Question:
LITHOTRIPSY ANYONE???

HAS ANYONE OUT THERE HAD LITHOTRIPSY?? I have to have it done in the morning and I am scared. I have a 5 mm kidney stone. I did a search at the "library" and couldnt find anything.. just wondering what to expect.... any advice please!! thanks, Pam in GA    — Pam B. (posted on February 17, 2004)

February 17, 2004
My husband has had it done more than half a dozen times and is currently scheduled again. He has more than 20 stones between both kidneys. He usually has it done on one day and is back at work the next. He says it's just a little uncomfortable till all the 'sand' has been cleared out. You'll do fine. Good luck, you're in my prayers.
   — Teri D.

February 17, 2004
I've had it twice in the past 3 years (before I had surgery). It's not that bad - not ANYTHING compared to the stones themselves. However, the first time I had a complication that happens occasionally (maybe 5 % of the time). The kidney stone was infected, and when they lithotripted me, it broke apart and spread the infection throughout my body. I had to immediately be taken into surgery to get a stent inserted to drain the infection. I had a temp of like 106 degrees and was in the hospital for a week. The 2nd time it was fairly uneventful. There is *some* pain, but they give you medications that induce forgetfulness, so when you wake up it's not bad. You'll be weak for a couple of days.... Email me if you have any questions.
   — Tiffany J.

February 17, 2004
You may have some bruising and soreness. Be sure you get LOTS of fluids when you are awake. That will help flush out the "sand" and minimize the pain on urination. You should be asleep during the procedure.
   — Linda Dianne E.

February 18, 2004
I had lithotripsy several years ago. Like the previous poster, I got an infection and very high fever afterward. From my experience, it was very difficult.
   — Mary W.

February 18, 2004
About 3 months out from my surgery I had an (last year @ July) I had a severe pain in my back, come to find out it was a 9mm kidney stone. I had to have Lithotripsy done and a stent put in. The litho was not bad a little sore, it was the stent that was the most painful, it felt like you wanted to pee all the time. You may be a little sore on you side where the do the litho & maybe bruised but it is not to bad. Good luck, don't be scared they will give you something relax. :-)
   — Tabitha M.