[Space8bound]

Well i have 6( in both kidneys) and i have UTI. I went to the ER twice. they gave me antibiotics and such for my uti. i took my antibiotics both times and i still have my uti. i hate it. i really do. it's been 3 months and i still have my stones. how fast can they grow. about a month ago they did a cat scan and they said they were 4mm. it seems like i'm not able to pass them. and the ER here is rude probably because i don't have health insurance. basically all they do is give me pain meds, antibiotics and send me on my way.

[Fresia]

I am so sorry to hear you are having to contend with them! I have had kidneys stones and know the pain of them, of a UTI, and kidney infection as a result, if it progresses to this. I feel for you!!!! (((((((Space8Bound))))))))). So it is good you are staying on top of it. There are too many variables to know how quickly they grow, including what type they are as there are different kinds, but no matter what kind, it takes some time; they do not appear overnight so to speak.

Other than passing them there are two options, the most common is lithotripsy (ESWL), which I have included a link below for information, or the other option is surgery, which is not typical for the size you describe. No matter, it would mean getting in touch with a Urologist for help and I would definitely and highly recommend it because the ER can only help with pain management and antibiotics. I know it is hard without insurance but please seriously consider seeing a urologist.

Meanwhile, lemon water / lemonade can help slow the growth of most all kidney stone types except one type (and it will not harm that one type nor help that one), if that is that type you have, so drink a glass or two a day meanwhile, (but because the lemons are so acidic, straws can be helpful so to not affect your teeth) and as much water as you can drink to stay hydrated to help flush them out. Hang in there!!!

Extracorporeal shock wave lithotripsy (ESWL) for kidney stones

[THE16THDOCTOR]

I have a very close cousin who had them and to be frank the pain was almost unbearable but it didn't last. Pain meds are great. You'll pass them. Not gunna sugar coat it, it'll hurt. But it will be over much sooner than you think. And think of that euphoria after you pass it.

[yellowted]

i really feel for you, i know from experience that kidney stones and UTIs are no fun. they are one of the most painful things you can have. if your UTI has not cleared up with regular antibiotics, you may need a different type. i had an antibiotic resistant UTI a couple of years ago, once my GP believed it had not cleared up she sent a urine test off to the lab to find out what to give me, a week of a stronger different antibiotics and it finally went. as for the stones, if they are too big to pass naturally you will need an op to remove them as these are probably what are causing the UTIs and will continue to until they are removed or evacuated in your pee. peeing out stones feels like a long slow sadistic death, temp of 40+, vomit, unbearingly painful stomach running round your back, no position you take gives relief, until the stone is out. it took me a good couple of days resting after before i felt kind of ok.

[Space8bound]

Yeah, I'm not a big fan of water in fact i think i got them from drinking too much soda. soda is my drug lol. But i'm slowly progressing. I found out if i squirt a little bit of lemon juice in my water it tastes yummy. when the stones move in my kidney i'm in critical pain. worst pain ever! but that happens very little. the thing that bothers me the most is the UTI. Its a very painful tingling feeling. when i do pee it drips. now sometimes i pee normal. ive been peeing on myself quite a bit. it's embarrassing. I think i have a uti and a kidney infection. whatever it is i hope it goes away soon dealing with this for 3 months is not fun. i start my new job soon and i can't be peeing on myself and peeing alot. ive already went thru two different antibiotics. the one i'm on now is pretty strong. it's huge pill. Bactrim is something like that. neither has been able to kill my infection one dr said as long as i have these stones ill have the infection. i can't really do anything about Urologist right now. i don't have insurance or no money at this time. but i get insurance thru my job in 90 days so hopefully ill be able to fix this problem because i'm almost out of antibiotics and pain meds. i only take my pain meds when i'm in absolute pain

[ECHOES]

Have you been advised to modify your diet? It might depend on what your stones consist of, but some people are encouraged to limit salt/sodium and/or oxalates in their diets.

I haven't had kidney stones but have known those who have, and they are excruciatingly painful.

Here is a site with a lot of information you might find helpful:
Diet for Kidney Stone Prevention - National Kidney and Urologic Diseases Information Clearinghouse