Kidney Stone Sufferers Redefine the Concept of Pain

It is virtually impossible to fully describe the process of managing and passing a kidney stone to someone who has not had this experience. Every adjective available has been used, but none quite fit the bill. To say that having a kidney stone is similar to the pain of labor and delivery for a pregnant woman does both the pregnant woman and the kidney sufferer a disservice as each is quite different and unique in its own right.

Kidney stone sufferers learn to redefine their own concept of pain. Over the past 15-20 years, physicians and hospital emergency rooms have attempted to standardize the concept of pain through the use of the 10-point “smiley face” pain scale. Since there is nothing beyond “10”, most kidney sufferers understand a “10” to be the pain they experience during the roughest parts of the kidney stone process. Consequently, while we may suffer significant pain from other conditions, illnesses, or accidents, rarely can we describe that pain much higher than a “5” or “6” on the pain scale. In other words, the pain of say, a broken leg for a non-kidney stone sufferer may rate a “10” for them; but it is highly unlikely that anyone having experienced a kidney stone will rate that same pain much higher than “6” when comparing this pain to that experienced during a kidney stone episode.

Until next time...cheers!

Kidney Stones Raise Atherosclerosis Risk

An analysis of data from the CARDIA study reinforces the idea that kidney stones and atherosclerosis (a thickening and hardening of the arteries) have common risk factors. By year 20 of this long-term research study, 200 (3.9%) of the 5,115 participants had reported having had kidney stones, a result which is statistically significant. 

Carotid wall thickness measured at year 20 was greater in those with kidney stones. The carotid artery is responsible for the primary flow of blood to the brain. Kidney stones were associated with a significant 60% increased risk of carotid atherosclerosis, even after adjusting for major atherosclerotic risk factors, investigators concluded. Carotid artery disease is a frequent factor in the incidence of stroke.

The study does not identify why atherosclerosis is significantly higher with those patients who have had kidney stones, but it does provide a basis for continued research in this area. For the time being, it appears that it would be wise for sufferers of kidney stones to make themselves aware of the risk factors associated with atherosclerosis and modify their diets and behaviors accordingly.

Until next time...cheers!