Ask anyone who's had a kidney stone and they'll tell you: once is plenty. Our tri-state climate, which is hot, dry and windy, makes dehydration easy and stones more common.
What a stone feels like
Classic symptoms include sharp pain in the side or back that may move toward the groin, pain that comes in waves, pink or brown urine, nausea, and feeling the urge to go more often. Fever and chills alongside pain can signal infection and need prompt care.
Prevention starts with water
- Carry a water bottle and sip steadily, especially when working outdoors.
- Aim for pale-yellow urine. Dark urine means drink more.
- Replace electrolytes on long, hot days, but watch sugary sports drinks.
- Go easy on salt and processed foods, which raise calcium in urine.
When to see a urologist
If you've had more than one stone, a stone that won't pass, recurring infections or blood in your urine, it's time for a specialist. SRMC's visiting urology team sees patients in our Specialty Clinic.
Related care at SRMC
Specialty Clinic
