Wellness

[Susan in California]

Three weeks ago I ended up in the emergency room of our local hospital experiencing excruciating pain.  It turned out to be a kidney stone.  The whole experience was awful.

The emergency room was filled with people, and after somewhat of a wait, a doctor saw me.  I had a CT scan, was given morphine, and was released with a prescription for pain meds and an appt with the urologist.

Last week I had another CT scan, and today the urologist said the stone was passed, but I had two very small stones in my other kidney.  So now, it's checking with ultra-sound every six months.

I have not felt myself, and in general have stayed close to home.

I have heard that lemon juice and lots of water is a good remedy for keeping stones at bay.  I am trying to drink the

6-8 glasses of water a day, but at times it is a challenge.

The urologist has a very nice bed-side manner, but he seems to be very hasty and is over-booked.

[janefromnewmexico]

I have had 3 bouts of kidney stones, two of which had to be removed with minor surgery.  The last time the doctor collected the stone and had it analyzed and was able to tell me the types of food that cause my particular type of stone.  You should ask your dr. if he sent it for analysis.  Continue to drink lots of water.  I know I immediately felt better after I had the stone removed/passed.  

[millieshops]

@Susan in California   I am sorry for your pain.  Stones in a duct meant for liquid are excruciating.

Sorry, too, for your busy doctor although that seems to be the more common experience now in any densely populated area.  So many patients needing to see too few doctors-  and each of the doctors often supporting a whole cadre of support help.

Maybe in a year or two, post pandemic effects, they will work under less time pressure and we will feel more cared for?

[KingstonsMom]

@Susan in California 

You poor thing! So glad you're doing better and keeping on top of the other 2 smaller stones.

Sounds like you're in good hands, especially your own!

[Mindy D]

@Susan in California @If you frequently drink soda, stop. Avoid the extra phosphoric acid found in sodas. There Ian more than one type of stone, so getting a sample of one will tell the doctor what type of stones you have. Drink lots of water and remember  the phrase, “Dilution is the solution to the pollution.”

Here is a journal article which summarizes, based on research, the best methods for prevention of stones of all types. Lemon juice is discussed as well as other methods that enhance prevention.

https://www.google.com/url?sa=t&rct=j&q=&esrc=s&source=web&cd=&ved=2ahUKEwiWnN7YjNXzAhXSlmoFHSkRBUIQ...

[nana59]

worst pain i've ever had.....

[NEvans2]

@Susan in California  I've had three kidney stones. The first two were too big to pass so I had a procedure called lithotripsy. That's where they explode the stone with sonar. The third I passed while I was at work. My urologist never told me to stop drinking pop, but he did tell me to cut way back. However, he did tell me to stop drinking iced tea. I drink water like a camel. I allow myself one can of Coke a day. It's been 18 years since I had my last stone, so I must be doing something right. Those kidney stones were the most painful experience I have ever been through in my life. I have three children and I would take child birth over a kidney stone any day of the week. The second one was so bad if the Dr. would have said, go lay on the highway and let traffic run you over, I probably would have done it. It does take a while to feel normal again. Just take care of yourself and don't overdo. Good Luck!❤️

[ThinkingOutLoud]

Sorry you're dealing this. I've heard of a product that you may want to consider taking: 

Stone Breaker Chanca Piedra - Natural Kidney Cleanse & Gallbladder Formula - Detoxify Urinary Tract, Flush Impurities, Clear System

[lkat]

@Susan in California As someone who has had more kidney stones than I can count, I feel your pain.  They can be excruciating.  I can vouch for lemon water being good for keeping them at bay.  I had multiple small stones in both kidneys that were checked every 6 months for the last few years and they all stayed small.  I passed a few of them but because they were small, the pain only lasted about 6-8 hours.

I had been adding the juice of one lemon into my water every day until getting out of the habit late last year for some reason.  At my last ultrasound we discovered that a few had grown a lot and now I had ones that were big enough that they might not pass on their own.

I ended up having to have the shockwave treatment for the second time on both kidneys and this time it was a lot worse than my first time.  I passed a bunch of small stones/fragments in the first 6 days and even though they didn't take as long as my other stones, they still hurt like heck.  So drink lots of water and add the juice of one lemon (or lime) to your water every day!  

Also check out the list of foods that are high in oxalates and try to avoid where possible.  One of the things on the list is spinach which I love.  I avoid it most of the time but my urologist told me that if I'm going to have some, have a Tums beforehand.  I guess the oxalate will bind to the calcium and pass instead of staying in your kidneys.

Good luck!  Hopefully yours will stay small and stay in your kidneys.

[hckynut]

The more work your kidneys do processing straight H2o, the less likely for kidney stones. Work for everyone? Of course not, but for the higher percentages? You bet.

I don't get the "it's hard to drink 6-8 glasses" of water day. If one is that busy, they bess assess their priorities. Don't have enough time?  That I could unfortunately put on many of my co-workers, and a few good friends, tombstones.

hckynut(john) 🏒