Kidney stone questions and follow-up

Overview

Kidney stones may pass unnoticed or cause significant pain, often in the side, abdomen or groin. Pain can come in waves, and there may be sickness or blood in the urine. These symptoms are not specific enough to diagnose a stone yourself.

Having had a stone before is useful information, but it does not establish the cause of a new episode. A blocked urinary tract can be complicated by infection, so fever or a marked deterioration should not be treated as an expected part of waiting for a stone to pass.

By telephone

For a settled problem or follow-up, a call may help explain a report, review what you were told and clarify outstanding questions. Discuss whether a stone was confirmed, whether follow-up imaging was advised and who is overseeing the plan.

For current pain, the immediate task may be directing you to assessment rather than providing routine remote advice. Tell the clinician how severe it is, whether you can drink and pass urine, and whether there is fever or vomiting. Do not delay urgent care to locate an earlier report.

What cannot be done remotely

The doctor cannot determine the position of a stone or whether there is obstruction by telephone. Urine and blood tests or urgent imaging may be needed. Severe suspected stone pain often needs hospital assessment.

Advice about preventing further stones depends on your circumstances and sometimes the stone composition. Avoid making restrictive dietary changes from a generic list before discussing the diagnosis. If you were asked to save a passed stone, follow the collection instructions from your treating team.

What to prepare

• Have scan reports and discharge instructions available for a planned review.
• Describe pain, fever, vomiting and urine changes.
• Mention pregnancy, kidney disease or previous stone procedures.
• List current treatment and any unresolved follow-up arrangements.

Sources

• NHS: kidney stones
• NHS: kidney stone symptoms
• NHS: kidney stone investigations
• NHS: kidney infection