About fifteen years ago I suffered from my first kidney stone. I then had both the operations: Lithotripsy and one where the surgeon reaches up and grabs the stone in the little wire basket (I hated that one the most because of pain afterwards). At first I was diagnosed with calcium oxalate kidney stones. Then, over the years, I developed uric acid stones. At that time my urologist prescribed potassium citrate. The original dose was four 1050 milligram pills daily. Now the pills come with 10 MEQ TBCR on them instead of in milligrams. This is a prescribed medication because the doctors want to check your potassium levels.
However, since I have been on this medication, I have had no horrific problems with kidney stones. I have reduced the dosage on my own over the years. Sometimes I think I can feel one stone forming and I then take the medication religiously again until I again feel fine. I have heard that there are a few countries that prescribe this medication as a preventative? I really don't know; but it has worked for me.
By the way, if you are ever in the terrible pain of passing any stone; hot showers, with the water hitting the area around your kidneys, was the only way I had any relief. Of course, sooner or later, you have to come out of the shower! The heavy pain killers did nothing for the pain.
Here is one link that talks about the potassium citrate pills and other possible cures:
Kidney Stones | Lifescript.com.
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