Kidney stones: Is surgery necessary?

@c111fidler Welcome to Mayo Connect! We are not doctors, but patients, caregivers, and family members, sharing our experiences to help others on their own journeys.

I have only ever had one kidney stone, but my father routinely suffered with them. He had lithotripsy done a couple of times, but was not able to do it later in life. Here is an article from the National Kidney Foundation that discusses the type of kidney stones. https://www.kidney.org/atoz/content/kidneystones.

Things you may want to consider regarding surgery is the location of the stones. There may be other health issues you work with that will not pair well with lithotripsy. Pregnancy, bleeding disorders, kidney disease, are among those that might preclude that treatment. Have you asked your nephrologist their thoughts why they do not want to do lithotripsy? Have you considered a second opinion, at Mayo clinic or a large teaching hospital?

Please let me know what you think!
Ginger

FYI, saw this short video on Mayo Facebook page from Urologist, Dr. Karen Stern answering the basic questions about kidney stones.

Not sure if this has been shared before, if it has, sorry for duplication.
https://www.facebook.com/MayoClinic/videos/5360239180718136
Laurie

Laurie, I'm so glad you posted this. I just learned more about the multidisciplinary approach of the Kidney Stone clinic at Mayo Clinic AZ. Patients are seen by a urologist, nephrologist, and a dietician. In my opinion, the addition of the dietician is so critical. I had a kidney stone (much to my surprise) and after it was passed, most of my questions focused on diet and lifestyle. What caused me to have a kidney stone in the first place and what could I do to prevent them in the future. Most of the answers for me were linked to movement (I sit at a computer too much), hydration, and some modifications to my diet.

@roch, have you had kidney stones?

@colleenyoung , You asked if I have Kidney stones, answer is not sure. That is why the video was helpful. I think I had one in January, saw primary provider, and like Dr in video advised, no additional testing if only one occurance. I had a 24 hr urine collection last week as part of yearly recheck post gastric bypass (5+ years ago). Will review results next week in endocrinology and plan on asking if anything in that test shows at risk for kidney stones.

Laurie Miller

@roch, @colleenyoung, Good evening. I also want to thank you Laurie for sharing the video. I just spent a few days in the hospital while the clinicians searched for another kidney stone for me. This one was on the scan but we never trapped it.

I too am now working with urology, endocrinology and will be adding a dietician to review what might be causing the stones. The Oxalate family of foods is a possible culprit. Just went for more testing last week. I don't think anyone gave me such a cohesive explanation of the process for discovering the cause of the stones as this Mayo physician.

So far, it may be an osteoporosis medication that is helping build bone. I am moving to another type of medication just in case.

Please continue to share your information.

May you be safe and protected from both inner and outer harm.
Chris

I have kidney stones. I will be taking a medication for the first time for osteoporosis. Wondering now about taking med.

Good afternoon @eastiegirl .... should I say welcome back? Gladly. I just noticed that you have not posted since 2016. That is about the time I discovered Connect.

Kidney stones......I thought I was done with those. And osteoporosis medication has also been a bit of a wonderment. I have completed two years of Tymlos daily injections. Tymlos builds bone and then doesn't protect it. I will start Prolia next week....one subcutaneous injection every six months to protect the Tymlos growth.

The one I wish I could explore is Evenity. It both builds bone and protects it. If you want to talk with the manufacturer's medical resources, I am happy to give you the number. They should have any data relating their product to kidney stones. 800 772-6436 is the Amgen number.

Kidney stones are so painful and can involve complex treatments to remove them. Please let me know what you find out about your situation. I will help you in any way I can with the information.

May you have happiness and the causes of happiness.
Chris

Large asymptomatic kidney stone 1.8 cm in lower pole

I've decided to delay removal treatment and to observe via periodic imaging. Anyone else doing the same? Ok with your decision? Doing ok? I appreciate any thoughts you can share. Thanks!

Gregg, I moved your question about delaying treatment to see if the kidney stone will pass on its own to this existing discussion where @c111fidler asked a similar question:
- Kidney stones: Is surgery necessary? https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/kidney-stones-5/

I was good with my decision to take the time to allow the kidney stone to pass without intervention. I shared more of my story in this discussion:
- Kidney stones: https://connect.mayoclinic.org/discussion/kidney-stones-1/

I was prescribed Flomax to help relax or dilate the ureter to encourage the stone to pass more easily. @redcat2109 @jakedduck1 @johnbishop @gingerw and others may have additional experiences to share.

Gregg, I'm glad to hear you are assymptomatic. How was it discovered that you have a kidney stone?

Thank you, very helpful!