Nephrolithiasis

WHAT YOU SHOULD KNOW:

• Nephrolithiasis (nef-roh-li-THI-ah-sis) is also called renal calculi or "kidney stones". Kidney stones are rock-like pieces that can form in the urinary system, usually in the kidneys. They may be very small, or may grow to the size of a small pebble or larger. You may have one or more kidney stones at one time. Small kidney stones often leave the body without a person even knowing about them. While larger stones may get stuck in one of the two ureters, causing pain and blocking urine flow.
  
  
• You may be sent home to "pass" (urinate) your kidney stones. You may be told to drink at least two to three quarts (eight to twelve cups) of liquid each day. This will help increase the amount of urine you make and may help pass the stone. You may be given medicine to treat your pain while waiting for the stone to pass. A procedure or surgery may be needed to get rid of kidney stones if they cannot be passed.

INSTRUCTIONS:

Medicines:

• Keep a current list of your medicines: Include the amounts, and when, how, and why you take them. Take the list or the pill bottles to follow-up visits. Carry your medicine list with you in case of an emergency. Throw away old medicine lists. Use vitamins, herbs, or food supplements only as directed.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Call your primary healthcare provider if you think your medicine is not working as expected. Tell him about any medicine allergies, and if you want to quit taking or change your medicine.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your primary healthcare provider. Do not stop taking your medicine unless directed by your primary healthcare provider. Never save antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may need medicine to take away or decrease pain.
  
  
  • Learn how to take your medicine. Ask what medicine and how much you should take. Be sure you know how, when, and how often to take it.
    
    
  • Do not wait until the pain is severe before you take your medicine. Tell caregivers if your pain does not decrease.
    
    
  • Pain medicine can make you dizzy or sleepy. Prevent falls by calling someone when you get out of bed or if you need help.
  
  
• If a medicine makes you drowsy: Some medicines may make you drowsy (tired) or less able to think clearly. Avoid driving, signing legal papers, operating heavy equipment or other activities that you must be alert to do. Never drink alcohol while you are taking medicines that make you feel drowsy or less alert.

Ask for information about where and when to go for follow-up visits:

For continuing care, treatments, or home services, ask for more information.

How do I take care of myself at home?

• Drink at least two to three quarts (eight to twelve cups) of liquid every day. Water is the best liquid to drink. Drinking a lot of liquids helps flush kidney stones through your body.
  
  
• Strain your urine every time you go to the bathroom. This will catch the stone when it passes through your urethra. Urinate through a special strainer or through a piece of thin cloth to catch the stone. You may find it easier to urinate into a glass jar. By doing this you will be able to see the stone at the bottom of the jar. Take the stone to your caregivers so they can see the stone. The stone will be sent to the lab for tests to learn what it is made of. This will help caregivers plan the best treatment and help prevent more kidney stones.
  
  
• Stay active. Your stone may pass more easily by staying active. Walk as much as you can. Do not stay in bed.
  
  
• Avoid hazardous work. Stay home from work until the stone passes if getting sudden pain at work is dangerous. This includes jobs around machinery, climbing ladders, or working on girders or roofs.
  
  
• Ask your caregiver if you need to change your diet. What you eat and drink may increase your risk of getting kidney stones. Once your caregiver knows the type of kidney stones you have, he may change your diet. For example, you may need to limit chocolate, nuts, coffee, tea and other foods in your diet. If you must change your diet, ask your caregiver to give you more information about your new diet.
  
  
• Take your medicines as directed. Your caregiver may give you certain medicines to help get rid of your kidney stones. These medicines may help decrease your chance of developing more kidney stones.

CONTACT A CAREGIVER IF:

• You have a fever.
  
  
• You have trouble passing urine.
  
  
• You can see blood in your urine.
  
  
• You have severe (bad) pain.
  
  
• You have any problems that may be caused by the medicine you are taking.

SEEK CARE IMMEDIATELY IF:

• You have vomiting that is not controlled by your medicines.
  
  

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The above information is an educational aid only. It is not intended as medical advice for individual conditions or treatments. Talk to your doctor, nurse or pharmacist before following any medical regimen to see if it is safe and effective for you.

Learn more about Nephrolithiasis (Aftercare Instructions)