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How Are Kidney Stones Detected?

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Posted on Thu, 1 Jun 2017
Question: im a little worried i may have kidney stones. i am a hypochondriac and i am freaking out. i dont have any of the symptoms but at the same time, i would like to check to see if i have them because if i do, i dont want to wait around like a sitting duck for them to pass and go through the pain. however I heard to get a CT scan you have to be recommended by a doctor and if I did have them no one would do anything about it because theyre not really life threatening. so am i just suppose to sit around and wait for pain? what do i do?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Explained below,

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for posting your query in HealthcareMagic,

Since you seem to be in constant fear regarding the possibility of having renal stones, it would be worthwhile to go for an abdominal/KUB Xray or a CT scan which will help you to confirm any underlying condition.

You can talk to your treating doctor to help you prescribe for a scan as a routine health check up, and if found to have renal stones, can be started with appropriate treatment if necessary.

The method of treatment depends upon the test results. Minor stones which are of very small circumference can be managed conservatively, and does not demand any medical or surgical intervention.


I hope this helps,

Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Remy Koshy (50 minutes later)
even if theyre small stones, i cant have them do something about it? my fear is going to get a ct scan and finding out i have small ones but will be a sitting duck. I'll go insane if they're small but still painful and I couldn't do anything about it but wait.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Nothing to worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Thanks for writing back,

If found to have small renal stones, management can be done either by medical therapy or surgical- as per the location of the stones.

You can discuss the different options with your treating doctor, and proceed accordingly.

Ideally there is no cause for any worry, as you can opt also for medicines which helps in dissolving the stones and will help in easy dissolution, and will also aid in pain relief.

I hope this helps,


Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Remy Koshy (15 minutes later)
is there any way to get rid of small stones before they past?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (17 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Will be passed through urine

Detailed Answer:
Hello,
Thanks for the follow up,

The only possible way for small renal stones to exit your body is to come out through the urine.

For now, I would strongly advice you not to overthink and go for an investigation and if found to have any such findings, can proceed further accordingly.
Meanwhile, keep positive thoughts and drink plenty of water (2-3 litres/ day)


Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Remy Koshy (10 minutes later)
i know passing through urine is the way but i mean is there any way to break them down smaller so they dont hurt? if i find them i wanna be able to do something and not be a sitting duck lol. thank you.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (12 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Lithotripsy can be done

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for writing back,


Yes absolutely, if diagnosed with renal stones, you may go for lithotripsy, which involves blasting or breaking them down into very small pieces by the use of shock waves. This is one of the most commonly adopted method and has high success rates in small stones. In addition, you will be provided with anti spasmodics, which will enable in uterine dilatation and thus resulting in easy passage of stone through urine.


I hope this helps,

Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Remy Koshy (20 minutes later)
will they do that for me though if i ask? even if they're small? i heard someone say they wont because its not worth the risk. but i dont want to wait for it to hurt
doctor
Answered by Dr. Remy Koshy (16 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Kindly see below,

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,
Thanks for the follow up,


Lithotripsy is a non- invasive procedure that breaks apart the renal stones by the use of high energy sound waves. Stones upto 2cm in size can be broken to several small pieces of 1mm, which can be passed easily through urine. The risk ratio involved is far less as compared to its benefits. Also, this procedure can only be done if the stones are small.

Yes, patients do have the right to chose the method of treatment, provided you are an appropriate candidate for the procedure.

So, I think it would be better for you to get diagnosed for renal stones first and then worry about the solution. As always there will be a solution for any sort of problem. No worries.

I hope this helps,

Regards
Note: For further queries related to kidney problems and comprehensive renal care, talk to a Nephrologist. Click here to Book a Consultation.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Remy Koshy
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Remy Koshy

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2014

Answered : 476 Questions

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How Are Kidney Stones Detected?

Brief Answer: Explained below, Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query in HealthcareMagic, Since you seem to be in constant fear regarding the possibility of having renal stones, it would be worthwhile to go for an abdominal/KUB Xray or a CT scan which will help you to confirm any underlying condition. You can talk to your treating doctor to help you prescribe for a scan as a routine health check up, and if found to have renal stones, can be started with appropriate treatment if necessary. The method of treatment depends upon the test results. Minor stones which are of very small circumference can be managed conservatively, and does not demand any medical or surgical intervention. I hope this helps, Regards