Managing a kidney stone for the first time can be stressful and painful. Whether your symptoms are mild or more severe, treatment begins with the right questions.
If you are meeting a kidney stone specialist in Gurgaon, make the most of your visit by making a list of questions. This blog will prepare you with the most informative and health empowering questions.
1. What Type of Kidney Stone Do I Have?
This depends on its composition, which could be a mix of calcium, uric acid, or oxalate. Identifying the type will help determine:
- What caused the stone
- The best treatment plan
- How recurrence of the stone be avoided
Consider asking your urologist if it’s possible for them to analyze your stone in a lab after you’ve passed or had it removed.
2. What Could Have Caused My Kidney Stone?
Possible answers include a combination of diet, lifestyle, medical history, and family history. In Gurgaon, the climate is often an overlooked cause. Understanding the primary triggers is key to avoiding future issues.
3. How Big Is The Stone And Where Is It Found?
Directly related to the size and location of the stone are:-
- It’s spontaneous passing, if at all.
- Lesion of treatment required – be it laser or advanced surgical needs.
- Required Urgency in the intervention.
Typically, the stones under the 5mm mark are self-sustainable. Some may require more enhanced techniques.
4. Is it Treatable or Does It Require Treatment?
Every patient tends to have the same first question. The doctor might advise using the “wait and watch” method for people with smaller-sized stones. But he might also suggest:
- Medications for easier passage facilitation
- ESWL (shockwave therapy) for stone breaking
- Laser lithotripsy or PCNL Surgery for bigger stones
Make sure to clarify all your options depending on your condition.
5. What other treatment options are available in Gurgaon?
Gurgaon is ahead of most areas when it comes to modern technology. Make sure the specialists you visit for kidney stones have these treatments in store. Most clinics in Gurugram have:
- laser lithotripsey
- RIRS (Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery)
- PCNL (percutaneous Nephrolithotomy)
- Ureteroscopy
Make sure to dive deep with inquiries on the recovery time, hospital stay, and pain associated with each procedure.
6. What Are the Risks and Benefits of Each Treatment?
Every procedure has potential risks. Consult your physician about the following:-
- Will anesthesia be necessary?
- What is the expected recovery time?
- Am I at risk of developing an infection or recurrence?
- Do I require a stent?
Weighing the risks and benefits is essential for making a well-informed decision.
7. What Will Happen If I Don’t Treat the Stone?
A portion of patients undergo treatment fearfully, and sometimes, excessively worry about cost. Without intervention, stones may lead to:
- Intense discomfort
- Infection
- Kidney damage
- Ureter blockage
Do not postpone treating these issues, especially if the pain increases, or there is an infection sign (fever, chills, cloudy urine).
8. Can I Prevent Kidney Stones in the Future?
Your consultation should also concentrate on prevention. Inquire about the following with your urologist:-
- What changes to my diet should I implement?
- How many liters of water should I consume each day?
- Are calcium, oxalates, or salt a risk?
- Are there supplements or medications needed?
Ownership plans are typically tailored to each patient, so provide honest details about your dietary and lifestyle habits.
9. How Often Should I Get Follow-Up Scans Or Tests Done?
Follow-up sessions are important even after the treatment is done. They help:-
- Keep track of whether stones are starting to form again
- Assess the condition of the kidney
- Change the diet or medicines if required
- Ask your doctor how frequently you need ultrasounds, X-rays, and urine tests for your specific case.
10. Are There Any Warning Signs I Should Be Looking Out For?
Be aware, even after treatment. Your doctor will assist you with what symptoms could indicate a serious problem, such as:
- Blood in the urine
- Severe back pain or pain in the abdomen
- Nausea or feeling sick
- Difficulty during urination
Knowing when to seek assistance can prevent further complications.
11. After Surgery, Am I Going To Need A Stent? If So, For How Long?
In some cases, (most likely after ureteroscopy or PCNL), doctors tend to place a temporary ureteral stent to aid the flow of urine. This is removed in a few days to weeks.
Don’t forget to ask if removing the stent requires another procedure.
12. Post-Treatment Nutrition Recommendations
Post-treatment follow-up nutrition has an important impact on rehabilitation and the chance of recurrence. Your physician may recommend the following:
- A diet with less sodium.
- Drinking more fluids.
- Restricting foods high in oxalates, such as spinach, nuts, and beets.
- Calcium needs to be consumed in moderate amounts.
- Some patients might also need to avoid animal-based proteins and soft drinks.
13. Am I Allowed To Go Back To Work And Resume Physical Activities Immediately After Treatment?
The recovery period differs based on:-
- The type of procedure done.
- The size and number of stones.
- The patient’s health condition.
Inquire about the following activities, part of your non-recreational return to work:-
- Desk-based office work
- Heavy lifting
- Going to the gym or sports
14. Is Kidney Stone Treatment Covered By Insurance?
For those undergoing treatment at a private hospital in Gurgaon, insurance coverage is an important consideration. Do any of the following apply:
- Is the procedure covered?
- Do they require pre-authorization?
- Will the hospital help in claiming expenses?
A good specialist will assist you both in the medical and administrative processes.
Conclusions: Talk To Our Specialist At CureStone
Here at CureStone, we pay careful attention to your comfort and peace of mind especially when dealing with kidney stones. We know the steps detailed in the kidney stone removal suregry may feel intricate, but there is no reason to feel anxious. Our team strives to make every patient’s experience safe, smooth, and as pain-free as possible. A minimum of effort will ensure maximal comfort. From pre-operation explanations to post-operational soothing, you will be pain-free and cared for.
As with every medical procedure, asking the right questions guarantees optimal care with less hassle when moving through the treatment maze. In every case, an attentive specialist will tackle all questions and move through matters of concern while ensuring proper assistance.
For specialized treatment for kidney stones in Gurgaon, look no further than Dr. Deepanshu Gupta, an experienced urologist and kidney stone care specialist. With treatment options such as modern equipment, advanced treatment options, and a patient-first philosophy, Dr. Gupta makes pain relief and recovery simple.
Be it RIRS laser surgery or preventive treatment—your results will be positive. Book a consultation to know more!