Kidney Stone: Care Instructions

Overview

Kidney stones are formed when salts, minerals, and other substances normally found in the urine clump together. They can be as small as grains of sand or, rarely, as large as golf balls.

While the stone is traveling through the ureter, which is the tube that carries urine from the kidney to the bladder, you will probably feel pain. The pain may be mild or very severe. You may also have some blood in your urine. As soon as the stone reaches the bladder, any intense pain should go away.

If a stone is too large to pass on its own, you may need a medical procedure to help you pass the stone.

The doctor has checked you carefully, but problems can develop later. If you notice any problems or new symptoms, get medical treatment right away .

Follow-up care is a key part of your treatment and safety. Be sure to make and go to all appointments, and call your doctor if you are having problems. It's also a good idea to know your test results and keep a list of the medicines you take.

How can you care for yourself at home?

• Drink plenty of fluids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Be safe with medicines. Read and follow all instructions on the label.
  • If you are not taking a prescription pain medicine, ask your doctor if you can take an over-the-counter medicine. Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen (Advil, Motrin), may help with the pain.
  • If the doctor gave you a prescription medicine for pain, take it as prescribed.
  • Store your prescription pain medicines where no one else can get to them. When you are done using them, dispose of them quickly and safely. Your local pharmacy or hospital may have a drop-off site.
• Your doctor may ask you to strain your urine so that you can collect your kidney stone when it passes. You can use a kitchen strainer or a tea strainer to catch the stone. Store it in a plastic bag until you see your doctor again.

Preventing future kidney stones

Some changes in your diet may help prevent kidney stones. Depending on the cause of your stones, your doctor may recommend that you:

• Drink plenty of fluids. If you have kidney, heart, or liver disease and have to limit fluids, talk with your doctor before you increase the amount of fluids you drink.
• Try to drink mostly water. Limit grapefruit juice and sugar-sweetened beverages like soda.
• Do not take more than the recommended daily dose of vitamins C and D.
• Avoid antacids such as Maalox, Mylanta, or Tums.
• Limit the amount of salt (sodium) in your diet.
• Eat a variety of healthy foods. Include plenty of fruits and vegetables.
• You may need to limit animal protein for certain types of kidney stones. If you're worried about getting enough protein, try replacing animal protein sources with plant-based sources like dried peas and lentils.
• Limit foods that are high in a substance called oxalate, which can cause kidney stones. These foods include dark green vegetables, rhubarb, chocolate, wheat bran, nuts, cranberries, and beans.

When should you call for help?

Contact your doctor now or seek immediate medical care if:

• You cannot keep down fluids.
• Your pain gets worse.
• You have a fever or chills.
• You have new or worse pain in your back just below your rib cage (the flank area).
• You have new or more blood in your urine.
• You have new or worse pain or burning when you urinate.
• You have new or worse trouble urinating.

Watch closely for changes in your health, and be sure to contact your doctor if:

• You do not get better as expected.