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Step 1
See a doctor. If you have pain or suspect a stone, the first step is to see your physician to get a proper diagnosis. He or she will examine you and be able to tell how large the stone is and whether you should attempt to pass it by yourself. Going without treatment for even a small stone over a long period of time can have dire complications, such as infected kidneys, sepsis and toxic shock.
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Step 2
Stay hydrated! The single most important thing to do to aid in passing a kidney stone is to drink lots of fluids. Not only is drinking lots of water and fruit juice a good way to help the passage of a stone, but it can also prevent further stones from forming. Avoid cola, liquor or sugary drinks.
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Step 3
Don't self-medicate. Again, if you experience severe pain, see a doctor who will be able to prescribe the correct pain medication - anything from Tylenol to prescription opoids - which can greatly alleviate the process of passing the stone. Your doctor can also tell you if you need Tamsulosin (Flomax), the most common drug prescribed for kidney stones.
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Step 4
Eat well. A low-fat diet heavy on fruits and vegetables and natural protein, such as beans, is best. Avoid animal proteins (such as in meat and dairy) chocolate, salt, and greasy, high fat food.
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Step 5
Exercise! Walking and jogging can help move the stone and make it easier to pass.
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Step 6
Pee forcibly. Strange, but true: wait until your bladder is full before urinating, so that the stone in the pathway may go down faster with suction force and turbulence when you do pee.
