About this article:
- Learn about kidney stone symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment procedures.
- Understand the financial relief and access to speedy medical intervention that a hospitalisation plan provides.
Sulaiman*, a 45-year-old IT professional, never imagined a small stone would cause such excruciating pain.
Table of Contents
The Start of Sulaiman's Ordeal
One evening, as he was finishing his dinner, he felt a sharp pain in his lower back that quickly intensified.
By midnight, the pain was unbearable. Desperate and in agony, he threw up in the kitchen sink.
[The pain] felt like someone was stabbing me repeatedly.
A Visit to the GP
At 2 AM, unable to bear the pain any longer, Sulaiman dragged himself to the nearest 24-hour General Practitioner (GP).
After a quick examination, the doctor suspected he had kidney stones.
Sulaiman recalled the GP advising him that he needed to get to the emergency department immediately, as his condition wasn’t something to be taken lightly.
Hurrying to the Mount Elizabeth Hospital Urgent Care Centre
Upon returning home, Sulaiman informed his wife, but she couldn’t accompany him to the hospital as their young son was fast asleep. Knowing he could not delay the visit any longer, Sulaiman called a Grab and made his way to Mount Elizabeth Novena Hospital.
At the Urgent Care Centre, a panel specialist under his Integrated Shield Plan by Great Eastern was called to the centre to attend his case.
After a series of scans, the diagnosis was clear – a kidney stone of about 14 mm was blocking his urinary tract. He recalled the urologist mentioning that it was a good thing that he came in quickly, as any further delays could increase the chances of complications.
Understanding Kidney Stones
Kidney stones are hard deposits made of minerals and salts that form inside your kidneys. Common symptoms include severe pain in the side and back and pain that radiates to the lower abdomen and groin. The pain can come in waves and fluctuate in intensity. Other symptoms include nausea, vomiting, and frequent urination. Early diagnosis and treatment are crucial to avoid complications.
The Procedures: Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) and Ureteroscopy
The urologist advised two procedures to remove the stones—Extracorporeal Shockwave Lithotripsy (ESWL) and Ureteroscopy, which we explain more about below.
Extracorporeal shockwave lithotripsy (ESWL) is a non-invasive procedure used to break up kidney and ureter stones. This technique uses an external device to produce strong pressure waves from outside the body, that crush the stones into tiny pieces, making them easier to pass naturally during urination.
On the other hand, Ureteroscopy involves inserting a thin, flexible scope into the urinary tract to visualise and treat stones directly. A stent is often placed to keep the ureter open, allowing stone fragments to pass more easily during urination.
Sulaiman underwent the combined procedures, which lasted several hours.
The relief was almost immediate—I could finally rest without the constant, stabbing pain.
However, the journey was far from over. During the scans, the specialists discovered more stones of various sizes in both kidneys, totalling 26 stones.
His specialist advised him to remove them at a later date that suited his schedule.
The Second Episode
A few weeks later, on his way to a follow-up appointment at Gleneagles Hospital, Sulaiman experienced another severe bout of pain, but this time he felt it on the right side of his body.
It was like déjà vu.
He informed the specialist and was immediately scheduled for another round of ESWL and ureteroscopy to remove the remaining stones.
The follow-up procedures were successful, and Sulaiman began to pass the smaller stones naturally over the next few days.
It was a slow and painful process to recovery, but knowing that I was getting better kept me going.
Recovery and Lifestyle Changes
A week later, during a follow-up visit, the urologist confirmed the successful removal of all stones and proceeded to remove the stent.
Before concluding the session, the urologist shared some crucial prevention tips—to drink at least 2-3 litres of water daily and consider adding barley water to the fluids he drank.
Sulaiman took this advice to heart, knowing he didn’t want to undergo this painful ordeal again. And with his wife’s support and reminders, he has increased his water intake, improved his diet, and schedules regular check-ups to monitor his kidney health
Insurance as a Financial Safety Net
Sulaiman’s hospitalisation insurance or Integrated Shield Plan (IP) from Great Eastern covered the majority of his medical expenses, amounting to approximately S$80,000.
Without having my IP, I don't know how I would have managed financially. It covered my consultations, procedures, hospital stays, and follow-up appointments. I could focus on my recovery without the added stress of medical bills.
The Importance of Having an Integrated Shield Plan
Sulaiman’s story underscores the importance of having an Integrated Shield Plan, which not only provides peace of mind but also ensures that you receive timely and appropriate medical care without the financial burden.
My Integrated Shield Plan didn’t just help me cover my hospital bills; it allowed me to get the fastest possible care when I needed it most.
Sulaiman’s journey with kidney stones was a challenging one, but with the right medical care and insurance coverage, he was able to navigate it successfully. His experience highlights the importance of early diagnosis, appropriate treatment, and comprehensive health insurance.
Healthinsured.sg is committed to help you understand your health insurance coverage and advocates for being adequately covered so you’re prepared for any unexpected health crisis.
It’s time to know your coverage before you need it.
