Kidney stones

Posted by Gary, Alumni Mentor @gman007, Mar 9, 2018

I am usually trying to help folks understand their symptoms, but need some myself now. I have chronic pancreatitis and have had it long enough that the way that pain manifests itself is pretty familiar. I have been experiencing a pain that is about an 8 on the typical 1-10 scale, but is more in my flank and lower than where my pancreas pain is. It is also very tender to the touch and if I move in any way that involves my torso the pain screams at me. I take pretty stri=ong opiates for my pancreatitis, so the pain is not being affected by those meds or if it is, I would be crying without them. Anyone have any thoughts? I already have had a urinalysis and it is not an infection in kidneys, bladder, or urinary tract. I am thinking kidney stone, but have never had the pleasure, so that is simply a guess.

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@tgregg99

Yes, that's consistent with what my urologist told me last. In my case, my large stone is asymptomatic and in the lower pole so one option (because it's asymptomatic and where it's at) is to leave it as is and monitor it through observation and periodic imaging and continued kidney stone mitigation, e.g., drinking 2+L water/day, eating the right foods for "you," etc. My nephrologist ordered a 24 hour urine test to analyze my diet and recommended changes, like reducing salt in the diet, etc. But the urologist is the one to explain the treatment options and risks for removing a stone "in" the kidney. What may work for one may not be the right treatment option for another. The key is to have a conversation with the urologist to reach a decision as to the best path to take "for you." I will say that I got a second opinion from my nephrologist (who has a specialty in kidney stones; I see him primarily due to my kidney disease IgAN-glomerulonephritis, in remission for years, thanks to the wonderful care I got from the Mayo Clinic after my renal biopsy and diagnosis, and he also talked with me at length about my diet. He also confirmed it's the urologist to discuss treatment options for the stone, including removal.

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Hi there, @tgregg99 and @Colleen. I am just chiming in a bit here because I am prone to kidney stones. Two pieces of info have helped me. 1. Drink lemon water several times a week. Freshly squeezed lemons and cold water. I add a little non-sugar sweetener. 2. Be careful about osteoporosis meds. During my last ER visit, they contacted my endocrinologist and she took me off the ones I was taking at that time.

May you be safe, free, and protected from inner and outer harm.
Chris

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@artscaping

Hi there, @tgregg99 and @Colleen. I am just chiming in a bit here because I am prone to kidney stones. Two pieces of info have helped me. 1. Drink lemon water several times a week. Freshly squeezed lemons and cold water. I add a little non-sugar sweetener. 2. Be careful about osteoporosis meds. During my last ER visit, they contacted my endocrinologist and she took me off the ones I was taking at that time.

May you be safe, free, and protected from inner and outer harm.
Chris

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Thanks Chris, good tip. I'll talk with my nephrologist about adding more lemon juice. I know he likes real fruit, including citrus, but not juices. CT I do add lemon and lime juice to dishes and eat oranges. I've read how citrus can help with kidney stones. Added sugar is out, so that's a non-issue. But perhaps I can add a non-sugar product. We'll see.

Thanks, Terry

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@tgregg99

Thanks Chris, good tip. I'll talk with my nephrologist about adding more lemon juice. I know he likes real fruit, including citrus, but not juices. CT I do add lemon and lime juice to dishes and eat oranges. I've read how citrus can help with kidney stones. Added sugar is out, so that's a non-issue. But perhaps I can add a non-sugar product. We'll see.

Thanks, Terry

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@tgregg99 I wonder if a product like "Taste of Lemon" is enough? It is crystallized lemon in a foil packet. I add a packet of that or lime or orange to a glass of crushed ice and water each morning. I am stage 5 kidney disease. My dad was prone to kidney stones, as is my sister.

Just a thought...
Ginger

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@gingerw

@tgregg99 I wonder if a product like "Taste of Lemon" is enough? It is crystallized lemon in a foil packet. I add a packet of that or lime or orange to a glass of crushed ice and water each morning. I am stage 5 kidney disease. My dad was prone to kidney stones, as is my sister.

Just a thought...
Ginger

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Thanks Ginger, very helpful, I'll ask my doctor about adding it. Best wishes, Terry.

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