Kidney Stones

[lowplaces]

Don't know what type yet but I have them. No pain but urologist ordered a urine test and it detected blood and calcium oxalate crystals.

Sent me to have a ct urogram with these results..

"
FINDINGS:
Abdomen: The kidneys are symmetric in size. There are bilateral nonobstructing renal calculi. A calculus in the lower pole of the left kidney measures 1.3 cm (internal density of 1140 HU). There are 2 additional left renal calculi measuring up to 4 mm. A calculus in lower pole right kidney measures 1.7 cm (internal density 1000HU). There are 3 additional right renal calculi measuring 2 to 3 mm. Benign renal cysts are identified. No abnormal enhancing renal mass. The renal vasculature is patent. There is uniform excretion of IV contrast into the renal collecting systems. There is no abnormal ureteral enhancement or ureteral filling defects.

The liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and adrenal glands are within normal limits. There is low-attenuation adreniform thickening of the adrenal glands. The small bowel is not dilated. The appendix is normal. No enlarged retroperitoneal or mesenteric lymph nodes. Abdominal aorta is normal in caliber.

Pelvis: No pelvic mass. No enlarged pelvic or inguinal lymph nodes. No bladder calculi. There is no abnormal bladder enhancement or bladder wall thickening. No bladder filling defects.

IMPRESSION:

1. Bilateral nonobstructing renal calculi. No hydronephrosis or ureteral calculi.
2. Benign bilateral renal cysts.
3. No acute findings in the abdomen or pelvis."

I searched all the geeky terms and such and if I read it all correctly, there is nothing alarming.

Also have some sort of scope to look at my bladder Tuesday but the urologist told me before the CT that pending the results of it they may not have to do the scope. Still need to show up for the appointment to discuss the results of the ct.

Anyone been treated for them ? Just curious what to expect. In the meantime I'm using lemon juice and eating cottage cheese and plain yogurt for the calcium. Both citrate and calcium are said to bind to oxalates.

 

[friskinator]

My wife had them a couple years ago. Her pain started with no warning, and it sent her straight to the ER. I’ve never seen her in that much pain. She had to have the lithotripsy procedure shortly after to dissolve them. Hope it never happens to me is all I’ll say. Good luck, and I hope your experience is better.

 

[lowplaces]

Found this..

Kidney Stone Treatment in Lafayette, LA | Southern Urology

Our board-certified urologists provide expert diagnosis and personalized treatment plans for kidney stones. Contact our clinic today.

southernurologyla.com

I'm already doing plenty of water with lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, and avoiding animal protein.

 

[Zooberwerx]

Don't know what type yet but I have them. No pain but urologist ordered a urine test and it detected blood and calcium oxalate crystals.

Sent me to have a ct urogram with these results..

"
FINDINGS:
Abdomen: The kidneys are symmetric in size. There are bilateral nonobstructing renal calculi. A calculus in the lower pole of the left kidney measures 1.3 cm (internal density of 1140 HU). There are 2 additional left renal calculi measuring up to 4 mm. A calculus in lower pole right kidney measures 1.7 cm (internal density 1000HU). There are 3 additional right renal calculi measuring 2 to 3 mm. Benign renal cysts are identified. No abnormal enhancing renal mass. The renal vasculature is patent. There is uniform excretion of IV contrast into the renal collecting systems. There is no abnormal ureteral enhancement or ureteral filling defects.

The liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and adrenal glands are within normal limits. There is low-attenuation adreniform thickening of the adrenal glands. The small bowel is not dilated. The appendix is normal. No enlarged retroperitoneal or mesenteric lymph nodes. Abdominal aorta is normal in caliber.

Pelvis: No pelvic mass. No enlarged pelvic or inguinal lymph nodes. No bladder calculi. There is no abnormal bladder enhancement or bladder wall thickening. No bladder filling defects.

IMPRESSION:

1. Bilateral nonobstructing renal calculi. No hydronephrosis or ureteral calculi.
2. Benign bilateral renal cysts.
3. No acute findings in the abdomen or pelvis."

I searched all the geeky terms and such and if I read it all correctly, there is nothing alarming.

Also have some sort of scope to look at my bladder Tuesday but the urologist told me before the CT that pending the results of it they may not have to do the scope. Still need to show up for the appointment to discuss the results of the ct.

Anyone been treated for them ? Just curious what to expect. In the meantime I'm using lemon juice and eating cottage cheese and plain yogurt for the calcium. Both citrate and calcium are said to bind to oxalates.

Only ailment and treatment that almost did me in.

*Litho for oxalate stones.
*Within 24 hours, developed obstructive "Steinstrasse".
*Required emergency nephrostomy...they tapped me like a maple tree.
*Upon removal, developed sepsis requiring 5 day hospitalization / IV antibiotics.
*I requested cystoscopy for better control during stone / fragment removal but procedure aborted...too much blood.
*Several repeat lithos to clear things up over the course of 6 weeks.

I think the culprit foodstuffs were chocolate and ice cream / dairy. Urocit-K works but can increase your serum potassium which can be an issue for cardiac clients. Alternate: 4 oz of lemon juice every AM and that's per the urology PA.

Riis

 

[LiptonJigglers]

Hey there. I had a bilatetal nephrectomy 10 years ago and a Renal transplant 9 years ago, after 38 years of stones and cysts with both kidneys growing to 9+lbs each and 10 months on dialysis.
I am not a Doctor but I did play an active role in treating the symptoms and fighting against the progress of advancing (stage 3 through to stage 5 or ESRF end stage renal failure) Renal Disease and ultimate renal failure.
However, its been 10 years since I had the need to research and investigate and apply, things may have changed in that time.

First up; the results are pretty good.
Most people have renal cysts and never know it. The stones aren't blocking any exit or travelling, so thats good. Nothing to get worried about IM(limited)O.

If you can, have your magnesium and calcium levels checked as a lack of magnesium means the body naturally searches for the next best thing (specifically for the proper functioning of neurons) ie; calcium, which, when utilised, the body dumps its resulting by-products, which accumulate in the kidneys, thus forming stones. An addition of magnesium may not reverse the stones but may assist in preventing further build up.

As for removing them, keep up with the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, warm-hot water as opposed to cold water.
The addition of diet rich calcium may be counter intuitive.

First thing upon waking up, a pint of warm water and several throughout the day.
Cut down on foods that take long times to digest as well as sugars and milk products, raise or supplement your immune system with things like olive leaf extract...

Ill do a bit more looking into my notes and see what else I can find.
Good luck.

 

[lowplaces]

Only ailment and treatment that almost did me in.

*Litho for oxalate stones.
*Within 24 hours, developed obstructive "Steinstrasse".
*Required emergency nephrostomy...they tapped me like a maple tree.
*Upon removal, developed sepsis requiring 5 day hospitalization / IV antibiotics.
*I requested cystoscopy for better control during stone / fragment removal but procedure aborted...too much blood.
*Several repeat lithos to clear things up over the course of 6 weeks.

I think the culprit foodstuffs were chocolate and ice cream / dairy. Urocit-K works but can increase your serum potassium which can be an issue for cardiac clients. Alternate: 4 oz of lemon juice every AM and that's per the urology PA.

Riis

Glad you made it through it !

I'm not going to stress over it too much since I'm not in pain. I'll know more Tuesday.

And yes, I'm already doing the lemon juice.

 

[lowplaces]

Hey there. I had a bilatetal nephrectomy 10 years ago and a Renal transplant 9 years ago, after 38 years of stones and cysts with both kidneys growing to 9+lbs each and 10 months on dialysis.
I am not a Doctor but I did play an active role in treating the symptoms and fighting against the progress of advancing (stage 3 through to stage 5 or ESRF end stage renal failure) Renal Disease and ultimate renal failure.
However, its been 10 years since I had the need to research and investigate and apply, things may have changed in that time.

First up; the results are pretty good.
Most people have renal cysts and never know it. The stones aren't blocking any exit or travelling, so thats good. Nothing to get worried about IM(limited)O.

If you can, have your magnesium and calcium levels checked as a lack of magnesium means the body naturally searches for the next best thing (specifically for the proper functioning of neurons) ie; calcium, which, when utilised, the body dumps its resulting by-products, which accumulate in the kidneys, thus forming stones. An addition of magnesium may not reverse the stones but may assist in preventing further build up.

As for removing them, keep up with the lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, warm-hot water as opposed to cold water.
The addition of diet rich calcium may be counter intuitive.

First thing upon waking up, a pint of warm water and several throughout the day.
Cut down on foods that take long times to digest as well as sugars and milk products, raise or supplement your immune system with things like olive leaf extract...

Ill do a bit more looking into my notes and see what else I can find.
Good luck.

Whoa, my issues look miniscule compared what you've been through.

Thanks for the tips. Much appreciated !

 

[lowplaces]

If you can, have your magnesium and calcium levels checked as a lack of magnesium means the body naturally searches for the next best thing (specifically for the proper functioning of neurons) ie; calcium, which, when utilised, the body dumps its resulting by-products, which accumulate in the kidneys, thus forming stones. An addition of magnesium may not reverse the stones but may assist in preventing further build up.

My calcium levels on my blood work have been in the normal range. I do take magnesium glycinate daily but never had it checked. I'll ask the doc Tuesday if he'll check it.

My potassium level was a tad high 3 of 4 times but I was eating a lot of black bean and edamame pasta back then. It's loaded with potassium. I quit eating so much of it and the past three cmp draws show it back in the normal range.

 

[Bass4ThePublic]

 

[LowActionHero]

My friend swears by Apple Cider Vinegar to break them up and round them off. He gets them regularly.

 

[Ostie]

About 15 years ago I had a sudden and intense attack of the most intense pain I’ve ever felt. It doubled me over and I didn’t argue with my wife when she loaded me up for the ER. Diagnosed as a large kidney stone. The ER staff gave me morphine for the pain which helped but didn’t completely alleviate the pain. A couple days later I went to a urologist who scheduled me for a litho-something which is removal of the stone. Because of the size and location he couldn’t blast it. (I can’t remember all the medical terms). Next day I went in for surgery and the stone was removed. After the surgery I was on a catheter for a couple weeks. The worst part was the removal of the catheter. it was the most intense 20 seconds of pain I’ve ever felt. Full recovery with no further formation of stones over the last 15 years. Maintenance therapy is lots of lemon juice and water.

In retrospect I believe the stone may have been formed from the large amount of antacid (TUMS) I was taking for the acid reflux I was experiencing at the time. I have no proof of that, only a hunch. My urologist said it was possible but no way to prove.

 

[grocker]

My calcium levels on my blood work have been in the normal range. I do take magnesium glycinate daily but never had it checked. I'll ask the doc Tuesday if he'll check it.

My potassium level was a tad high 3 of 4 times but I was eating a lot of black bean and edamame pasta back then. It's loaded with potassium. I quit eating so much of it and the past three cmp draws show it back in the normal range.

Endame is high in oxalate, as is spinach and almonds, best to cuts those.

 

[HolmeBass]

Don't know what type yet but I have them. No pain but urologist ordered a urine test and it detected blood and calcium oxalate crystals.

Sent me to have a ct urogram with these results..

"
FINDINGS:
Abdomen: The kidneys are symmetric in size. There are bilateral nonobstructing renal calculi. A calculus in the lower pole of the left kidney measures 1.3 cm (internal density of 1140 HU). There are 2 additional left renal calculi measuring up to 4 mm. A calculus in lower pole right kidney measures 1.7 cm (internal density 1000HU). There are 3 additional right renal calculi measuring 2 to 3 mm. Benign renal cysts are identified. No abnormal enhancing renal mass. The renal vasculature is patent. There is uniform excretion of IV contrast into the renal collecting systems. There is no abnormal ureteral enhancement or ureteral filling defects.

The liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and adrenal glands are within normal limits. There is low-attenuation adreniform thickening of the adrenal glands. The small bowel is not dilated. The appendix is normal. No enlarged retroperitoneal or mesenteric lymph nodes. Abdominal aorta is normal in caliber.

Pelvis: No pelvic mass. No enlarged pelvic or inguinal lymph nodes. No bladder calculi. There is no abnormal bladder enhancement or bladder wall thickening. No bladder filling defects.

IMPRESSION:

1. Bilateral nonobstructing renal calculi. No hydronephrosis or ureteral calculi.
2. Benign bilateral renal cysts.
3. No acute findings in the abdomen or pelvis."

I searched all the geeky terms and such and if I read it all correctly, there is nothing alarming.

Also have some sort of scope to look at my bladder Tuesday but the urologist told me before the CT that pending the results of it they may not have to do the scope. Still need to show up for the appointment to discuss the results of the ct.

Anyone been treated for them ? Just curious what to expect. In the meantime I'm using lemon juice and eating cottage cheese and plain yogurt for the calcium. Both citrate and calcium are said to bind to oxalates.

I have stones.

Eating more calcium doesn’t solve the issue, except for one specific case.

Drink more water. Like a lot of water. The formula my doc has me on is divide my weight (in lbs) in half, and drink that many ounces of water, tea, juices, etc.

Then limit oxylate intake. There are resources on the web with high oxylate foods. Either limit their intake, or eat them along with calcium-rich foods to bind the oxylate in your gut before it gets digested and assimilated into your blood - where it will eventually end up in your kidneys.

Note that a high calcium diet, if the calcium and oxylate are not ingested together, may actually contribute to more stone growth. Not to say cut back on calcium, but this is not a way to manage the stones, other than the way I mentioned above.

But a lot more water is the main key.

 

[Mike Marshall]

Don't know what type yet but I have them. No pain but urologist ordered a urine test and it detected blood and calcium oxalate crystals.

Sent me to have a ct urogram with these results..

"
FINDINGS:
Abdomen: The kidneys are symmetric in size. There are bilateral nonobstructing renal calculi. A calculus in the lower pole of the left kidney measures 1.3 cm (internal density of 1140 HU). There are 2 additional left renal calculi measuring up to 4 mm. A calculus in lower pole right kidney measures 1.7 cm (internal density 1000HU). There are 3 additional right renal calculi measuring 2 to 3 mm. Benign renal cysts are identified. No abnormal enhancing renal mass. The renal vasculature is patent. There is uniform excretion of IV contrast into the renal collecting systems. There is no abnormal ureteral enhancement or ureteral filling defects.

The liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and adrenal glands are within normal limits. There is low-attenuation adreniform thickening of the adrenal glands. The small bowel is not dilated. The appendix is normal. No enlarged retroperitoneal or mesenteric lymph nodes. Abdominal aorta is normal in caliber.

Pelvis: No pelvic mass. No enlarged pelvic or inguinal lymph nodes. No bladder calculi. There is no abnormal bladder enhancement or bladder wall thickening. No bladder filling defects.

IMPRESSION:

1. Bilateral nonobstructing renal calculi. No hydronephrosis or ureteral calculi.
2. Benign bilateral renal cysts.
3. No acute findings in the abdomen or pelvis."

I searched all the geeky terms and such and if I read it all correctly, there is nothing alarming.

Also have some sort of scope to look at my bladder Tuesday but the urologist told me before the CT that pending the results of it they may not have to do the scope. Still need to show up for the appointment to discuss the results of the ct.

Anyone been treated for them ? Just curious what to expect. In the meantime I'm using lemon juice and eating cottage cheese and plain yogurt for the calcium. Both citrate and calcium are said to bind to oxalates.

I have had them 10 years ago and it can be extremely painful and last for weeks. They will effect things you wouldn't think are related in any way. I had an ultra sound last year and it detected two large stones I contacted a urologist and he did a laser procedure and blasted them into dust. I suggest this it will spare you all kinds of pain.

 

[JazznFunk]

I had one show up a few years ago during an abdominal ultrasound for an unrelated issue. I asked my doc about it and he said since it was small, non-obstructing, and I wasn't in any pain that it should go away. I never had any issues with it and it was never revisited with additional scans, etc. I drink a LOT of water as a runner, and as a heavy sweater, so it surprised me. I'm talking about 120oz per day of water alone (which is the recommended daily amount in general for men... add more if you are an athlete or work outside and sweat a lot). I don't count coffee in my fluid intake because it's a diuretic, but coffee is indicated as helping to reduce kidney stone risk and recurrence - YMMV. No sodas or alcohol of any kind for me either. My doc said that most people are under-estimating their hydration needs in general, and that's usually the start of a lot of kidney stone issues, so hydrate up. I hope they go away and resolve without issue!

 

[Five or Six]

Here is my experience: I've had 21 of them. All but 4 have been removed by my urologist surgically. I've had a dozen stents. All but 2 I've removed myself after 5 days. If you have the cystoscopy you're in for a real experience. I've had several and they typically don't put you out to do it. At least my urologist doesn't put you out.

There are all kinds of so called gimmicks to help you pass (supposed dissolve) one. WATER is about the best to include prevention. Flomax can be used to help you pass one, maybe? Things that help form stones. Lack of exercise, soda, tea, coffee, sugar, certain foods, not drinking enough WATER. Individual triggers vary. The big question typically is: How many times do you urinate a day? If it isn't 5 or more that's not a good thing. Stagnant urine is you enemy. I hope no one has the pleasure but, for some it's inevitable. I've played gigs while trying to pass one. Had stents in trying to do the same. Not a pleasant experience. Good luck!

 

[mikecd1]

I had a 9mm in 2020 and as I recall the largest that your body can pass is 6mm. I had go into the hospital for treatment, but was not in tremendous pain except that during the pandemic they were only taking covid cases so I had to wait quite a while. I got into the hospital in May after waiting several months and overall the sonic blasting of the stones was a success (no pun intended). Over the next few months I was able to collect some pieces through urination that I submitted for analysis and they were indeed oxalate stones (big too). I've changed my diet and have not had recurrence. I have used the attached recipe I got which shows the proportions of ACV, lemon juice and olive oil for a dissolving cocktail which others have found useful. If I had the wraparound pain associated with stones would not hesitate again to use this. The chunks I had were significant and wouldn't fool around with the condition - I had a close friend who required surgery when they couldn't get them to move. Most people pass them and our bodies pass some form of them all the time so hydration is super important. Good luck and stick with whatever your urologist recommends.

 

[lowplaces]

I have stones.

Eating more calcium doesn’t solve the issue, except for one specific case.

Drink more water. Like a lot of water. The formula my doc has me on is divide my weight (in lbs) in half, and drink that many ounces of water, tea, juices, etc.

Then limit oxylate intake. There are resources on the web with high oxylate foods. Either limit their intake, or eat them along with calcium-rich foods to bind the oxylate in your gut before it gets digested and assimilated into your blood - where it will eventually end up in your kidneys.

Note that a high calcium diet, if the calcium and oxylate are not injected together, may actually contribute to more stone growth. Not to say cut back on calcium, but this is not a way to manage the stones, other than the way I mentioned above.

But a lot more water is the main key.

Thanks, from what I've read up on all you mentioned doing is what seems helpful as far as what I can do myself.

Staying physically active is another thing recommend/mentioned in a few articles I've read. I do 24 minutes to 1 hr on a treadmill daily so I'm good there.

I've been looking at everything I normally eat and drink to determine whether they are high oxalate or not. So far, peanut butter is one thing that looks like a culprit. I've been eating way too much of it. Half a jar a day lol.

I drink instant coffee which has more oxalates than brewed so I'm going to limit myself to one cup per day and drink some lemon juice in water before I drink the coffee.

Anyhow, from what I've read so far only two of my 7 stones are too large to pass. Supposedly, stones up to 4 mm will pass 80% of the time.

We'll see

 

[lowplaces]

How many times do you urinate a day? If it isn't 5 or more that's not a good

I'm ok there. Probably 10 times a day.

 

[lowplaces]

I had a 9mm in 2020 and as I recall the largest that your body can pass is 6mm. I had go into the hospital for treatment, but was not in tremendous pain except that during the pandemic they were only taking covid cases so I had to wait quite a while. I got into the hospital in May after waiting several months and overall the sonic blasting of the stones was a success (no pun intended). Over the next few months I was able to collect some pieces through urination that I submitted for analysis and they were indeed oxalate stones (big too). I've changed my diet and have not had recurrence. I have used the attached recipe I got which shows the proportions of ACV, lemon juice and olive oil for a dissolving cocktail which others have found useful. If I had the wraparound pain associated with stones would not hesitate again to use this. The chunks I had were significant and wouldn't fool around with the condition - I had a close friend who required surgery when they couldn't get them to move. Most people pass them and our bodies pass some form of them all the time so hydration is super important. Good luck and stick with whatever your urologist recommends.
View attachment 7482557

Thanks for that recipe ! It concurs with what I've gathered while looking into what I can do myself.
I've got all the ingredients.

Do you do it in the morning ? And how many times per day ?