Kidney Stone Recurrence: Questions for Your Urologist

Q: Kidney Stone Recurrence: Questions for Your Urologist

Hello： Kidney stones are prone to recurrence, so it's important for you to make lifestyle changes. <br>Drink plenty of water, exercise moderately, limit sugary beverages, and avoid excessive salt intake. <br>Some stones can be seen on abdominal ultrasound, but may appear very fai

Recurrence of stones?

Hello, Doctor.
I have some questions to ask you.

1.
In January of this year, I underwent an abdominal ultrasound due to gastrointestinal discomfort, but I did not review the report until May when I experienced hematuria.
I discovered that I had a kidney stone measuring 0.799 cm.
Later, I consulted a urologist, and an ultrasound revealed that the kidney stone was no longer in the kidney; the doctor determined that it had likely passed into the ureter.
Subsequently, I underwent endoscopic surgery to remove it.
The stone was identified as calcium oxalate.
I had follow-up appointments in June, July, and August, during which I had X-rays and urinalysis, and was told that I was recovering well.
However, my follow-up appointment was extended to November (the abdominal ultrasound and urology consultation were at different hospitals).
2.
At the end of September, I went to follow up on my gastrointestinal condition and had another abdominal ultrasound at the original gastroenterology clinic.
To my shock, the report indicated that I have another kidney stone (0.618 cm).
Is it possible for a kidney stone to grow to 0.6 cm in just one month?
3.
I have a follow-up appointment with the urologist on November 20.
How should I express my confusion to the doctor?

Er Mao, 50~59 year old female. Ask Date: 2016/11/16

Dr. Du Shixi reply Urology

Hello: Kidney stones are prone to recurrence, so it's important for you to make lifestyle changes.
Drink plenty of water, exercise moderately, limit sugary beverages, and avoid excessive salt intake.
Some stones can be seen on abdominal ultrasound, but may appear very faint on X-rays.
During your follow-up visit, you just need to get an X-ray to check if the size meets the treatment criteria; otherwise, it's just about drinking more water and being mindful of your lifestyle.
Thank you for your inquiry.

Reply Date: 2016/11/16

More Info

Kidney stones, particularly calcium oxalate stones, are a common urological condition that can lead to significant discomfort and recurrent issues. Your experience highlights several important aspects of kidney stone management and recurrence that are essential to understand.

Firstly, regarding the rapid growth of kidney stones, it is indeed possible for a stone to grow in size within a short period, although the rate of growth can vary significantly among individuals. Factors such as hydration status, dietary habits, and metabolic conditions can influence stone formation and growth. In your case, a stone measuring 0.618 cm could potentially develop from a smaller size in a matter of weeks, especially if there are underlying factors that promote stone formation, such as high levels of calcium or oxalate in the urine.

When you visit your urologist on November 20, it is crucial to communicate your concerns clearly. You might start by expressing your confusion and frustration regarding the recurrence of stones despite previous treatments. You can ask specific questions such as:
1. What factors might be contributing to the recurrence of my kidney stones? This question can lead to a discussion about dietary habits, hydration levels, and any metabolic evaluations that may be necessary.

2. What preventive measures can I take to reduce the likelihood of future stones? This could include recommendations on dietary changes, increased fluid intake, and possibly medications to manage calcium or oxalate levels in your urine.

3. Should I undergo any specific tests to evaluate my risk for future stones? This could involve metabolic testing or imaging studies to assess the current state of your kidneys and urinary tract.

4. What are the next steps if I continue to develop stones? Understanding the treatment options available, including lifestyle modifications, medications, or surgical interventions, is essential for long-term management.

In terms of lifestyle modifications, increasing your fluid intake is one of the most effective strategies to prevent kidney stones. Aim for at least 2-3 liters of water daily, which can help dilute the substances in your urine that lead to stone formation. Additionally, dietary changes can be beneficial. Reducing the intake of high-oxalate foods (such as spinach, nuts, and chocolate) and limiting sodium and animal protein can help decrease the risk of calcium oxalate stone formation.

Moreover, it is important to consider the role of metabolic factors. If you have a family history of kidney stones or other metabolic disorders, discussing these with your urologist can help tailor a preventive strategy. In some cases, medications such as thiazide diuretics or potassium citrate may be prescribed to help manage calcium levels in the urine.

Lastly, if you have concerns about the effectiveness of your current treatment plan or if you experience recurrent symptoms, do not hesitate to seek a second opinion or ask for a referral to a specialist in stone disease. The goal is to find a comprehensive approach that addresses both the immediate issue of stone removal and the long-term prevention of recurrence.

In conclusion, your upcoming appointment is an excellent opportunity to address your concerns and develop a proactive plan for managing your kidney stones. By engaging in an open dialogue with your urologist, you can gain valuable insights and strategies to minimize the risk of future stones and maintain your kidney health.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Prostate Issues and Kidney Stones: Treatment and Management

Hello, Dr. Hsu. About 7 to 8 years ago, I had a urinary stone episode that woke me up in the middle of the night due to pain. The doctor treated me with medication for the stones, and I haven't had that issue since. However, a few years later, I developed benign prostatic hy...

Dr. Xu Weikai reply Urology
1. The prostate gland tends to enlarge with age, and symptoms may become increasingly severe. Generally, there are two treatment options: medication and surgical intervention. Both are quite effective. Note: Medication requires lifelong adherence, while surgery may have a possibi...

Challenges in Kidney Stone Surgery: Understanding Incomplete Removal and Recurrence

Hello Doctor: In mid-September of this year, I went to the National Defense Medical Center in Hsinchu for an examination and found a left ureteral stone. After two sessions of extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy, there was no improvement. I underwent ureteroscopy and lithotrips...

Dr. Li Yilun reply Urology
Hello, sir. Your question pertains to a specific medical condition that requires discussion with your treating physician at the hospital. It is not possible to provide an assessment based solely on your description. I recommend that you consult directly with your surgeon, as the ...

Understanding Urinary Tract Stones: Causes, Treatment, and Recurrence

Hello Dr. Liu: I have severe pain in my lower abdomen due to urinary tract stones, and sometimes the pain is so intense that I feel like I might faint. A friend suggested that I go to the hospital to have it removed, but will it grow back after removal?

Dr. Liu Mingyue reply Surgery
1. For urinary tract stones, it is essential to determine the size and location of the stones. Generally, stones smaller than 0.5 cm are often managed with conservative medical treatment, unless they cause severe obstruction symptoms or pain, in which case invasive procedures may...

Understanding Kidney Stones: Causes, Treatment Options, and Costs

Hello Dr. Chou, My mother underwent lithotripsy surgeries in 2003 and 2009 at China Medical University. She has been under follow-up care since then, and the doctors have consistently said there were no issues. However, during her recent follow-up appointment two days ago, the d...

Dr. Zhou Xinpei reply Urology
Hello: The treatment for kidney stones depends on the size, location, and the patient's overall health condition. A detailed evaluation in the outpatient clinic is necessary before determining a more specific management approach. The "modified percutaneous nephrolithoto...