Unfortunately, one in 10 Indians will experience the unpleasant small kidney formations called kidney stones at some point in their life. 

While not everyone will get kidney stones, it’s important for you to not only understand why you’re feeling kidney stones but also what to do when you have one. Moving kidney stones is not simple, and if you’ve never had a kidney stone before you may not know what to expect. 

In this blog, we include five points you should know about moving kidney stones. While we hope you can pass kidney stones naturally and with little discomfort, we know that it doesn’t always work out that way. This blog will help prepare you for the potential outcomes during and after passing kidney stones so you know exactly what to expect. 

1. Not All Kidney Stones Can Be Passed Naturally

If your kidney stones are comparatively small, less than 5mm, they should be capable to exit your body easily. This means that the tiny stones will move down your urethra and exit the body along with your urine. 

However, if your kidney stones are bigger than 5mm, chances are you’ll need assistance getting them out. If this is the case, Dr. Lomesh Kapadnis Urologist in Nashik may recommend one of these three methods  

1.      Extracorporeal Shock Wave Lithotripsy (ESWL). This operation includes shock waves into your body to break up kidney stones so that they can be passed easily. 

2.      Ureteroscopy With Laser Lithotripsy. This method uses strong miniature lasers to break up kidney stones into dust and small passable fragments.

3.      Percutaneous Nephrostolithotomy. This is a therapy option for very big stones. This minimally invasive method utilizes a break directly into the kidney allowing placement of a stone-pulverizing device to remove very large stone burdens.

If you have a kidney stone, Dr. Lomesh Kapadnis Urologist in Nashik recommend which treatment is best for you.

2. There Are Various Ways To Help Pass Kidney Stones

While there isn’t a medication that can magically make the kidney stone come out of your body, Dr. Lomesh Kapadnis may prescribe an alpha-blocker to help with the pain. Alpha-blockers help decrease your urinary tract muscles and allow you to pass the stone without too much pain. 

However, there are other natural treatments you can try while attempting to pass a kidney stone. Try to:

1.      Drink lots of water. Water infused with citrus fruits like lemon, lime, and orange can help break up the stones to make passing them easier. This is easy to do at home, too. Easily cut up slices of your preferred fruit and place them in water.

2.      Drink equal parts lemon juice and olive oil. That may support ease the pain linked with passing kidney stones as well as help break them up.

3.      Drink apple cider vinegar. Take only a few ounces at a time mixed with water. This is also a great prevention practice!

4.      Eat diuretic foods. Watermelon, celery, and cucumber may help you move kidney stones. 

3. Passing Kidney Stones Will Probably Hurt

Moving kidney stones is rumored to be very painful, and every person will have a different experience. Being prepared for the pain and talking with a doctor about it can help to ease your fears. Plus, the doctor may be able to prescribe you medication such as alpha-blockers that can help ease kidney stone pain. 

Depending on the size of your kidney stones, some may be more extreme to pass than others. Even if your kidney stone is smaller than 5mm and can be passed easily, it will likely cause discomfort in your back, sides and urinary tract. If the pain becomes severe, do not hesitate to reach out to your doctor. 

4. Hydration is Key—Both for Passing and Prevention

Staying hydrated while passing kidney stones is crucial. Kidney stones need to be flushed outside of the body, and drinking lots of fluids will help pass them along. Water is best (or water with citrus fruits as mentioned above), and there are a few liquids that should be avoided while passing a kidney stone.

You should do your greatest to pass alcohol, coffee, tea, and soda during this time. Do your best to drink as much water as possible. Dehydrating fluids like alcohol and coffee will not help you pass your kidney stones and may make the pain worse.

5. Passing Kidney Stones May Take A While

The length of time it takes to pass a kidney stone very depends on the size and location of the kidney stone.

If the stone is small, it will likely be capable to pass on its own. However, it’s difficult to estimate how long it will take to exit the body. Additionally, stones that are positioned at the end of the ureter closest to the bladder (rather than the end near the kidney), are more likely to pass on their own and more quickly. stones that are located in a difficult place, are unlikely to pass on their own and may require medical assistance. 

Can’t Pass Your Kidney Stone On Your Own? We Can Help

If you’ve had kidney stones in the past, then you know two kidney stone activities are never the same. You may be able to move one naturally, and then need lithotripsy for the next. once you’ve had one kidney stone, your chances of having added. 

Whether you’ve had a kidney stone before or not, attempting to move them on your own isn’t always easy. If you are undergoing the pain associated with moving kidney stones, or are unable to pass your kidney stone on your own, reach out to us. 

Dr. Lomesh Kapadnis will be prepared to determine the size of your kidney stone and the next steps for treatment. Plus, we can operate with you to mitigate discomfort and make moving kidney stones as painless as possible.