What you can do

To get ready for your appointment, make a list of:

• Any symptoms you're experiencing, including any that may seem unrelated to your condition
• Key personal information, including any major stresses or recent life changes
• All medications you're taking, as well as any vitamins or other supplements
• Questions to ask your doctor, in order of importance

In addition:

• Be aware of any pre-appointment restrictions. Ask if there's anything you need to do in advance, such as restrict your diet.
• Ask a family member or friend to come with you. Someone who accompanies you may remember information that you missed or forgot.

For bladder stones, some basic questions to ask your doctor include:

• Can bladder stones pass without treatment?
• If not, do they need to be removed, and what's the best method?
• What are the risks of the treatment you're proposing?
• What will happen if the stones aren't removed?
• Is there any medication I can take to eliminate bladder stones?
• How can I keep them from coming back?
• I have other health conditions. How can I best manage these conditions together?
• Are there any dietary restrictions that I need to follow?
• Will the stones come back?
• Do you have any printed materials that I can have? What websites do you recommend?

Don't hesitate to ask additional questions that may come up during your appointment.

What to expect from your doctor

Your doctor is likely to ask you a number of questions, such as:

• When did you begin experiencing symptoms?
• Have your symptoms been continuous or occasional?
• How severe are your symptoms?
• Have you had a fever or chills?
• Does anything seem to improve your symptoms?
• What, if anything, appears to worsen your symptoms?