Author name: Shyam Speciality Hospital

What Should I Eat After Passing a Kidney Stone? Introduction Passing a kidney stone is painful, exhausting, and honestly a little scary. Once it’s finally out, most people ask the same question: what do I eat now so this never happens again? Here’s the good part: you don’t need a complicated diet plan. A kidney stone usually forms slowly, shaped by everyday habits like how much water you drink, how much salt you eat, and what your regular meals look like. Fix those basics, and you’ve already cut your risk significantly. Let’s break it down in a way that’s easy to follow. 1. Water Is Non-Negotiable This is the single most important habit after a kidney stone. When you don’t drink enough water, your urine becomes concentrated. That means minerals like calcium and oxalate sit closer together and are more likely to stick and form another stone. How much is enough? Aim for 3–4 litres a day, especially in Ahmedabad’s heat Your urine should look pale yellow Dark yellow urine usually means you need more water, not less Simple rule: if you’re thirsty, you’re already behind. Salt Is a Bigger Problem Than You Think We tend to blame sugar for most health issues and forget about salt. But when it comes to kidney stones, salt plays a major role. Too much sodium pushes extra calcium into your urine, which raises the chances of stone formation. And salt isn’t just what you add at the table, it’s hiding in: Packaged snacks and namkeen Pickles and papad Restaurant curries and fast food Instant noodles and sauces You don’t have to eliminate flavour from your food. Just cook with a little less salt and check labels before buying packaged items. Don’t Be Afraid of Calcium Here’s something that confuses a lot of people. Since some stones contain calcium, many assume cutting out milk, curd, or paneer will help. It’s actually the opposite. Calcium from food binds with oxalate in your gut before it ever reaches your kidneys. This lowers your risk, not raises it. The real culprit is usually calcium supplements taken without medical guidance, not calcium from regular meals. So go ahead and enjoy curd, milk, and paneer in normal portions. Just don’t start supplements on your own. What About Spinach, Beetroot, and Nuts? These foods contain oxalate, a natural compound linked to certain types of stones. But that doesn’t mean you need to avoid them completely. A simple trick works well here: pair oxalate-rich foods with a calcium source in the same meal. For example: Spinach + paneer Beetroot salad + a glass of curd Nuts + a small bowl of yogurt This combination reduces how much oxalate your body actually absorbs. Go Easy on Meat, Eggs, and Heavy Protein Large amounts of red meat, chicken, and eggs can raise uric acid levels and reduce a compound in urine that normally helps prevent stones. You don’t need to give up protein. Just keep portions sensible and balance your plate with dal, legumes, and vegetables instead of protein-heavy meals every single day. Lemon Water Deserves a Permanent Spot in Your Day If there’s one drink worth adding to your routine, it’s this. Citrus fruits and lemon water contain citrate, a compound known to reduce the chances of new stones forming. A glass of nimbu paani or buttermilk with lemon isn’t just refreshing in Ahmedabad’s weather; it genuinely supports kidney health. When Should You See a Specialist? Diet changes help, but they work best alongside proper medical guidance. If you’ve had a kidney stone once, there’s a real chance of it coming back, and the type of stone you had determines exactly which foods matter most for you. This is why a proper consultation matters. A urologist in Ahmedabad can run a simple urine or stone analysis to identify what actually caused your stone, so you’re making targeted changes instead of guessing. Recovery isn’t only about the first few weeks, either. Long-term kidney health depends on consistent habits and regular check-ups, not a one-time diet fix. Many patients across Ahmedabad prefer getting a personalised evaluation instead of following generic advice online. Dr. Kandarp Parikh, a name several local patients trust for urology concerns, often points out that individual risk factors matter more than one-size-fits-all food rules when it comes to long-term prevention. Quick Recap Drink 3–4 litres of water daily Cut back on salt, especially packaged and restaurant food Don’t fear calcium-rich foods like milk, curd, and paneer Pair oxalate-rich foods with calcium sources Keep meat and egg portions moderate Add lemon water or citrus fruits to your daily routine Get a proper diagnosis instead of guessing The Bottom Line A kidney stone is painful, but it’s also your body’s way of asking for a few lifestyle adjustments. Small, consistent changes in water intake, salt, and food choices matter far more than any dramatic diet overhaul. Consult a qualified doctor or urologist for concerns specific to your health.

What Exercises Can I Do While Recovering From Prostate Cancer Surgery? Introduction Recovery after prostate cancer surgery can feel overwhelming, and one of the first things most patients in Ahmedabad ask is, “Can I still move around? Can I exercise?” The short answer is yes. In fact, the right kind of movement during recovery can actually help you heal faster, feel better, and regain your confidence sooner. But this is important, not all exercises are suitable right after surgery. Knowing what’s safe and what to avoid can make a real difference in your recovery journey. Why Movement Matters After Prostate Cancer Surgery After surgery, your body needs rest. But complete bed rest for weeks on end is not the answer either. Light, guided movement helps improve blood circulation, reduces the risk of blood clots, lifts your mood, and gradually rebuilds the muscle strength you may have lost. Men who stay gently active during recovery tend to bounce back faster than those who avoid all movement out of fear. The key is to start slow and listen to your body. The First Two Weeks: Keep It Very Light In the immediate weeks after prostate cancer surgery, your priority is rest and healing. This is not the time to push yourself. Safe activities during this phase include: Short, slow walks — Even 5 to 10 minutes around the house or in a quiet lane can make a difference. Gradually extend the duration as you feel stronger. Deep breathing exercises — Sit upright, breathe in slowly through the nose, hold for a count of two, and exhale gently. This supports lung health and reduces post-surgery fatigue. Gentle leg movements while lying down — Simple ankle rotations and slow leg lifts help keep blood flowing and prevent clots. Avoid anything that strains your abdominal muscles or puts pressure on the pelvic area during this stage. The First Two Weeks: Keep It Very Light In the immediate weeks after prostate cancer surgery, your priority is rest and healing. This is not the time to push yourself. Safe activities during this phase include: Short, slow walks — Even 5 to 10 minutes around the house or in a quiet lane can make a difference. Gradually extend the duration as you feel stronger. Deep breathing exercises — Sit upright, breathe in slowly through the nose, hold for a count of two, and exhale gently. This supports lung health and reduces post-surgery fatigue. Gentle leg movements while lying down — Simple ankle rotations and slow leg lifts help keep blood flowing and prevent clots. Avoid anything that strains your abdominal muscles or puts pressure on the pelvic area during this stage. Kegel Exercises: A Must for Prostate Cancer Recovery One of the most important exercises after prostate cancer surgery is the Kegel. These are pelvic floor exercises, movements that strengthen the muscles controlling urination. Many men experience some degree of urinary leakage after prostate surgery. Kegel exercises, if done correctly and consistently, can significantly help with this. How to do a Kegel:Imagine you’re trying to stop the flow of urine mid-stream. Squeeze and hold those muscles for five seconds, then relax for five seconds. Aim for 10 to 15 repetitions, three times a day. The good news, you can do these lying down, sitting, or even standing. No equipment, no gym required. Your doctor or physiotherapist can guide you on when to start and how often to do them. Weeks Three to Six: Slowly Building Up As your body heals and your doctor gives the go-ahead, you can begin adding slightly more activity: Longer walks — Gradually increase to 20 to 30 minutes at a comfortable pace Light stretching — Gentle yoga-style stretches for the back, hips, and legs Chair-based exercises — Seated leg raises and gentle seated twists to maintain flexibility Still avoid: heavy lifting, cycling, swimming (until the surgical site is fully healed), and any exercise that makes you strain or hold your breath. Exercises to Avoid During Recovery This is equally important. Some exercises can delay healing or cause complications. Stay away from: Heavyweight training or gym workouts High-impact activities like running or jumping Core-intensive exercises like sit-ups or crunches Any activity that causes pain or discomfort around the surgery site If something doesn’t feel right, stop, rest, and call your doctor. Beyond Exercise: Supporting Your Recovery Exercise is just one part of recovery. Eating well, staying hydrated, sleeping enough, and managing stress all play a role. Many patients also benefit from speaking with a physiotherapist who can create a personalised exercise plan suited to their specific condition and stage of recovery. Talk to a Specialist Before You Begin Every patient’s situation is different. Your age, overall health, type of surgery, and how your body is responding all affect what’s appropriate for you. At Shyam Specialist Hospital, Dr. Aditya Parikh brings focused expertise in urological and prostate cancer care, guiding patients through every stage — from diagnosis to post-surgery recovery. Our team takes the time to understand each patient’s individual needs and helps them recover with clarity and confidence. If you’re unsure about what exercises are safe for you, schedule a consultation and get advice you can actually trust.

Is RIRS Surgery Painful? What’s the Recovery Pain Like? Introduction If you’ve just been told that you need RIRS surgery for kidney stones, your first question is probably: Will it hurt? That’s one of the most common things patients in Ahmedabad ask, and honestly, it’s a fair one. The good news is that the experience is far more comfortable than most people imagine before going in. Let’s walk through what RIRS actually involves and what you can realistically expect — before, during, and after. What Exactly Is RIRS? RIRS stands for Retrograde Intrarenal Surgery. In simple terms, it’s a procedure where your doctor uses a thin, flexible camera to enter the kidney through the natural urinary passage, no cuts, no stitches, no external incisions. A laser then breaks the kidney stone into tiny fragments that the body passes out on its own. Because nothing is cut open, it falls under the category of minimally invasive surgery. Does the Surgery Hurt? Not at all — during the procedure itself. RIRS is performed under general or spinal anaesthesia. That means you’ll either be fully asleep or numbed from the waist down. You won’t feel a thing while the surgery is happening. Most patients wake up feeling a bit drowsy but not in any serious pain. If a ureteral stent (a soft, thin tube placed inside to help the kidney drain properly) has been inserted, there may be a mild pressure sensation, but nothing sharp or severe. What Is Recovery Like? This is the question everyone actually wants answered. Here’s the straight truth: RIRS recovery is genuinely mild compared to open surgery or traditional stone removal methods. In the first 24 to 48 hours after the procedure, it’s common to experience: A mild burning sensation when passing urine Some back pain or aching near the kidney area A slightly increased urge to urinate Light pinkish or reddish colour in the urine (completely normal — it fades quickly) None of these means something is wrong. They’re the body’s natural response to the procedure. Your doctor will prescribe appropriate medication to keep you comfortable, along with advice to stay well-hydrated. The Stent: What to Expect If a ureteral stent was placed during your surgery, it’s usually the main source of post-surgery discomfort. It can cause bladder pressure, mild spasms, or a constant urge to urinate. The good news — this is temporary. The stent is generally removed within one to two weeks, and most patients feel noticeably better almost immediately after it comes out. How Long Does Discomfort Last? The peak of any discomfort usually falls within the first two to three days. After that, it steadily gets better. Most people return to light, everyday activities within a week. Full recovery typically takes two to three weeks, depending on the size of the stone and your overall health. Simple Tips for a Comfortable Recovery Drink 2 to 3 litres of water every day to flush out stone fragments and calm the urinary tract. Avoid heavy lifting or strenuous exercise for at least the first week Take all prescribed medications as directed — don’t stop early Rest well during the first 48 hours Stick to light, non-spicy food to avoid irritating your system When to Consult Your Doctor Mild discomfort is expected, but these signs mean you should reach out to your RIRS specialist without delay: Fever above 38°C with or without chills Severe pain that doesn’t ease with prescribed medication Inability to pass urine Heavy or persistent blood in the urine These could signal a complication that needs prompt attention from a qualified RIRS surgeon. Your Recovery Starts with the Right Conversation Pain tolerance and recovery vary from person to person. The most reliable way to understand what your recovery will look like is to speak directly with an experienced RIRS surgeon who knows your medical history and stone details. At Shyam Specialist Hospital in Ahmedabad, he brings extensive hands-on experience in treating kidney stone cases through minimally invasive techniques, including RIRS. Patients under Dr. Kandarp Parikh’s care receive clear, step-by-step guidance from the very first consultation all the way through recovery. If you have concerns about post-surgery pain or simply want to understand your options better, book a consultation and get the answers you deserve.

Can Kidney Stones Pass Naturally? When You Should Seek Medical Treatment Introduction There is a moment many people know too well — a sudden, sharp, wave-like pain that starts in your back or side and shoots down toward your lower abdomen. It is the kind of pain that stops you mid-sentence. You cannot sit still, you cannot lie still, and nothing seems to bring relief. That is a kidney stone making itself known. The first question most people ask is: Will it pass on its own? Or do I need treatment? The honest answer is — it depends. And understanding what it depends on could save you a great deal of pain, time, and risk to your kidney health. Why Kidney Stones Are So Common in India Kidney stones affect nearly 1 in 10 people at some point in their lives — and the numbers are steadily rising. India’s hot climate accelerates dehydration, while changing dietary habits — more salt, more protein, less water — create the perfect conditions for stone formation inside the kidneys. Gujarat, with its warm weather and food patterns, sees a particularly high burden of kidney stone cases. Stones can affect anyone, but they are most common in adults aged 30 to 60, and men are diagnosed more frequently than women. The troubling part? Many people wait too long before seeking help — either because the pain temporarily eases or because they assume drinking more water will fix everything. Sometimes it will. But often, it will not. Seeking timely kidney stone treatment in Ahmedabad can help prevent complications and ensure the most effective treatment approach.  Can a Kidney Stone Actually Pass on Its Own? Yes, many kidney stones do pass naturally. But size is the single most important factor in deciding whether watchful waiting is safe or whether you need medical help. Here is a simple, clear guide: Stones under 4mm — Pass naturally in up to 90% of cases, usually within 1 to 2 weeks with good hydration and pain management Stones between 4 mm and 6 mm — Around 50% pass without intervention. These are the “grey zone” stones — they may or may not need help, depending on symptoms and location. Stones larger than 7mm — Unlikely to pass on their own and almost always require medical attention Stones larger than 10 mm will not pass naturally and need prompt intervention to prevent serious kidney damage. Beyond size, the location of the stone also matters significantly. A stone sitting close to the bladder has a much better chance of passing than one lodged high up in the ureter near the kidney. What You Can Do at Home — and What You Cannot If your stone is small and your pain is manageable, your doctor may recommend conservative management first: Drinking 2.5 to 3 litres of water daily helps flush the stone through Taking prescribed pain relief medication Light activity — gentle walking actually helps stones move downward Avoiding foods high in salt and oxalate (spinach, nuts, and chocolate) during this period What you cannot do at home is determine whether your stone is causing a silent blockage, whether your kidney is under pressure, or whether an infection is building above the stone. These are things that only a scan and a specialist can confirm — and they can turn dangerous if missed. Warning Signs That Mean You Must See a Doctor Immediately Do not wait and watch if you experience any of the following: Fever or chills alongside the pain — this strongly suggests an infection, which can become life-threatening if untreated Inability to urinate or drastically reduced urine output Severe, unbearable pain that regular painkillers cannot control Heavy or persistent blood in urine Nausea and vomiting that prevent you from staying hydrated Pain lasting more than 4 to 6 weeks with no sign of the stone passing What Happens If You Ignore a Kidney Stone for Too Long? This is the part most people don’t think about until it’s too late. A stone that stays stuck in the ureter can silently block urine flow from the kidney. Over time, this causes the kidney to swell — a condition called hydronephrosis. If left untreated, prolonged obstruction can cause permanent kidney damage that is not reversible even after the stone is removed. Add an infection to that blockage, and you have a medical emergency. Infections that travel upward to an obstructed kidney can become septic very quickly. This is why early evaluation is not optional — it is essential. A stone that causes no pain is not necessarily a stone that causes no harm. Preventing the Next One If you have had one kidney stone, your risk of getting another is between 60% and 90% over time — which means prevention is just as important as treatment. Simple habits that make a real difference: Drink enough water throughout the day — your urine should be pale yellow, not dark Reduce salt intake significantly — excess sodium raises calcium levels in urine Limit animal protein, especially red meat Do not skip calcium-rich foods — low dietary calcium actually increases stone risk Get a metabolic evaluation after your first stone so your doctor can identify your specific stone type and risk factors You Deserve Expert Guidance — Not Guesswork Kidney stones are not a condition to manage with online searches and home remedies alone. The decisions around when to wait, when to intervene, and how to prevent recurrence require personalised medical assessment. Dr. Kandarp Parikh, with over 30 years of urological experience and recognised as one of India’s pioneers in RIRS laser stone surgery, has trained more than 300 urologists across the country. His approach focuses on treating each patient’s stone precisely — with the least impact on the body and the fastest path back to normal life. For trusted, advanced care from accurate diagnosis to minimally invasive procedures and long-term prevention — Shyam Speciality Hospital brings together the expertise, technology, and compassionate care.

Understanding the Stages of Kidney Cancer: From Stage 1 to Stage 4 Introduction Most people only think about kidney cancer after a diagnosis has already been made — either for themselves or someone they love. And that moment can feel completely overwhelming. What does Stage 2 actually mean? Is Stage 3 still treatable? What happens at Stage 4? These are fair questions that deserve clear, honest answers. This blog is written for anyone who wants to understand kidney cancer — not in complicated medical language, but in plain, simple terms that actually make sense. Why Kidney Cancer Deserves More Attention in India Kidney cancer is a problem in India. The country has a lot of cases; it is fourth in the world. What is really bad about this is that people do not know they have kidney cancer at first. It does not always show signs when it starts. So people do not know they have it until it gets worse. Sometimes kidney cancer is found when doctors are looking for something. This is why people need to know about kidney cancer. Knowing what to look for can help doctors find it early and treat it on time. At Shyam Speciality Hospital, kidney cancer is taken seriously. They want to find it and give people the best care possible. They want to help people with kidney cancer every step of the way. What Does “Staging” Actually Mean? When your doctor mentions the stage of your kidney cancer, he is referring to the extent of development of the tumor – its size, invasion of adjacent tissue, and whether or not it has spread to other parts of the body or nearby lymph nodes. Through the use of staging, doctors can ascertain whether the cancer is localized within the kidney itself or if it has spread elsewhere in the body. It enables them to evaluate how significant the condition is and develop a suitable management strategy. In short, staging works like a map, guiding treatment in all aspects. Stage 1 – Localised and Highly Treatable With Stage 1, the tumour is smaller than 7 centimetres, and it is localised in the kidney, not having affected any other tissues or lymph nodes. Most of the people with cancer at this stage do not experience any symptoms. This type of cancer may be found by chance when doctors run a test for something else. At Stage 1, chances of recovery are really good. Kidney cancers at early stages, namely at Stages 1 and 2, usually have a higher than 90% survival rate. The most common treatment includes surgery to remove the cancer or the affected kidney tissue. Key message: Early diagnosis at Stage 1 saves lives from kidney cancer. Stage 2 – Still Within the Kidney, But Larger A Stage 2 kidney cancer tumour is larger — more than 7 centimetres — but it is still confined within the kidney and has not moved into surrounding tissue or lymph nodes. Symptoms may still be absent, though some people begin to notice blood in their urine, a dull backache, or fatigue. These signs are easy to dismiss as something minor — which is why they are often ignored. Treatment at this stage is still very effective. Surgery remains the primary approach, and survival rates continue to be very encouraging. Early detection here still gives patients a strong fighting chance. Stage 3 – Spread Beyond the Kidney By Stage 3, cancer will have spread beyond the kidney by invading adjacent structures like large blood vessels adjacent to the kidney and fatty tissues around it. Or it may start involving regional lymph nodes. The cancer cells haven’t spread to distant organs yet. Symptoms are likely at this stage. Blood in the urine, pain in the lower back or side, weight loss for no apparent reason, and fatigue are common. By now, treatment is more extensive than ever and usually involves surgery along with other treatments like immunotherapy. The chances for success vary based on how much the cancer has spread locally, but diagnosis at this stage isn’t all bad news. Stage 4 – Advanced and Requiring Specialised Care Stage 4 means the cancer has spread beyond the kidney to other organs — such as the lungs, liver, bones, or brain. This is called metastatic kidney cancer. This stage is the most challenging to treat. However, it is important to understand that Stage 4 is not the end of options. Advanced kidney cancers demand a multimodal approach for their efficient management — including targeted therapy, immunotherapy, and in some cases, surgery to remove tumours that have spread. Modern medicine has made significant progress in managing advanced kidney cancer, and many patients benefit from treatments that slow the disease, reduce symptoms, and extend life meaningfully. The focus at this stage is on personalised, expert care — finding the right combination of treatments for each patient’s situation. Warning Signs to Never Ignore Regardless of the stage, these are the symptoms that should prompt an immediate visit to a specialist: Blood in the urine — even once, even if it goes away A lump or swelling in the back or abdomen Persistent pain below the ribs on one side Unexplained weight loss or loss of appetite Fatigue that doesn’t improve with rest Fever that keeps returning without a clear cause None of these symptoms on their own confirms kidney cancer. But any one of them warrants a proper medical evaluation — without delay. Expert Care Makes All the Difference This is just the beginning, though. The next steps, like treatment, surgery, and post-treatment care, require having the right specialist on your team. Dr. Aditya Parikh is a uro-oncologist and robotic surgeon who has undergone extensive fellowship training in London. His specialization lies in the diagnosis and treatment of urological cancers, which include kidney cancer. With his advanced training in using robotic surgery and minimally invasive procedures, he provides accurate and targeted treatment to help patients recover quickly and without complications.

Is Kidney Cancer Becoming More Common in Young Adults in India? Introduction Kidney cancer has traditionally been considered a disease that mostly affects older adults. However, in recent years, doctors across India have started noticing a growing number of younger patients being diagnosed with kidney-related tumors and cancers. While the exact reason behind this increase is still being studied, changing lifestyles, rising obesity, smoking habits, stress, poor dietary patterns, and delayed health check-ups are believed to play an important role. Seeking timely evaluation for Kidney Cancer Treatment in Ahmedabad can help improve early diagnosis and treatment outcomes. Why Are Kidney Cancer Cases Increasing in Young Adults? Several lifestyle and health-related factors may be contributing to the rise of kidney cancer among younger adults in India. Unhealthy Lifestyle HabitsLack of physical activity, processed foods, obesity, and smoking can increase the risk of kidney-related diseases over time. Increased Stress and Poor SleepModern work routines, stress, and poor sleep patterns may negatively affect overall health and immunity. Rising Obesity and HypertensionObesity and high blood pressure are now becoming common even in younger age groups, both of which are considered major risk factors for kidney cancer. Better Diagnostic TechnologyAdvanced imaging tests and increased awareness are helping doctors detect kidney tumors earlier than before. Early Warning Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore The major difficulty associated with kidney cancer is that it develops silently, and patients only become aware of their situation when the disease has reached a more advanced stage. Some of the symptoms not to be overlooked in such a case include: Blood in UrineOccasional spotting in the urine requires one to see a doctor immediately. Chronic Pain in the Back or SidePain in the lower back or side for no particular reason whatsoever requires attention. Unexpected Weight LossAbrupt weight loss should always be a cause for concern. Fatigue and LethargyChronic feelings of weakness or fatigue may sometimes be indicative of something deeper. Abdominal Lump or MassSometimes patients develop abdominal swellings around their kidneys. Timely detection of the disease plays an extremely crucial part in improving one’s chances of recovery. Prevention Tips That May Help Reduce Risk Kidney cancer is a thing. You cannot prevent every case of kidney cancer. Doing healthy things can help lower your risk of getting it. Drinking plenty of water and eating food is important for your kidneys. It is also good not to be too heavy and to exercise regularly. Exercising is good for your body. It can help you not be overweight. Not smoking is very important because it is a reason why people get kidney cancer. You should also make sure your blood pressure is not too high. You should tell a doctor if you feel something weird. If you make a small change now, it can really help your kidneys in the long run. Kidney health is important, and taking care of your kidneys now can make a difference later on. Understanding Risk Factors Not everyone with risk factors develops kidney cancer, but certain conditions can increase the chances significantly. Common risk factors include: Smoking Obesity High blood pressure Family history of kidney cancer Long-term exposure to harmful chemicals Chronic kidney disease People with these risk factors should avoid delaying regular health check-ups. Modern Treatment Approaches for Kidney Cancer It depends on the stage, size, and location of the tumor. Due to advancements in medicine and technologies, in most cases, it is now possible to treat kidney tumors efficiently without interfering with the functioning of the kidney. At the Shyam Speciality Hospital, you can get the latest uro-oncological treatment. This involves early detection and customized treatment plans as per your requirement under the expert supervision of Dr. Aditya Parikh. Advanced technologies like minimal invasion or robotic surgeries may be considered in some cases. Early Awareness Can Save Lives Kidney cancer is no longer considered a condition seen only in older adults. Increasing cases among younger individuals highlight the importance of awareness, regular health monitoring, and timely medical care. If you notice unusual symptoms or have risk factors related to kidney health, consulting a specialist early can help identify problems before they become serious. Get expert guidance for Kidney Cancer Treatment in Ahmedabad, which can support timely diagnosis, better treatment planning, and improved long-term outcomes.