Renal colic

[Barmaid]

I was recently diagnosed with renal colic caused by kidney stones. I've been given some painkillers (mefemanic acid), which do help dull it but don't really kill the pain. I had a particularly vicious attack last night (the agony was indescribable) and whilst I feel fine today - if a little sore, I am bit concerned that I have an important week at work which will involve early starts and late finishes away from home so I can't get to the docs to get either an increased dosage or some different tablets.

Any suggestions as to things I can do to help with pain management because somehow I need to be able to get through the next week.

[Sqad]

Mefenamic acid is the drug of choice.......what dose are you taking for the pain?

[Barmaid]

500mg 3 x a day.

Although yesterday I was naughty - I felt it coming on around 8am so I took one then. It was bad again by 1pm so I took another. At 6pm I popped another. At 1am I couldn't stand it anymore and said "sod it".

[Sqad]

Well, I would take 500mgms*2 at the onset of pain, rather than regular doses without pain.....if you see what i mean.

If that doesn't relieve the pain then one may have to consider pethidine tablets and that would only be by decision of your doctor.

If the pain continues then you will need Urological intervention as i presume that the diagnosis was made by a Urologist.

[Barmaid]

I'll call the doc on Monday morning and see if I can up the dosage. I wouldn't want to do it otherwise.

Diagnosis was by GP originally about 3 weeks ago. Waiting for a referral........

The alternative is that I rip my own insides out.

[anneasquith]

oh you poor thing, as the pain was so bad, and you say you dont feel too bad now, i wonder if the stone has now passed down the ureter ? the only advice i could give is try a hot compress " hot water bottle " when the pain is bad, take care anne,

[Barmaid]

Funnily enough anne, heat is the last thing that I feel I need! Last night when the pain was so bad, the only relief I could get - until the pills kicked in was forcing myself to walk up and down the garden (it was cold, I was sweating) at 1am! I do find that gentle rhythmic walking seems to ease it slightly (despite the pain shooting down my left inner thigh).

But thanks Sqad and Anne for your input! Looks like I will just have to wait for the referral.

[Athley]

When Bud was in hospital with his kidney stones BM - they shoved a rather large pain killer suppository where the sun don't shine ......... you could see if you could get some of those ...... but then you'll need a good friend to sort you out lol !!!!

[Athley]

lol....... he just said he's got some left over if you want them................ unused of course ..eew!!!!


This could give a whole new meaning to room service if you're in a hotel next week!!!!!!!!!

[horseshoes]

Barmaid, you have my sympathy - I have had kidney stones twice and they hurt like hell! I hope you'll get be better soon. x

[anneasquith]

barmaid, any improvement today ?

[Barmaid]

Anne, thanks for asking. The renal colic has (thankfully) subsided. However, I now feel like I have been kicked in the stomach - it hurts like hell when I cough (just getting over a cold). The only thing I can liken it to is when I had an operation years ago and coughing really hurt! Mind you, it is nowhere near as bad as the renal colic.

Not sure whether this is related to the renal colic since now it is the whole of my stomach or whether it is a reaction to the pills (which apparently is a common side effect). Or whether the mussels I had for supper last night were dodgy!!!!!

[anneasquith]

i so hope the stone/s have passed.i and i dont think it would be unusual to have some residual pain in the abdominal area. ( i am not a doctor ) ha ha !

[foodluva]

Hi Barmaid,

I'm a Urology nurse. Sqad is right, Non steroidal drugs like Mefenamic Acid are the drug of choice, however, it's often necessary to top this up with additional analgesia such as Tramadol or Co-Codamol 3/500. The problem with these tablets are that they can make you sleepy/feel a bit 'drunk' as well as causing constipation. That said, if you have an important week to get through, perhaps your GP would give you a short course just in case you experience any acute pain? The trade off of course is that it may affect your mental alertness - perhaps not ideal if you are driving or need to have your wits about you. That said, many people are not affected in this way. I take both of these tablets for another problem and welcome the pain relief and still manage to function in a busy Urology ward. Also, FYI, there is a drug called Tamsulosin which is normally used for mens' prostate problems but is also being used by Urologists to treat females with kidney stones. The idea being that it may help the stone to pass via the urethra when you are passing urine. Of course this largely depends on the size and location of the stone. Just thought I'd mention this FYI. Good luck!

[foodluva]

Oops that should say Co-Codamol 30/500!

[mightymouse]

I have had kidney stones, the pain is horrendous. Drink gallons of water, this can help to move the little sod along. Once you have passed it, hopefully without medical assistance......immediate glass of champagne!

[Barmaid]

Thank you foodluva - that is very helpful. At the moment the problem is not the renal colic its the stomach ache (as if I have been kicked). Not entirely sure if its related or not. (Could simply be that I've had a coughing fit and strained a muscle).

lol mightymouse - I'd say!!!

[Sqad]

foodluva....very good post and I had never heard of Tamsulosin used for renal colic, but will bear that in mind........I suppose it is because it is a smooth muscle relaxant.

[foodluva]

You're welcome!!!

[foodluva]

Sqad - exactly!!! It's not officially licensed yet for stones but it's widespread practice in Urology! Every day's a school day!

[Sqad]

foodluva...:-)....it is for me.