The Healthy Way

Monday, March 03, 2008

Treat the kidney stones before considering pregnancy

Q: I was told I have a 3mm kidney stone and I can pass it out, but I am often in a lot of pain in times with a bladder infection. The pain is usually in the lower back and it feels dull and poking. My doctor has told me that I have to get a CT scan. Is it safe to get a CT scan if you have plans to get pregnant in the near future? Is the kidney stone causing the bladder infection or could it be something else? Are there any natural way of dealing with this problem?

A: It is very important to do a full assessment of your condition especially if your doctor is recommending it. A CT Scan is safe enough that it should not preclude you from getting its benefits. If you are planning on getting pregnant you should resolve your issue with kidney stones.

There may be a number of different causes for your bladder infection. Any abnormality of the urinary tract that obstructs the flow of urine (a kidney stone, for example) can set the stage for an infection. Many experts believe that diet choices and lack of fluids are important factors that have contributed to this increase in kidney stone formation. Most small kidney stones pass into your bladder without causing any permanent damage. Still, it's important to determine the underlying cause so that you don't form more stones in the future. In many cases, you can prevent kidney stones simply by drinking more water and making a few dietary changes.

You're not likely to have signs and symptoms unless a kidney stone is large, causes a blockage, is associated with an infection or is being passed. Then the most common symptom is an intense, colicky pain that may fluctuate in intensity over periods of five to 15 minutes. The pain usually starts in your back or your side just under or below the edge of your ribs. As the stone moves down the urethra toward your bladder, the pain may radiate to your lower abdomen, groin and genital structures on that side. If the stone stops moving, the pain may stop too. The dull poking pain you are describing is not a kidney colic pain; it could be from local irritation of the surrounding tissues, infection or bruising. Therefore another good reason for a CT scan or at a minimum an ultrasound scan.

In order to decide on a natural treatment for preventing more kidney stone formation it is important to know the type of stone that you have. Thus passing it and then examining it becomes important. As a general rule drink lots of fluids, keep your body alkaline with lots of vegetable juicing and take a natural diuretic herb such as Uva Ursi or Bearberry. Taking a magnesium supplements can also work as a smooth muscle relaxer, especially helpful during colic.

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Dr. Elena Krasnov is a registered Naturopathic Doctor and Clinic Director of the Toronto Naturopathic Clinic. Submit your questions online here