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Kidney Stones for the 3rd time this year

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Posted 10/21/2008 1:17 AM (GMT 0)
I have had kidney stones so many times it makes me sick. I had a kidney stone lodged in 2006 that caused me to be sepsis. I went thru terrible agony and hospitalized for a month with kidney and liver failure, heart problems, and infection. My CD went into remission for almost 2 1/2 years. Then this january I had more kidney stones and had the lythotripsey surgery. My CD began to seriously flair in May this year. I had more stones in August and had the lytho again. Now I have 3 more stones that will have to be surgically removed in November. I have also been hospitalized 5 times since May for CD flair ups. I had a colonoscopy in August that didnt show active disease that needed to be removed thankfully. I have been noticing some others posting about stones here on this board. Can anyone else share what they have learned about their kidney stones and the constant cause? Possibly CD related? What are some things that you do to prevent them? Im at my wits end here. It makes me so sad and Im tired of being hospitalized or worse yet going thru another sepsis. I really could use some input from you that have had some expierience please.
Posted 10/21/2008 2:50 AM (GMT 0)
at the hospital, my husband and I were told that he needed to take an extra calcium supplement in order to prevent kidney stones. The GI doc there said people with crohns are more likely to get kidney stones so taking calcium was important. I don't know the corrolation between crohns and kidney stones OR how calcium helps... Just something the doc told us. I haven't researched it much yet... But we purchased calcium right away!

I am sorry you are struggling with this. I hope you can find something to help soon!
Posted 10/21/2008 3:10 AM (GMT 0)
Savkelchr - Do you know what kind of kidney stones you have? What they are comprised of? No to contradict emroce, but I have a history of calcium oxalate stones and my doctors do NOT want me to take calcium supplements. Calcium in food is ok but not supplements. I think you should consult with your urologist before making any dietary changes.

I do know that making diet changes and getting my CD under control helped me battle the stone battle. Knock on wood - it has been a long time since I have developed a stone.

I am so sorry you are having to go through this very painful period. Kidney stones are absolutely the pits!
Posted 10/21/2008 3:35 AM (GMT 0)
So this is strange. I did a basic google search and sure enough, calcium causes kidney stones. Now that I think about it - I knew that! Just never put two and two together when the dr recommended it. So, why in the world would the doc say to take calcium to prevent stones??? savkelchr - don't listen to me!! But, I'm very curious now. I'm interested what others have to say about this.
Posted 10/21/2008 4:34 AM (GMT 0)
My kidney doc doesnt know what they are comprised of but he made mention to me as he was walking out the door to go take calcium. Didnt get to ask why? He is a no questions asked kinda guy and that dont fly with me. Ill be looking for a new one soon. But yes, Im very interested to see more replies to this. And thanks for the support here too.
Posted 10/21/2008 2:47 PM (GMT 0)
Best look for a new doc if this one does not know what kind of stones you have. I have both calcium and uric acid stones. The uric acid type has been controlled pretty well with Allopurinal and diet. One tabled per day is all I take and I avoid foods high in pureen, such as turkey, sweet peas , and liver.. I had to have a med change from Imuran to Methotrexate because you can't take imuran and allopurinal together. As for calcium stones. My uroligest says there is controversy about calcium but it is better to get it through food than supplements. Also drinking lots of water. I know thats hard when you have to run to the bathroom all day but try drinking water instead of coffee or soft drinks when you eat or take a break. Drinking more water is a lot less painfull than stones...Hope this helps some.
Posted 10/21/2008 3:47 PM (GMT 0)
used to get them all the time, stopped drinking pop and coffee and haven't had one since so it can't hurt...
Posted 10/21/2008 10:27 PM (GMT 0)
Hi As stated you need to know what kind of stones you are passing. As there is different help for each one. lol gail
Posted 10/22/2008 12:50 AM (GMT 0)
I too have had kidney stones and my urologist said people with crohns get them more often because of 2 reasons:

1. we get dehydrated more often
2. We don't absorb nutrients consistently

So what he told me to do was drink lots and lots and lots of water. Said it was the best prevention.

There is no one solution because you need to find out what your stones are made of. differnt make ups need different solutions...but water works for them all.
Posted 10/22/2008 1:20 AM (GMT 0)
My urologist suggested taking acidopholis and told me that I would get rid of them and not get anymore. Mine is like your's It seems like I keep stones. Try that and hopefully it will get rid of them for good. However, you have to take it regularly. Don't drink anything other than water.
Posted 10/22/2008 2:02 AM (GMT 0)
Oh yeah...right there with you on the stones.  Been having trouble myself this year.  My doc recommends lots and lots of water as well as calcium citrate supplements.  The brand I take

is Citracal.  Calcium citrate is the ONLY calcium supplement that DOES NOT form stones.  I also throw in a few glass of good ole cranberry juice at least three times a week or when I feel a UTI coming on just for good measure.  The cranberry juice is suppose to keep deposits from adhering to the urinary tract. Be warned that cranberry juice is acidic and can be rough on the tummy.  I cut mine in half with apple juice and/or gingerale.  I also agree that the further you stay away from cola, tea and coffee the better off you are as well!  Hope this helps someone!

Now, I have a question.  Does anyone know exactly how long it takes any kind of stone to form?  I had my latest UT scan this month and if by chance another one shows it's nasty little head I'm curious what kind of time frame (if any) that I can expect.  I'm sure alot depends on diet and such.  Any thoughts out there from the stone kings/queens?

Posted 10/22/2008 11:59 PM (GMT 0)
Thanks so much for the replies as this has been alot of useful information for me. I will be taking this to my urologist the 1st week of Nov when I have my surgery. Many many thanks to all who replied.

Also to Broomhilda,

I have many kidney stones over the last few years. I just had Lythotripsy in August on my right kidney. I had 1 stone in my left kidney at the time that they didnt do the surgery because they dont like to do both kidneys at once. I just went to my urologist this week and he said that I have developed a second stone in my left kidney and another stone in my right. So I developed 2 stones in about a months time. I dont know if that helps but that is just my expierience. So I do believe they can form rather fast.
Posted 10/23/2008 3:05 AM (GMT 0)
Yippee! Since you don't know me very well yet...that comment conveys lots of sarcasm! Good luck with the urologist. My guy makes so much money off of me his car sports a license plate that reads, "GEE WHIZ"!
Ridiculous!
Posted 10/23/2008 3:25 AM (GMT 0)
I dont know how fast but fast is for sure. I would say weeks...I base that on how soon I can be back in the ER after being in the ER. They all know me as soon as I walk in. I'm like Norm from Cheers....
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