Kidney Stone, on a buget

[kathyinfl]

Is there such a thing as passing a kidney stone on a buget???


I have reoccuring stones. The last time I saw a Dr was summer of 2010. After tests of various sorts, I was told I had "several rather large bi-lateral stones This means I have more than a few in each kdiney of a size not easily passibe.


From my history with Urologishts, I know that unless they are blocking somerhing important, that they just prefer to let them be.
To quote dr "treat like a sleeping baby, if they are not crying then they don;t need anything."

While I am in considerable pain, I know there is not much that can be done, expect for large hospita/dr. bills.

So basically I am going to ride it out, unless something drastically changes.

Any fianacial advice would be appreciated.

 

[North of Mouse]

Is there such a thing as passing a kidney stone on a buget???


I have reoccuring stones. The last time I saw a Dr was summer of 2010. After tests of various sorts, I was told I had "several rather large bi-lateral stones This means I have more than a few in each kdiney of a size not easily passibe.


From my history with Urologishts, I know that unless they are blocking somerhing important, that they just prefer to let them be.
To quote dr "treat like a sleeping baby, if they are not crying then they don;t need anything."

While I am in considerable pain, I know there is not much that can be done, expect for large hospita/dr. bills.

So basically I am going to ride it out, unless something drastically changes.

Any fianacial advice would be appreciated.

Well, from the viewpoint of watching my husband go through two episodes, or correctly, *attacks* you WILL know if you need to go to an emergency room ASAP. Not to scare you unduly, but his pain was such that he was white and throwing up. The first time he passed them in the hospital, the second time he needed minor surgery to retrieve them.

He thought he was having an appendicitis attack as it was at night and he couldn't get comfortable and the pain got steadily worse.

Sorry, not to give you great news. You may be one of the lucky ones that can pass them on your own with tolerable pain. Also, they may never bother you to that point - then like you said, you let sleeping dogs lie.

But, on a budget??? Sorry, but I found that such a funny way to put it
Not laughing AT you, as I understand where you're coming from, but just the terminology you used.

Sure hope they never bother you

 

[flakypuff]

WOW this is strange just got my 3rd dr. bill from my tests performed 2 weeks ago. My first kidney stone. I dont know what hurts more the stone or these bills. 8772.23 to be exact. So budget??? I dont think so

 

[Shelly F - Ohio]

Well seeing how my DH grandmother just died last month from kidney stones - she was too old for the operation, I can't imagine putting a price on weather to live or die.

 

[runsandjumps]

If you have recurrent kidney stones- have you considered changing your diet?

I don't have much experience with kidney stones, but watching my mum pass one unknowingly was a very frightful experience. Perhaps you could consider seeing an acupuncturist to help with your kidneys. Just a few ideas that may be less expensive for you at the moment.

 

[verlee]

It sounds like you already have the stones so changing your diet at this point is not really your main concern. You really need to know what kind of stones you have and why they are forming to really do any preventative measures any way.

If you are just looking for a way to pass the stones easier...This is what I was told... Lemon juice. Lots of lemon juice. (there is also a potassium citrate pill you can take) It makes the stones slippery. Also drink as much water as you can tolerate and finally move around, exercise. If you can not afford pain meds you can take ibuprophen.

Hope this helps...Kidney stones are miserable!

 

[minnierocks]

Be very careful to watch for any fever, even slight. You should never run a fever with a stone. Fever is a sign of infection and a blockage that can turn ugly really quickly. Even if they tell you that they cultured it and there is no sign of infection...there is! Once the tube is blocked, they are testing urine from the side that is flowing. You would think that they would know that but for some reason, they can look at the clear results and send you home.

The last time around I learned that kidney stones are biochemical (I think that was the term he used). It means that something in your body reacts to something in your diet and it is unique to you. There is a test that they can do (collecting your urine for 24 hours) that can pinpoint what is causing them to form. For me...that would be a test that I would pay for...lol! Your insurance should cover it.

 

[Marionnette]

Is there such a thing as passing a kidney stone on a buget???


I have reoccuring stones. The last time I saw a Dr was summer of 2010. After tests of various sorts, I was told I had "several rather large bi-lateral stones This means I have more than a few in each kdiney of a size not easily passibe.


From my history with Urologishts, I know that unless they are blocking somerhing important, that they just prefer to let them be.
To quote dr "treat like a sleeping baby, if they are not crying then they don;t need anything."

While I am in considerable pain, I know there is not much that can be done, expect for large hospita/dr. bills.

So basically I am going to ride it out, unless something drastically changes.

Any fianacial advice would be appreciated.

Here's my financial advice: Ignoring chronic health conditions can lead to more expensive and permanent conditions that can have a negative impact on the quality of your life.

Get to a doctor and be evaluated.

 

[JoiseyMom]

OP, I wish there was an answer. My DS suffers from them, and he currently feels like another one is coming on. He did change his diet and give up things the test said too also. He is drinking LOTS of water and is constantly moving. But he can't(won't) go to the ER, since he is currently uninsured, so at this point there is nothing he can do. I hope for his sake it passes quickly.

 

[disfan07]

Here's my financial advice: Ignoring chronic health conditions can lead to more expensive and permanent conditions that can have a negative impact on the quality of your life.

Get to a doctor and be evaluated.

Best medical financial advice I've heard.

Unfortunately OP, budget and medical never go hand and hand.
Do you currently have a urologist? Have they told you exactly what to watch for with worsening symptoms?

I mean, coming from someone with chronic problems, I don't run to the doctor for every little thing IF it is related to something I already know about. But that's because my doctors has specifically told me what needs to be watched, what the warning signs are and I pretty much know what is/is not unusual for and my illnesses.

But if you don't have a doctor who has given you a plan of what to watch out for, how to treat it, what to do if things change, I would not play around with it. Yes it will be expensive (believe me I get it) but you have to make the decision if it's worth it.

And to the PP who said she can't imagine putting a price on your life....believe me....if you deal with the medical world long enough and have enough bills, you start asking and considering prices! I've turned down certain tests because of the cost....but nothing life or death.....

 

[thebeesknees]

I agree that "budget" and "medical" don't necessarily go hand in hand! However, sometimes you can negotiate a lower price with your provider. For instance, my Dr.'s office charges a $50 fee for those who have no insurance for the appointment. Of course, tests, etc. will cost more, but we have been able to negotiate a few of those bills by paying cash. As a fellow kidney-stone sufferer, you have my sympathies! I have had 2 so far, and they are not fun at all! My Dad used to get them frequently, so his doctor put him on allopurinol (sp?) daily and he hasn't had any since he started the medication. He used to get them a couple times of year and needed surgery at one point to remove them. Since I know I am predisposed to them, I had my last stone analyzed and they were able to determine that it was a calcium stone, so I needed to actually increase my calcium and vitamin D intake, and decrease my sodium intake. Apparently, stones can form if you don't get enough calcium and your body pulls it from your bones, etc., so it builds up in your kidneys. They can also form due to other medical conditions that affect the calcium levels in your body (certain thyroid issues, for example). I have also drastically increased my fluid intake every day, to help flush things through before they have a chance to collect. My Dad's stones are uric acid stones, so he follows a different protocol, although he also pushes fluids. If your stones are large and not easily passable, as you say, I am not sure there is much they can do besides surgery or that procedure where they blast you with sound waves to break up the stones so you can pass them - my Dad had that done once with great success, but I have no idea how much it cost. I do know it was an in-hospital procedure at the time. You may want to check with your doctor to see if they have any suggestions for you. Of course, you know to watch for fever and get checked immediately if that occurs so it doesn't become more serious. Good luck to you and hope you pass them soon - drink, drink, drink!

 

[lost*in*cyberspace]

Well, from the viewpoint of watching my husband go through two episodes, or correctly, *attacks* you WILL know if you need to go to an emergency room ASAP. Not to scare you unduly, but his pain was such that he was white and throwing up.

Unfortunately, I can relate, having had a lot of experience with kidney stones. The pain they can cause is one of the worst pains you can experience.

OP, if your stones are too large to pass on their own, they are eventually going to try to get out and you will end up in the ER. You really should be reevaluated by a urologist, who can explain your options. It has to be cheaper than an ER bill.

Changing your diet won't help a lot of people with stones, but trying to increase your liquid consumption is always a good idea.

For the poster who suggested taking ibuprofen for kidney stone pain, that would be the equivalent of using a BB gun to stop a charging elephant.

 

[North of Mouse]

Unfortunately, I can relate, having had a lot of experience with kidney stones. The pain they can cause is one of the worst pains you can experience.

OP, if your stones are too large to pass on their own, they are eventually going to try to get out and you will end up in the ER. You really should be reevaluated by a urologist, who can explain your options. It has to be cheaper than an ER bill.

Changing your diet won't help a lot of people with stones, but trying to increase your liquid consumption is always a good idea.

For the poster who suggested taking ibuprofen for kidney stone pain, that would be the equivalent of using a BB gun to stop a charging elephant.

You are so right! NO over the counter pain meds will *touch* the pain of passing (or trying to) kidney stones.

Also, true, the urologist told my dh that changing his diet would not affect him having/not having more stones at all. It's something in your own body. I do agree whole heartedly about drinking plenty fluids - my dh did start drinking about double his usual amount, per his Dr's instructions , and thankfully, has had no more attacks.

 

[Topper]

http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/stonesadults/

 

[ceecee]

You are so right! NO over the counter pain meds will *touch* the pain of passing (or trying to) kidney stones.

Also, true, the urologist told my dh that changing his diet would not affect him having/not having more stones at all. It's something in your own body. I do agree whole heartedly about drinking plenty fluids - my dh did start drinking about double his usual amount, per his Dr's instructions , and thankfully, has had no more attacks.

I just went to the ER a few days after Christmas, they did a CT scan (and morphine) and saw a small kidney stone and sent me home with Vicodin which didn't touch the pain when it came back. DD called the squad 4 hours later, because DH went to work (45 min away) and I was shaking so back she didn't know what to do. It was the worst pain ever. I passed it a few days later (strained urine) and my Dr sent it to the lab, it was super tiny...we weren't even sure if that was what it was. Dr told me to increase water 8 glasses a day and no other instructions. ER Dr said once the stone moves into the bladder the major pain is gone. But men can still feel pain as it passes. Thankfully we have great insurance and our deductible had been met for the year, I can't even imagine what 2 ER visits will cost.

 

[Twende]

Kidney stones are a real pain. They run in my family. Diet helps but is not 100% help. Drinking lots of water helps but again not 100%.

I have been told that I should drink enough water at night that I have to get up to the bathroom at least twice during the night. So much for a good night's rest!

Have the stone you passed analyzed. Sometimes that will give you some ideas for prevention.

Mine are calcium oxalates which means I need to limit my intake of things like spinach and other leafy greens, cucumbers and rhubarb. I gave up all soda pops over 15 years ago.

One of my attacks left me with an over $65,000 hospital only bill! DH company had closed and we had no insurance! It sucked!

This is when I discovered this technique. It sounds crazy but it helps and works! I passed my last stone at home using this method.
http://www.jumpandbump.com/

I carry medicines that help me cope with the pain. I use Zofran. It is not really a pain killer. It is an anti-emetic but for me it makes the pain tolerable.

Testing shows that I have more stones ready to drop so it is like waking around all the time on thin ice.

Bump and jump sounds insane but when that pain starts you will do anything to stop it. This works! Make sure you check it out. And I am in no way affiliated with the above website. It is something I found in my research. I tried it the next time and it worked.

 

[verlee]

I suggested the Ibuprophen. Let me clarify.... If (as I assumed) you have seen a Urologist and are just waiting and wanting advice on how to pass small stones.... Ibuprophen can help take the edge off the ache.

I have had many Kidney stones. I have had surgery, and been to the ER multiple times because of the buggers. If you are in severe pain, do not treat them yourself. Go in! They may be stuck and that can be dangerous.

However, If you have a dull back ache associated with the stones traveling down the ureter, you can lessen that pain while trying to pass them with increased water, lemon juice and ibuprophen. This is not my idea but my Urologists. I know it has saved me many times from having a full on stone attack.

This advice is not for a full on kidney stone attack. Large stones can and should be looked at. If you are in pain...there are many things they can do to break them up so they do not cause you danger. Sorry though...None of them economical.

 

[dreaming4disney]

Your title really caught my attention!

I really feel for you. I have passed stones and had one surgically removed because it was stuck in my ureter. ( I was 8 months pregnant and they had to do a c-section first)
I passed a few more afterwards. Whenever I have that familiar ache I start drinking a ton of water.

So, my advice to you is to drink a lot of water and do a bit of walking. Call your Urologist and let them know your situation-maybe they can help or at least counsel you.

I think some sort of plan will be better than no plan at all. If you do need surgery it will be better for it to be planned than through the ER.

I know that doesnt really solve the financial part-thats why I think you should talk to your drs.

Good luck.

 

[CarlisleMom]

It may not be good for the "budget" but keep seeing your doctor.

DH had a bladder infection in August that did not clear up with meds. Was sent for a CAT scan. He was diagnosed with stones for the FIRST time ever. No major pains...urine not clear. Sent to Urologist. Then sent to a surgeon as they were to large to pass.

He had surgery in November. Was suppose to be in for 23 hours. Ended up staying from Monday morning until Wednesday afternoon due to minor complications.

His stones were evaluated and they are: oxalate. Was told to drink less ice tea and add lemon to his water (which he did already drink plenty of).

Verlee: thanks for the tip about the potassium citrate....we'll be looking for these.

Total: 7 doctors visits, 2 nights in hospital, 2 prescriptions = over $30,000 in medical cost....thankfully my job comes with good medical coverage which covered most costs. + a lot of stress since his brother died of cancer 9 years ago which presented itself with the same signs.

 

[HeyIt'sMe]

Waaaaaay back when I was 21 years old I had a kidney stone. I wasn't having any pain but I had blood in my urine. Tests revealed a kidney stone plus pre-cancerous bladder polyps (which the docs said where causing the blood, not the stone).

I had the polyps removed laproscopically and had lithotripsy to break up the stone. I ended up having to have 3 sessions before the stone broke up enough to completely pass. I haven't had another stone since then because the underlying cause of my initial stone was taken care of (hyperparathyroidism causing too much calcium in my blood; I had a parathyroidectomy). I also have not had a recurrence of the bladder polyps.

It's been 20+ years and I still see my urologist every 1-2 years for kidney ultrasounds and a bladder scope - just to keep an eye on things. Better to be safe than sorry!!