Questions to Ask Your Urologist About Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are among the most common reasons for a visit to the urologist. These small deposits form inside the kidneys and may not cause symptoms for a while. However, when they begin to move around inside the kidneys or into the ureter, patients typically suffer from very intense pain and other troublesome symptoms. If you’ve been diagnosed with kidney stones, be a proactive patient by learning as much as you can about your condition. Your best source of information is your urologist.

Will Medications Help?

If the stone is small enough to pass on its own, your urologist can prescribe pain relievers to improve your comfort level while you wait. If you only have mild pain, you might take ibuprofen or naproxen. Sometimes, an alpha-blocker may be prescribed to relax the muscles in the ureter. This may reduce pain as the kidney stone passes.

Do I Need to Change My Diet?

While you’re waiting for the kidney stone to pass, it’s important to drink plenty of water. As a general rule of thumb, drink enough water so that your urine is clear. Even after you pass the kidney stone, it’s a good idea to continue drinking plenty of water to reduce your risk of future kidney stones. Additionally, some people may benefit from dietary changes. Ask your doctor if you should reduce your intake of salt, sugar, and animal protein, or increase your intake of fruits and vegetables.

Should I Have Surgery to Remove the Stone?

Many people can pass kidney stones without the need for surgery. However, some kidney stones are too large to pass. These will need to be removed surgically. Additionally, surgical intervention may be required if the kidney stones cause complications such as kidney damage, bleeding, or persistent urinary tract infections.

At Urology Associates, P.C., we pride ourselves on our abiding commitment to superior patient education. If you’re suffering from kidney stones in Nashville, you can find the solutions you’re looking for at our facility. Should you require urology surgery for kidney stones, you can take advantage of the sophisticated medical technology in our Urology Surgery Center.