Parker,
Getting your nads cut is childs play compared to kidney stones. I know from experience. You'll know to if you ever have an KS attack. Think male childbirth with a pair of vice grips on your nuts.
My dad also had a problem with them and I was told by a urologist that they can be hereditary. I'm the spitting image of him so go figure.
Another cause of stones are dehydration and dairy products. All of my stones have been calcium based. I drink lots of water now and try to avoid cheese, milk etc. I know it ain't Micky D's causing these. I've been on a big health kick and have dropped 55 lbs over the past few years. I also making sure I get plenty of my greens

Stam,
You are correct. When they finally give you the shot to put you in the twilight zone, you know there is a god.

Brian