Navigating My Ongoing Battle with Kidney Stones
Hello everyone! I’m reaching out for some advice and insights before my upcoming appointment with the urologist. Profile: - Age: 43 - Gender: Female - Overall Health: Good - Weight: 127 lbs - Height: 5’7” - Currently on hormone replacement therapy due to early menopause. - Osteopenia, managing with additional calcium intake. - Not on any other medication on a routine basis. - Very active lifestyle. - No family history related to kidney stones or similar issues. I was first diagnosed with a 6mm stone in January 2024 after experiencing some mild, recurring flank discomfort and elevated protein levels in my urine. An ultrasound confirmed the stone, leading to a referral to a urologist. They recommended laser lithotripsy, which I underwent in August 2024. It was an incredibly challenging experience - the stent was excruciating, and I received no effective pain relief beyond extra-strength Tylenol, which was insufficient. I struggled with basic movements, like bending down to wear socks or climbing stairs, while the stent was in place. By February 2025, I had a CT scan that revealed two small stones measuring 1mm each; the urologist suggested these were likely remnants of my previous stone and advised me to increase my water intake, which I had already been doing by drinking over 4 liters daily. Fast forward to December, and I began to feel mild flank pain again. A follow-up ultrasound revealed that the two stones had grown to sizes of 7mm and 6mm. My concern is whether this is going to be a recurrent issue in my life. Will I continuously undergo procedures just to have more stones form afterward? Should there have been other treatments or preventive measures discussed when the fragments were still present six months ago? The thought of experiencing this pain again fills me with anxiety. Would it be prudent to consult a different urologist for a second opinion? I appreciate any guidance or thoughts you may have!
Answers (1)
2/3/2026, 3:50:46 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re facing a challenging situation with kidney stones and understandably feeling anxious about the recurring nature of this problem. Let's break down what might be happening and what you can do moving forward.
Main Points:
- Recurrent Kidney Stones: It's common for individuals who have had kidney stones to experience them again, especially if risk factors persist.
- Preventive Measures: There are steps you can take to potentially reduce the likelihood of new stones forming.
- Seeking a Second Opinion: It can be beneficial to get another perspective to ensure you’re fully informed about your options.
Explanation:
Kidney stones can recur, and their formation is influenced by various factors, including diet, hydration, and specific medical conditions. The increase in stone size after procedures can be disheartening, and it's normal to feel anxious about needing further treatments. The fact that you’re following recommendations for hydration is a positive sign, but sometimes additional dietary or medical adjustments are needed.
Actionable Next Steps:
- Continue Hydration: Ensure you're drinking enough fluids; aim for at least 3-4 liters daily, focusing on water.
- Dietary Adjustments: Consider consulting with a nutritionist specializing in kidney health to optimize your diet. Reducing oxalate-rich foods (like spinach and nuts) and limiting sodium can help.
- Monitor and Record Symptoms: Keep a diary of any symptoms or dietary intake, which can be helpful for your healthcare providers and might reveal patterns that contribute to stone formation.
- Discuss Medications: Ask your urologist about preventive medications or supplements (such as thiazide diuretics or potassium citrate) that may help prevent stones.
- Evaluate Bone Health: Since you’re on hormone replacement therapy and managing osteopenia, ensure your calcium intake is balanced with your dietary needs related to stone formation.
- Consider a Second Opinion: If you feel uncertain about your current treatment direction, seeking a second opinion from another urologist who specializes in stone diseases can provide reassurance and additional options.
Your concerns are valid, and proactive engagement in your care will empower you to navigate this condition more effectively. Stay strong, and remember that managing kidney stones is a journey with many strategies available to you. Let me know if you have further questions or need clarification on any of these points.
Related Questions
Seeking Guidance While Waiting for Surgery
I am a 25-year-old woman currently awaiting surgery to remove a 5.3 cm dermoid cyst located on my right ovary. The call to schedule the procedure from my gynecologist is still pending. Lately, I've been experiencing occasional mild, twisting discomfort on my right side, which I suspect may be connected to the cyst. I would really like to find relief from this pain, but I'm hesitant about which over-the-counter pain medications to take, as I lack sufficient knowledge about how they actually function. Will ibuprofen provide any relief? Moreover, this will be my first surgical experience as an adult, and I find my growing interest in certain shows, particularly "The Pitt," is only amplifying my anxiety regarding the upcoming operation. I'm curious about the sedation process—will I require intubation or sedation for this laparoscopic surgery? Any insights or advice would be greatly appreciated, as I'm feeling incredibly anxious about the entire situation right now.
The Silent Threat: H. Pylori and Its Impact on Gallbladder Health
Let me summarize a lengthy experience into a more manageable account. During the summer of 2019, I started experiencing tachycardia and a range of other health complications. At that time, I was a dedicated athlete—having completed an Ironman and excelled in powerlifting—truly representing peak health for a 27-year-old. After enduring multiple health crises and grappling with the overwhelming confusion surrounding my symptoms, particularly during the chaotic COVID period, I discovered I had significant levels of H. pylori bacteria in my system. Fast forward to August 2025, I underwent quadruple therapy to eradicate the infection, which was a grueling experience—one I would not recommend lightly, though it was unfortunately necessary. Now, six months after completing that therapy, I found that my body had not fully returned to its previous state of wellness. After undergoing a special scan, I learned that my gallbladder is functioning at a mere 17% ejection fraction. My doctor was quick to refer me to a surgeon, but I requested a moment to reconsider. Given that there were no stones or sludge present, I postulated that my gallbladder's underperformance might be due to a disruption in nerve signaling stemming from years of vagal nerve issues related to my bacterial infection. To my relief, my doctor concurred and agreed to take a watchful approach. This leads me to wonder about the potential for recovery in gallbladder function. Currently, I’m supplementing with 100 mg of TUDCA and utilizing hydrochloric acid for digestion, as the quadruple therapy diminished my stomach acid levels. I’m curious to know others' experiences or insights regarding the possibility of my gallbladder regaining normal functionality. I’ve read contrasting opinions on the necessity of having a gallbladder, as many consider it dispensable, yet my research indicates otherwise. I aim to avoid surgery, if at all possible, and would appreciate any advice or perspectives you could share on this situation.
Seeking Advice on 9mm Kidney Stone Treatment Without Stenting
Hello everyone! I'm a 29-year-old female who discovered a 9mm kidney stone in my right kidney following a CT scan conducted for an unrelated issue. Fortunately, I'm not experiencing any symptoms at the moment. When I was 21, I successfully passed smaller stones. I’m curious why my doctor isn’t recommending the use of a stent, as most sources I've read suggest it's a common part of the treatment process. Is it standard procedure to forgo a stent in this case? I have some concerns about potential complications arising from not having one, despite my preference to avoid using a stent altogether. Additionally, I have a trip scheduled about a month and a half after the treatment. Do you think I will be fit to travel by then?
Exploring the Use of Tadalafil in Combination with Flomax for Kidney Stones
I came across research indicating that Tadalafil showcases a superior expulsion rate for kidney stones compared to Flomax. Interestingly, findings suggest that administering both Tadalafil and Flomax together may yield even more beneficial outcomes since each medication operates through different mechanisms. I'm considering reaching out to my urologist for his insights, but given that I reside in a rural area with limited access to medical professionals, appointments tend to be rushed. I might need to explore self-management options. As for my situation: - I am dealing with a 5mm kidney stone located in my distal ureter. - I do not smoke or consume alcohol. - Generally, my health is stable aside from GERD, and I've had my gallbladder surgically removed. - Lately, I've been experiencing persistent bladder pressure and discomfort daily, likely due to the stone being lodged near the bladder. - Thankfully, I am not running a fever, can still urinate, and feel relatively okay overall. - The stone has been in the distal ureter for about a month, during which time I have only consumed water, lemon water, and taken renal stone dissolution pills. - I weigh approximately 210 pounds.
How to Keep Kidney Stones at Bay: Seeking Advice
Age: 33 Gender: Male Height: 6 feet Weight: 96 kg Ethnicity: Caucasian Location: Australia Whenever the query, ‘What has been the most excruciating pain you’ve ever endured?’ appears on Askreddit—happening roughly three times a week—the responses frequently cite kidney stones as a leading contender. This condition seems to invoke an intensity of suffering that I am desperately keen to evade! I've always prioritized hydration and am a committed water drinker. However, I do have a penchant for soda water and Coke Zero. While energy drinks are off my list, I indulge in approximately four cups of coffee each day. In addition, I engage in regular physical activity a few times weekly. I’m curious to learn what additional measures I can adopt to ensure that this dreadful pain remains a distant fear. I appreciate any guidance you can offer!