Lithotripsy may help prevent kidney-stone agony

January 31st, 2008

DEAR DR. GOTT: I was recently diagnosed with kidney stones. The pain was one of the worst I have ever experienced. I was treated with pain medication, hydrated with a saline solution and given a CT scan. One of the stones passed that morning and I was sent home. The follow up doctor visit revealed that I have three more stones in my kidney that I was told would eventually make their way down my urinary tract which will also be painful. I am now somewhat paranoid waiting for the new pain that will come at anytime. I have a visit scheduled in 6 weeks but in the meantime I was told to drink eight to 10 glasses of water to keep the acid content in my kidneys diluted and basically just wait. I do some traveling and the thought of this pain hitting me again while flying or in another state is agonizing.

DEAR READER: I can certainly understand your concern but there is hope. Talk to your doctor about having a procedure called lithotripsy. It is a non-invasive technique that fragments the stones with sonic waves. This should free you from your anxiety and save you the pain of passing three more stones or having surgery should they be too large to pass.

To give you related information, I am sending you a copy of my recently updated Health Report “Kidney Disorders”. Other readers who would like a copy should send a self-addressed 4 ¼” X 9 ½” letter-sized stamped envelope and $2 to Newsletter, PO Box 167, Wickliffe, OH 44092. Be sure to mention the title.