Renal Colic

GENERAL INFORMATION:

What is it?

• Renal colic is a pain that is commonly caused by kidney stones. The word "renal" refers to anything related to the kidneys. Renal colic pain is in your lower back, usually on one side. The pain may also be felt in the belly or genitals (testicles or vagina). The pain may come and go and can be very bad. Kidney stones are rock-like pieces that can be as small as a grain of sand, but they also may be larger. These stones form in the kidneys and usually get stuck in one of the two ureters (u-RE-ters). Ureters are the flexible tubes that go from your kidneys to your bladder. Blood clots, dead tissue or other materials may also cause renal colic. You may also see blood in your urine or it can hurt when you urinate. You may feel sick to your stomach (nausea) or vomit (throw up).
  
  
• Caregivers will first try to get your pain and symptoms under control with medicines. You may need an ultrasound, CT scan or a x-ray called an IVP. These tests help caregivers find the stones, or the cause of your pain. Urine and blood samples may be sent to the lab for tests. You may be treated at home and the stone may pass on its own during urination. If the stone does not pass you may need surgery to remove it. Or, you may need to have lithotripsy (LITH-o-trip-c). Lithotripsy uses shock waves to break up the kidney stones. Medicines, diet changes, and other treatments may be used to prevent kidney stones from happening again.

CARE AGREEMENT:

You have the right to help plan your care. To help with this plan, you must learn about your health condition and how it may be treated. You can then discuss treatment options with your caregivers. Work with them to decide what care may be used to treat you. You always have the right to refuse treatment.

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