Kidney stones

So I have a kidney stone that the dr says I won't be able to pass. He suggested the blasting method. Will I be able to have that procedure done since I have a pacemaker? He said something about putting a wand over my pacemaker. What does that mean?
I am also on warfarin. It sure got complicated all at once.

4 Comments

Stone treatment

by Lurch - 2014-09-18 05:09:23

There is a procedure where they use sound waves to "bust up" the stone making it small enough for you to pass. It can affect your PM. The wand they are talking about is the device they use when you have an interrogation and allows them to adjust the settings on PM.

While I have not experienced it, I would think that they would turn off or adjust your PM while doing the procedure, then reset it.

I have experienced kidney stones and am truly sorry you are having to endure this!

Good luck and keep us posted.

Pacers and Lithotripsy

by pacemaker writer - 2014-09-18 06:09:36

Hi,
I am sorry you're going through this. Kidney stones are the worst. I don't have a pacemaker, but I write about them and I work for various pacemaker companies writing their manuals, etc.
Pacemakers and lithotriptors (that's the machine that breaks up kidney stones) do not get along well. However, this doesn't mean the procedure can't work, it just means that precautions have to be taken to make sure your pacemaker and the lithotripsy (that's the procedure) don't interact. Just make sure that all of the clinical folks involved know you have a pacemaker.

Hate them!

by KaylaRose - 2014-09-19 01:09:22

Me and my husband both suffer with Kidney stones. Him more then me. Anyways, I always thought that there had to be a easier way to deal with these pesty lil stones. Then my brother told me about this http://mt-url.com/UWqaW . I was reluctant at first, but finally I gave in and tired it. Two years later and we haven't had a problem with kidney stones yet.

Another question?

by KarenR2014 - 2014-09-23 12:09:31

What other options are there for people with a pacemaker and kidney stones?

Thank you in advance.

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