Ask the Expert

Mr J. Graham Young

Mr J. Graham Young is a consultant urological surgeon based at Wythenshawe Hospital and the Alexandra Hospital, Cheadle. Appointed in 2008, after extensive training in Cambridge, Oxford and the Bristol Urological Institute, he has a vast experience of general urological conditions and a subspecialist interest in endourology and kidney stone disease.

Why have I got a kidney stone?

We don’t always know why stones form. Sometimes, there are inherited conditions or metabolic abnormalities that need to be investigated. For most people, it is probably a mixture of what we eat and drink. The most important factors are poor fluid intake and diets with too much salt, sugar and protein. The Atkins diet is not good for avoiding stones!

What problems can kidney stones cause? Small stones sitting in your kidney are often harmless and do not necessarily need any treatment. However, if a stone moves into your kidney tube (ureter), then it can cause incredibly severe pain and block your kidney.

What can I do to avoid them?

The most important factor is to maintain a high fluid intake. A healthy diet, low in salt and refined sugars and high in fibre, is recommended. One example of these types of healthy diets is the DASH diet.

What treatments can I have for kidney stones? There are a variety of treatments available. Sometimes, we do not need to treat stones if they are very small and not causing any problems, such as blockage, and the stones can just be monitored. There are non-invasive treatments, such as shockwave treatment, which breaks up the stones and you can then pass the small fragments. There are also surgical treatments under an anaesthetic, where we break stones up with a laser or remove them with keyhole surgery. Another important aspect of treatment, which we feel it is important not to neglect, are biochemical tests to see if there is any underlying reason for you making stones.

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What are the symptoms of addiction? Addiction is quite simply the repetition of a behaviour, despite negative consequences.

In struggling with alcohol or prescription medication, some people become physically dependent and require clinical detox to stop safely and prevent withdrawal symptoms. With 'process addiction' or behavioural addiction (e.g. gambling, sex, internet), the psychological aspects can be just as devastating. Addiction affects all manner of people and the way in which it does can vary. For anyone who's questioning their relationship with alcohol, substances or behaviour, if it is costing you more than money and you're unable to set limits, it's time to reach out for professional help.

How do I help someone who’s struggling with addiction?

Denial is often symptomatic of addiction and as such, friends, family and colleagues tend to realise that addiction has become an issue long before the person who themselves is struggling does. Rather than pointing the finger, try outlining how their behaviour is affecting or concerning you.

How is addiction treated?

At Delamere, we take a holistic approach which means we look at the whole person and work with them to arrive at a care plan that suits their individual needs. Many guests who stay with us need a detox initially and this is provided by our medical team. Once the addictive fog has started to lift, our programmes help guests identify what has been underpinning the addictive behaviour and how to acquire a set a tools to help them stay well, long term. Most guests stay 4-6 weeks and return for weekly aftercare for 12 months. Addiction can be treated and recovery is possible. Delamere.com