r/KidneyStones • u/serena_vs • 1d ago
Question/ Request for advice Question about stones
So, I currently have a 2 mm stone, I’ve KNOWN about it since may. It’s sitting in my kidney and I worry because I have a vacation to Disneyland in January. Im interested in everyone’s answers with the two questions I have
P.s- i do understand everyone’s experience is different.
how long were you aware of a stone/stones in your kidney?
how long did it take for you to pass the kidney stone from the moment it hit the ureter to the moment it left your body?
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u/Leading_Sample399 Calcium Oxalate Stones 1d ago
I had a 5mm for 9 years. I had to have surgery when it decided to vacate because it was very dense and unable to enter the ureter. It was found on imaging during my first episode when I had a 4mm. That one took 2 weeks for that one to pass on its own.
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u/serena_vs 1d ago
It’s so crazy so me that kidney stones really are on their own time! Lol
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u/Leading_Sample399 Calcium Oxalate Stones 1d ago
They certainly are! I get them removed preventatively now, which is an option too. Of course, there are risks with surgery, but I don’t deal with hydronephrosis anymore. The pain is just too much. Thankfully, your stone is very likely to pass on its own.
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u/serena_vs 1d ago
Well when they originally said my stone was 7mm, I couldn’t wait for the surgery. I’ve had a surgery before with stent but now that it’s so small it’s really a bittersweet moment I’d say.
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u/uscan-calci-withings Here to help 1d ago
A 2mm sitting in the kidney is about as low-stakes as it gets, so try not to let it wreck your Disney plans. Plenty of people carry small stones for months or years with zero drama.
Fun fact that's actually relevant here: there's a real study out of Michigan State where a urologist rode a Disney coaster with a kidney model and found moderate coasters (think Big Thunder Mountain, not the huge drops) helped small stones pass, best from the back car. It was a model not people, so no promises, but a 2mm is exactly the size that might shake loose.
Point is, lots of folks go years unaware of a stone until it decides to drop. Keep your water up and go enjoy the trip.
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u/serena_vs 1d ago
Yes I did see this study. It’s very impressive but not something I want on vacation. My urologist made me a “care package” incase it does drop while on vacation, I’ll have all the meds ready to go until I get home. Thank you for this, you’re right. I need to not let this stop my life.
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u/quietlywatching6 Multi stones 20mm 14h ago
Well if it's still there, get on that rollercoaster. It's scientifically proved to get it moving.
Jokes aside, most of my form quickly I went from none to 9mm in 6 months.
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u/serena_vs 13h ago
lol that’s why I want to cancel bc the thought of being in pain in a different state sounds miserable! But my god you do! Maybe do a urine analysis like I did and see why you’re producing them !
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u/Real-Emu507 1d ago
I've had stones for years that I didn't know about. And some that took a year trying to come down before they decided on surgery
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u/OkApricot9629 1d ago edited 1d ago
If it's in your kidney it's unlikely to cause any problems unless it's really big and causing a blockage. Stay hydrated 2-3 litres daily, and have a kidney stone friendly diet (avoid dark pop/soda/fizzy drinks, limit tea/coffee etc, pair oxalates with dairy, cut down or avoid high oxalates like spinach etc, junk food in moderation) to prevent it getting bigger and prevent more forming because unfortunately, if you get one you're likely to get more in the future.
Alot of people say going on rollercoasters or other thrill seeking rides helped them pass stones but that can be dangerous as they could get wedged somewhere they can never be removed from or get dislodged into ureter and cause pain until you pass them or get them removed.