Kidney Stones
Why do kidney stones hurt so bad?
What is the short answer?
When a stone blocks the ureter, urine backs up and stretches the kidney.
That stretch, plus the ureter squeezing against the stone, causes waves of sharp pain.
Ready to come in?
From McDonough to Stockbridge and Locust Grove, Henry County families visit us at our Conyers Clinic (1366 Wellbrook Circle Suite B, Conyers, GA 30012), and procedures take place at our Snellville Clinic & Surgery Center (1557 Janmar Rd, Snellville, GA 30078). Our team will be glad to help you book.
How do our urologists approach this?
Stone pain can be fierce, and our urologists treat both the pain and the stone. We look at the stone’s size and position on imaging and check for infection. Then we decide whether it’s likely to pass with fluids and medicine or needs a procedure such as ureteroscopy or shock wave lithotripsy. After the stone is handled, we help you learn why you formed it.
What happens at a visit?
Bring any CT report or images from an urgent care or ER visit. We’ll ask about the pain, nausea and fever, and about your past stones. A urine test is standard. If you catch a stone, bring it so we can have it analyzed.
How should I prepare?
Bring ER or urgent care papers and any stone you’ve caught. Note when the pain started and where it moves.
When should I call?
Call us if pain medicine isn’t controlling the pain or weeks go by and the stone still hasn’t come out. With fever, vomiting or pain you can’t control, go to the ER.
What do people in Henry County ask us?
These are the questions we hear most, each with a short answer.
Why does the pain come in waves?
The ureter squeezes against the stone while urine backs up and stretches the kidney, so the pain rises and falls.
Should I go to the ER?
With fever, vomiting or pain you can’t control, yes. Go now.
Is there a video on this?
Dr. Marc Greenstein, who sees patients in Conyers, talks about kidney stones in this video.
- Watch: Dr. Greenstein on Kidney Stones What the video covers: Dr. Greenstein talks about kidney stones.
Where can I learn more?
Meant for learning, not for diagnosing yourself. See all Henry articles