13 mm Kidney Stone

Question

I've been dealing with a lot of pain on my right side for weeks now. Turns out after some tests, I have a 13 mm kidney stone. The doctor said it's quite big, and they recommended surgery, but honestly, I'm scared of operations. I've heard Ayurveda can help with kidney stones, even ones as big as 13 mm.

Here’s a bit of my background: I drink a lot of tea and coffee every day, maybe 6-8 cups? I also don’t drink much water. Now, I’m starting to think this could’ve caused the 13 mm kidney stone. I also have a habit of eating a lot of salty snacks and fast food. My diet has never been very healthy, and I barely eat fruits or vegetables. Could this be why the stone is so big?

The symptoms have been unbearable. The pain comes and goes, and sometimes it’s so bad I can’t even sit straight. I also feel like I need to pee all the time, but not much comes out, and it hurts. Could the 13 mm kidney stone be blocking something? I've read that Ayurveda has treatments like herbal decoctions or special oils, but can it really work for something this large? How long does it take to dissolve a 13 mm kidney stone naturally?

I'm also worried about this causing more damage if I leave it untreated. Are there Ayurvedic remedies that can help break down a 13 mm kidney stone into smaller pieces so it can pass more easily? Would I need to make major changes to my diet or lifestyle? Also, is there a risk of the kidney stone growing even bigger while I try these treatments?

I’d really appreciate it if someone could share their experience with treating a 13 mm kidney stone through Ayurveda. If you’ve gone through this or know someone who has, please share what worked for you. Are there any specific herbs or medicines that work for a 13 mm kidney stone? Also, are there certain foods I should absolutely avoid to stop the stone from getting worse?

I feel so anxious about this. I can’t sleep properly because of the pain and the stress. Does a 13 mm kidney stone mean I’ll always have kidney problems in the future? If you’ve dealt with something similar, please let me know how you managed it and what I should do next.

Dr Sujal Patil · Accepted Answer

A 13 mm kidney stone is large and may require surgical intervention, especially if it is causing severe pain, urinary blockage, or risks damaging the kidneys. While Ayurveda offers remedies for kidney stones, a stone of this size typically doesn’t pass easily and might require a combined approach.

Ayurvedic Perspective
In Ayurveda, kidney stones are known as "Mutrashmari" and are linked to imbalances in Vata, Pitta, and Kapha doshas. Treatments focus on breaking down the stone, relieving pain, and improving urinary flow.

Herbal Remedies
Varunadi Kashayam: Helps dissolve kidney stones and reduce pain.
Pashanbheda (Bergenia ligulata): Known for its lithotriptic (stone-breaking) properties.
Gokshura (Tribulus terrestris): Improves urine flow and prevents new stone formation.
Punarnava (Boerhavia diffusa): Reduces inflammation and supports kidney function.
Dietary Changes
Avoid tea, coffee, salty snacks, and fast food, as they can worsen stone formation.
Increase water intake (2.5–3 liters daily) to flush the urinary system.
Include coconut water, barley water, and fresh fruits like watermelon and citrus to prevent further stone growth.
Precautions
A 13 mm stone may not dissolve entirely with herbal remedies alone and could grow if untreated.
Blockage or infection caused by the stone can lead to kidney damage.
Immediate Steps
Consult an Ayurvedic practitioner to combine remedies with necessary medical supervision.
Use pain relief strategies (hot packs, Ayurvedic pain oils) for temporary relief.
Surgery may still be required if symptoms persist or worsen. Delaying treatment for a stone of this size could lead to complications.

Dr. Ayush Varma · Answer

Absolutely get why you’re concerned about that 13 mm stone, especially with surgery on the table. It’s natural to look for other options. However, when it comes to a stone of this size causing severe symptoms like the ones you're describing—pain, frequent but little urination, and discomfort—it might block the urinary tract. That means it could potentially damage the kidney or lead to infection, which is serious. Please talk again to a healthcare provider to weigh risks.

But, addressing your lifestyle and dietary habits? Such a good place to start! Your tea and coffee intake is indeed high and probably not helping. They can dehydrate you, concentrating minerals that form stones. Try cutting back or replace with herbal teas, which hydrate. More water is a must! Aim for 8-10 glasses a day—to help flush the system.

Ayurveda does offer some remedies for smaller stones, like cystone, which can gradually aid stone reduction. Herbs like punarnava and gokshura are known to support kidney health, may help reduce this. But these should be taken under guidance of a qualified Ayurveda practitioner alongside regular medical advice.

Diet-wise, fast food and salty snacks, yeah, they contribute to the problem too. Try shifting towards more fruits, vegetables, and reducing salt. Citrus fruits like lemons or oranges could help prevent new stones.

It sounds like major changes are necessary but can defo go a long way. However, do realize that natural methods are slow and with a stone as big as yours, progress might be limited. You don’t want the situation to worsen while waiting things out.

Long-term, consistent lifestyle changes might reduce future stone problems. Addressing habits, staying hydrated, and balanced diet plays a big role. So, I’d say, while Ayurveda can complement treatment—don’t delay medical options for conditions needing urgent care. There's absolutely no harm in second opinions though, if uncertain. Take care and hope things improve real fast!

13 mm Kidney Stone - #7075

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