The first 48 hours after SWL
Most patients feel:
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Mild soreness in the treated area
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Pink or light red urine
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Occasional small clots
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Mild fatigue
These are expected and temporary.
Passing stone fragments
Over the next days to weeks, you may pass:
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Sand-like particles
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Small gravel fragments
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Occasional larger pieces
You may feel intermittent cramping when fragments move.
This is part of successful treatment.
Pain after SWL – what is normal?
Normal:
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Mild to moderate flank discomfort
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Occasional colicky pain during fragment passage
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Pain controlled with prescribed medication
Not normal:
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Severe uncontrolled pain
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Pain associated with fever
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Pain with inability to urinate
Blood in urine after SWL
Light bleeding is common for 24–48 hours.
Contact a doctor if:
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Heavy bleeding persists
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Large clots continue
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Urine remains dark red beyond 3 days
Warning signs after SWL
Seek medical help if you have:
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Fever above 38°C
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Chills
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Persistent vomiting
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Severe pain not relieved by medication
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Difficulty passing urine
These could indicate infection or obstruction.
How to improve fragment passage
You can help your body clear the stone by:
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Drinking adequate water
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Walking regularly
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Following medication advice
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Taking prescribed alpha-blockers if given
Follow-up after SWL
Most patients require follow-up imaging to confirm:
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Stone clearance
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Residual fragments
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Need for repeat treatment if required
Preventing the next stone
Once you have had one stone, your risk of recurrence increases.
Prevention includes:
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Adequate hydration
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Dietary modification
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Metabolic evaluation if needed
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Regular follow-up
Use our Hydration Calculator to set your daily fluid target
Check your Stone Recurrence Risk Score
Use our Post-SWL Follow-up Planner to stay on track