There are few (if any) pains that come close to that of a kidney stone. If you have unfortunately been diagnosed with this condition then you know that finding relief sometimes seems impossible. Moving around, getting into a fetal position or on all fours … nothing seems to help. Here are some ways to make the moment more tolerable.]
Steps
Step 1. Drink a lot
The National Institute of Health recommends those suffering from stones to drink 2 to 3 liters of water a day. If you feel nauseous, take it in small sips as often as you can. This will help filter the kidneys, encouraging the mass to move.
Step 2. Stay warm
Use a hot water bottle or heat pad to apply to the painful area. You can also take a hot shower with the jet aimed at the area that hurts you. The relief will be temporary as these methods are so-called 'distraction'.
The heat allows the mind and body to focus on other stimuli, distracting attention from the pain. It also relaxes the tense and swollen muscles around the kidney. This allows the stone to slide more smoothly towards the exit
Step 3. Get something
Advil or another Ibuprofen drug will help pass the inflammation caused by the stone (and can be used concurrently with others prescribed by the doctor). However, if you are pregnant you will not be able to take it.
Step 4. Trust those who love you
Get a massage on your back or kidney area. Lie on your stomach with a pillow under your pelvis. Don't be afraid to ask for help. This will give those who are helping you the feeling that they are useful to you. Even though you are in excruciating pain, family and friends are also in pain because they can't help you.
Step 5. Shout or cry
Do not be shy. Most adults who experience kidney stones will tell you that there is no worse pain and some women will rate it even worse than labor. Letting frustration out vocally doesn't make you a whiner!
Advice
- Remember, pain is felt when the flow of urine is blocked by the stone, not when it moves. If you feel very bad, drink more water. If it doesn't help, go to the doctor.
- Limit or completely eliminate diuretics such as black tea, coffee, and soft drinks. They would just make you dehydrate. Drink only water and fruit juices.
- NEVER drink alcohol to help the stone run out. Alcohol is a sugary diuretic and would make you pee more often, dehydrating you. Also, the high sugar content of liquors can increase the risk of developing an infection.
- If you know you are pregnant and have a stone, talk to your doctor. You will be checked to make sure the baby is not in pain and the doctor can prescribe something to relieve the pain.
- The stones are formed from calcium oxalate which often comes from eating foods such as chocolate, red fruits (including blueberries), dark leafy vegetables (such as spinach), starchy foods, and foods rich in bran. If you consume them regularly there is the possibility of developing an oxalate buildup, which is a calculus. Don't drink any red fruit juice or take Vitamin C supplements! Eating and drinking foods that contain Vitamin C is completely normal. Apple and orange juices are fine, but avoid blueberry juices. A kidney stone is NOT like a urinary tract infection and cranberry juice could only make it worse.
Warnings
- The best cure if you suffer from this condition is to change your lifestyle. See external links and read prevention articles for more information.
- Some kidney stones may not come out and an infection can develop. If the stone doesn't go away after a while and you get a fever with chills, see your doctor right away.
