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 list of your medicines: Keep a written list of the medicines you take, the amounts, and when and why you take them. Bring the list of your medicines or the pill bottles when you see your caregivers. Do not take any medicines, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbs, or food supplements without first talking to caregivers.
  
  
• Take your medicine as directed: Always take your medicine as directed by caregivers. Call your caregiver if you think your medicines are not helping or if you feel you are having side effects. Do not quit taking your medicines until you discuss it with your caregiver.
  
  
• Antibiotics: This medicine is given to fight or prevent an infection caused by bacteria. Always take your antibiotics exactly as ordered by your caregiver. Keep taking this medicine until it is completely gone, even if you feel better. Stopping antibiotics without your caregiver's OK may make the medicine unable to kill all of the germs. Never "save" antibiotics or take leftover antibiotics that were given to you for another illness.
  
  
• Pain medicine: You may be given medicine to take at home to take away or decrease pain. Your caregiver will tell you how much to take and how often to take it. Take the medicine exactly as directed by your caregiver. Do not wait until the pain is too bad before taking your medicine. The medicine may not work as well at controlling your pain if you wait too long to take it. Tell caregivers if the pain medicine does not help, or if your pain comes back too soon.
  
  
• 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 your caregiver when to return for a follow-up visit. Keep all appointments. Write down any questions you may have. This way you will remember to ask these questions during your next visit.

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 (increased body temperature).
  
  
• 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.
  
  

Copyright © 2008 Thomson Healthcare Inc. All rights reserved. Information is for End User's use only and may not be sold, redistributed or otherwise used for commercial purposes.

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.

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