Could a Kidney Stone Have Turned into a Bladder Stone?
A 32-year-old female weighing 146 pounds is currently undergoing treatment with antibiotics and prescription AZO. Earlier this year, in February, I experienced a kidney stone measuring 5mm, which was confirmed through a CT scan at the emergency room. It was situated about 75% down the right ureter, leading to inflammation of the kidney that required antibiotic treatment. After enduring pain for an additional two days, I found relief and was pain-free. Approximately two weeks later, I followed up with a urologist who performed an ultrasound. They concluded that I must have passed the stone since my kidney showed no signs of inflammation. However, I expressed my concerns about ongoing episodes of pressure in my bladder and maintained my belief that I had not expelled the stone. I've always been aware when I've passed one before, and I have been vigilant during each bathroom visit, yet I have neither felt nor seen a stone this time. Last Friday, I began experiencing a strong, persistent urge to urinate accompanied by bladder spasms and a sensation of never feeling completely empty. The urgency lasted intensely for about 48 hours before gradually subsiding by Monday. I consulted my primary care physician (PCP), who conducted urine tests that yielded normal results but still prescribed antibiotics to rule out a potential infection. I inquired whether my symptoms could be tied to the kidney stone, reiterating my strong conviction that I had not passed it. My PCP, however, seemed convinced that I had. I was advised to complete the course of antibiotics and make an appointment with a urologist if my condition does not improve. Is it possible that the stone remains in my bladder? If that were the case, would I have visible blood in my urine?
Answers (1)
3/19/2025, 5:00:44 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about your urinary symptoms, especially after experiencing a kidney stone. Your situation involves past kidney stone issues, current bladder symptoms, and some uncertainty about whether a stone was passed. I’ll break down the key points and provide guidance.
Main Points:
- It is possible for a kidney stone to create ongoing urinary symptoms even if it was not visually passed.
- Bladder stones can develop from residual fragments or due to various other factors.
- Blood in the urine is a common indicator of stones or urinary issues, but it may not always be present.
Explanation:
A kidney stone can sometimes cause lasting symptoms in the bladder area if it is not fully passed, but given your previous evaluation by the urologist and your normal urine tests, it's also possible that your symptoms are related to bladder spasms or an infection. Stones can irritate the bladder and cause feelings of urgency and discomfort. It is not uncommon for some stones to be passed without being noticed, especially if they are small or fragmented.
Next Steps:
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Complete the Antibiotic Course: It's important to finish the antibiotics to rule out any lingering infection, as your PCP suggested.
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Track Symptoms: Keep a daily log of your symptoms, including any pain levels, frequency and urgency of urination, and any changes in your urine. This will help you identify patterns or changes that could be important for your urologist.
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Monitor for Blood in Urine: While not all stones cause visible bleeding, if blood does appear in your urine, or if your symptoms worsen, getting in touch with your healthcare provider sooner would be necessary.
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Follow Up with Urologist: If your symptoms do not improve after antibiotics, schedule an appointment with your urologist for a thorough reassessment. They may recommend imaging tests, such as an ultrasound or CT scan, to check for any remaining stones or new issues.
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Stay Hydrated: Ensure you are drinking plenty of fluids daily to help flush your urinary system.
Your concerns are valid, and staying proactive about your health is crucial. Please feel free to reach out if you have any further questions or need clarification on any points.
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