Kidney stones

@tracilynn418, I can relate to the bother of having to come up with meal ideas each day. And for a person who doesn't like to do the same task the same way twice, I paused when some member wrote that she uses a system of some "basic meals" that make up her core diet. I thought that might be boring for me but I did try a few and found it was both a time and "thought" saver. She said eating the same basic meal plan became easy for her. I use two "basic" meal ideas two days a week and that leaves other days to do something more creative.

Unfortunately I didn't get to mention the transplant prior to dialysis. I was in shock that my creatinine was finally in normal since I began my journey with only one kidney working, while trying to dodge kidney stones. I had a bump in the road and we had to add a medication to my regular potassium citrate because this time my calcium levels were quite high it's also an adjustment I feel like every appointment he gives me something to work on and I perfect that thing and get levels to normal then something else goes crazy on me but it's a work in progress, next appt is February so we will see how that is

@tracilynn0418 At least he doesn't give you a stack of things to do all at once! It might be more than you or your system can take, and this way you can ease into a new habit/change. How are you feeling today?
Ginger

I'm passing a stone now. This is my third this year and the last one was only two and a half months ago. My Urologist wants me to have the procedure where she zaps the "six" I have left and they break up into smaller prices BUT, after reading about the procedure (done under general anesthesia), I'm not sure if I'll have it. After researching it on the internet and talking to someone who has had it done, I have found it is extremely painful and may have to be repeated. I have heard of a couple of companies that sell a product that "supposedly" causes the stones to grind down to a powder that would pass through the uretors painlessly. Has anyone heard of such a product or, even better, tried it? I really don't want to have the microwave procedure. Thanks for reading.

@redcat2109
I’ve had 8 kidney stones most of which were large greater than 20mm.
I had multiple ureteroscopic lithotripsy surgeries to remove them. As far as pain is concerned, once the initial pain was controlled they surgeries were a breeze. I did have a kidney infection and couldn’t urinate and had to be catheterized for 3-4 days. I wouldn’t hesitate to have that procedure again but hopefully it won’t ever be necessary. Drinking lemonade or water with some lemon juice in it is very beneficial. does your Urologist have you taking potassium citrate? And I assume you’re drinking adequate amounts of water. I haven’t had a stone in over a year. Do you know what type of kidney stones you’ve had.
Jake

@redcat2109 As @jakedduck1 mentioned, there are 4 major types of kidney stones. Here is a link from Mayo Clinic that describes them: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/kidney-stones/symptoms-causes/syc-20355755

Many years ago I had a kidney stone, and my dad was highly susceptible to them. I recall the doctors even back then, checking the stones to see what they were made of, in order to help them not keep reappearing. Has your doctor talked to you about that? My sister and father both had the lithotripsy to break up the stones, and were happy with the results.
Ginger

I don’t have experience of kidney stones myself, but my daughter had kidney stones a few months ago.
She was not aware that she had stones and was admitted to the hospital with sepsis. A few weeks later the urologist removed them with light sedation.
If you are unsure of the procedure you can get a second opinion.
There is pain but it’s manageable.
Are you on medication now?

Was the stint the doctor put in painful? How long did it stay in? Was it painful to get it removed?

I'm taking pain medication because the pain is really bad but my doctor hasn't given me any other medicine for the stones. I was told I would need to be under general anesthesia, not light and I'm not happy about that. I have a very low tolerance for pain so what's manageable for someone else would probably be very bad for me. I have to make a decision about the procedure soon so I appreciate the comments I'm receiving.

My daughter felt pain from the stent at times but it was a dull pain.
Taking it out was fine- she was sedated.