Passing a kidney stone on warfarin

[Mork]

Hi All,

In a couple of weeks (the 27th), I'll be having my aortic valve replaced with a mechanical. I know that I'll need to be on warfarin indefinitely. I've been able to find answers to most of my questions (this site and the people on it are nothing short of amazing). However, I have a history of kidney stones. Usually, it is just an EXTREMELY painful annoyance until it is passed. Each time I've had blood in my urine. Does anyone have any experience passing a stone while on warfarin? I'm concerned that my annoyance will become a major problem as the little bugger cuts me up on the way out.

Thanks everyone.

 

[Protimenow]

You have, of course, discussed this with your surgeon, cardiologist, and renal specialist, haven't you?

I don't recall seeing anything here, recently, about Kidney stones, so I won't be any help here.

 

[pellicle]

Hi

However, I have a history of kidney stones. Usually, it is just an EXTREMELY painful annoyance until it is passed. Each time I've had blood in my urine. Does anyone have any experience passing a stone while on warfarin? I'm concerned that my annoyance will become a major problem as the little bugger cuts me up on the way out.

Firstly let me second (was unable to resist that) what protimenow said "have you discussed this with actual medical professionals?

Secondly (as a conjecture) I'd think that with your INR at about 2.2 you would be OK. I know that some surgeons are OK with surgery at that INR.

Combined with a modern pyrolytic carbon valve I'd guess you'd be OK for the duration of the passing.

PS aren't they doing some ultrasoinc stuff these days to rubble them up and make them smaller chunks?

 

[Mork]

Firstly let me second (was unable to resist that) what protimenow said "have you discussed this with actual medical professionals?

PS aren't they doing some ultrasoinc stuff these days to rubble them up and make them smaller chunks?

Wow, thanks for the quick reply guys. I've talked it over with my PCP/Cardio and my surgeon. Both gave me the "no big deal". Of course, these are the same people who've said the valve replacement is no big deal (I know it really isn't, I'm just nervous). I was just hoping to hear from someone who had been through it. I had the ultrasonic treatment (lithotripsy) once before, but my stones appear to develop quickly. Even with routine visits to the urologist, I've developed a couple in between visits. Thanks again.

 

[Duffey]

My daughter has had several up close and personal experiences with kidney stones. Hers were too small to use the lithotripsy but just big enough, and irregular sized, to cause incredible pain. I would ask about possible interactions between the warfarin and the pain meds so you'll know what to expect.
Best wishes!

 

[epstns]

Let's just say that it could be a colorful experience! I doubt that it would cause any real risk to you, but you would probably bleed a bit more than usual. It may look alarming, but I doubt that it would be life-threatening (although I am not a medical professional). My one experience with kidney stones was well before my valve issues were even diagnosed, so there was no reason to be concerned. I would also believe that with the number of patients taking warfarin for various reasons, urologists and surgeons are experienced at dealing with anti-coagulated patients. Just be sure that they all know what the situation is.

 

[tom in MO]

If you have a history of kidney stones, and you are not a long distance runner subject to chronic dehydration, you may want to find out why you a chronic kidney stone condition. In general, most people don't have a "history" of stones unless there is another condition contributing to them. I and my father have had them once. My wife had a string of them and she had other problems that were treated and now has none. Treatment of the underlying condition may make the kidney stones less prevalent.