Hi grandpajoe - having passed a kidney stone a few years back, I can honestly say I know how it feels! It was the most exruciating pain I've ever experienced! Even worse than childbirth!
I was told to stop taking calcium tablet immediately, to prevent any further build ups & thankfully haven't had a reoccurence. But if I did, I wouldn't hesitate to have keyhole surgery to remove it. As I say, in my case, nothing could be as painful as actually passing a kidney stone!
Good luck.