Kidney Stones

Patient Information Sheet

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General Information

Kidney stones form in the kidney when chemicals in the urine form crystals that stick together. The stone may be as small as a grain of sand, or sometimes a quarter- to a half-inch in size. Small stones are often passed out of the body with the urine. Most stones cause pain as they move from the kidney to the bladder. Most kidney stones will pass in the urine in a few days.

Once the stone gets from the kidney to the bladder, the pain stops and there may be a period of several days without any pain before it passes through the passage from the bladder to outside. Sometimes, but NOT often, the stone gets stuck along the urinary tract and has to be removed by surgery.

Instructions

• If your doctor has prescribed medication to relieve pain, take it as directed, OR
• if you have no allergy, take Aspirin, acetaminophen (paracetamol) or ibuprofen.
• Drink at least 8 to 10 glasses of water every day. This helps flush the stone through the urinary tract. It will also help prevent other stones from forming.
• Urinate into a glass jar for the first several days so that when the stone passes, you will see it at the bottom of the jar. Urinating through a coffee filter is another way to catch the stone. Take the stone to your doctor. It may help to treat you.
• Stay as active as possible because this may help the stone pass. Walk as much as possible. Do NOT stay in bed.
• If you visit the OUCC, see your own doctor in 1 to 2 weeks after your visit here.

Return to OUCC or go to the Emergency Department if ...

• the pain is not controlled by the medication prescribed
• you have a fever over 101 degrees F or 38 degrees C
• you have shaking chills
• you feel more and more unwell

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