it hasn't passed by the time I go back for the lithotripsy, I'll ask about Tamsulosin, thanks for the heads up.
"Not pleasant" is helluva understatement ! LOL

[EdmundD]

Regarding Tamsulosin, I am currently on 400 mcg a day.

The consultant who prescribed it said it should not be taken at the same time as any blood pressure medication as Tamsulosin itself can lower blood pressure. He advised that I take it in the evening and to check with my GP how this could affect any other medication I am taking.

At the time I was on Indapamide in the morning (it is a diuretic) and Losartan in the evening. My GP advised me to stop the Losartan.

A few years ago my wife was suffering quite badly with kidney stones. She eventually had shock wave lithotripsy and had a stent put in to help the passage of the fragments.

The consultant who treated her said that she should drink at least 2 litres of fluid a day (preferably water) and add lemon juice to the water.