Kidney Stone(s)

  • Thread starter Thread starter KidneyBean
  • Start date Start date
K

KidneyBean

Guest
Not how I wanted to start 2026, but here goes. Had severe abdominal pain couple weeks ago. Trip to local urgent care was not fruitful; got sent to ER.

CT Scan indicated a nice (5mm) size stone stuck in the ureter. Got some meds, was told to drink water and see if it passes. 3 days, half the city's water supply and plenty of ibuprofen later, no luck. Went to urologist for follow-up and they said gotta do surgery right quick and get this out. During said visit they also noted a second stone in the kidney just hanging out. Said they would break that one up as well and get it all out.

The uretoscopy did not go to plan. The ureter was too tight for them to get it all out and there was blood and debris. So they stopped. They did manage to break up the stones. They put a stent in and sent me home. Have to return for a second follow-up surgery to get the stent out and clean out the remnants of the stone.

Now - doctor/nurse said I am OK and cleared me to fly between now and the next surgery. No problem, no pain. Nothing. Not on any meds. They are confident that the next surgery will go well.

Currently have a Class 3 and hope to get a Class 2 at the next go-around.

This is my first medical issue since I started flying. Questions:
  1. Do I need to report this to my AME? Or wait till my next medical in 2027? (I think no, but making sure).
  2. With 2 stones and 2 surgeries what do I need to watch out for during my medical?
  3. Am I cooked?

Thanks!
 
Around here ER would've given those instructions AND a med like FloMax to relax the ureter prior to getting invasive ... just saying ...
 
As for reporting now, I am not sure. Yes you do need to report on your next exam. This is an AME can issue, but you will need a current xray to show no remaining stones and treating Dr.'s statement that all is well. Dr Bruce could state the timeline, but I believe both must be within 90days or less of your AME appointment.
 
danhagan said:
Around here ER would've given those instructions AND a med like FloMax to relax the ureter prior to getting invasive ... just saying ...
Click to expand...

Had plenty of flomax - weeks worth. no luck at all. On it again with the hopes that it works before the next surgery.
 
Grounded until it passes. Any remaining stone that is “likely” to pass is also grounding.

Only no stones or retained stones. Definitely nothing in transit.

You should ground yourself.
 
Fellow Stoner said:
Grounded until it passes. Any remaining stone that is “likely” to pass is also grounding.

Only no stones or retained stones. Definitely nothing in transit.

You should ground yourself.
Click to expand...
My understanding from way back when I had a stone, is that retained stones 2mm or smaller were acceptable. Has that changed?
 
Back
Top