I found out today that I have kidney stones on both sides. Why does this keep happening??? In my KUB before this one, the Radiologist saw a 9 mm stone in the left kidney and a 3 mm stone in the left ureter. Now, there's no evidence of the small stone in the ureter, but multiple stones on both sides. I'll have to have 2 Lithotripsy's; one on each side. Or, I can just wait til I end up in agony at the ER. What a choice. Also, I asked the Urologist if calcium supplements cause kidney stones and he said no. Some Drs. say yes and others no. My Internist told me to take calcium/Vit. D supplements b/c I have Osteopenia. I just can't win. :confused:

Wow, I am so sorry! When did you get the KUB? I am just curious how quick the stones can appear. I am so worried about this becoming a recurrent thing for me.

I had the most recent KUB a week ago and the other one 2 or 3 weeks ago. I don't know what to do. I've had stones for most of my life and I remember years ago when I had an xray and there were multiple stones then too. This is like a nightmare!!!!! Ricky's mom: I hope the same thing doesn't happen to you!!!!!!!!!

For anyone else who has stones on both sides: what have you done? I know I'll have to have xrays really often from now on. :-(

Sending cyber hugs your way...

Thanks Rickysmom: I'm sending the same to you!!!!:)

Sunshine, I don't know if you have read any of my posts, but I have just come through a major bout with kidney stones. My urologist said - get off the calcium supplements now! After much research, I really believe that he is correct. There is much research that calcium in your diet is good for the prevention of stones, BUT that is not true with the supplements. One also needs to remember that if you are taking the recommended dose on the calcium bottle, plus getting calciuim in your diet, then you are getting too much. You should also take calcium citrate if you choose to take it, not magnate. Osteoporosis/osteopenia has become a huge money maker, in my opinion. I do not take my diagnosis lightly, but I do rail against not getting the right information and being led to think that taking supplements was a very good and posed no threat. I found out the hard way how wrong that is!

I, too, have multiple stones. I had lithotripsy for the largest in April. The urologist feels that the smaller ones will pass on their own. However, no stone starts out large, so I did some research on my own and found that lemon juice, which I add to water all day long, helps to keep the stones from growing larger and may even prevent new ones. I know there are other good people on this board who will give you diet guidelines as they know them so much better than I do.

I totally understand your frustration - I felt exactly the same way, and I know how upset you are. Get these stones taken care of. The lithotripsy is not that bad and you CAN do it. Then, do some research and find out what is best for you. Osteopenia is NOT a disease and does NOT mean you will end up with osteoporosis. The best you can do for that is to do weight training exercises, eat a good diet, and live your life not in the fear that every commercial and doctor would like you to believe. You can read what lots of women are saying on the osteoporosis board on this site.

I send you good thoughts and should you like to talk more, please post again. In the meantime, try not to worry. This will get behind you and then you can get on with your life and doing what is right for you.

glowing4

Hi glowing4: Thanks for your post. I just read your posts from before and after your Lithotripsy. I'm glad you're doing well now. I've been drinking a low sugar lemonade for a couple of months, but I guess it isn't working for me. When I use it up, I'll try just plain lemon juice in water like you do. A frined of mine drinks Crystal Lite. My Urologist has no bedside manner either, but he's supposed to be a great Dr. I also decided to have the Lithotripsy on the side with the whopper stone. I know I'll get through it. At least your Dr. will admit that taking calcium supplements can cause kidney stones. Most articles I've read online say the same thing. Do you take magnesium supplements? I have some of those here that I should take. For several years now, I've been taking B6 supplements, but I see they haven't prevented stones either. Oh, well, I'm going to try to relax and think positively. Thank you again for your post. I really appreciate it!!!!!!:)

Hi Allie: Thanks for responding to my post. I'm sorry you and your son get kidney stones too. I had my first attack at age 20, but I probably had them before that too. When I first got them, it was in the stone age when only major surgery was performed to remove them. I have a couple of huge scars on my lower back. I'm glad that the Lithotripsy was invented. I do take meds. that list kidney stones as a possible side effect. I know that I don't drink enough water, and I plan on changing that. I hope neither you or your son will have any large stones again!!

Hi allie: I'm so sorry you're having your kidney removed. I haven't read many posts on this board lately, so I'll be sure and spend time reading them. I also have several health problems. My stones are calcium oxalate. My heart goes out to you.

Sunshine -

Have they done metabolic tests on you. Ask you doctor for a prescription to have a 24 hour urine with update from Litholink. They are company out in Chicago (?) that specializes in stone analysis and causes of stones. I just did mine a few weeks ago. Waiting for results. I believe Allie has done it as well.

I take Theralith XR which is a "blend" of potassium and magnesium to reduce stone formation. I still suffer from stones but I have gone from 12 at a time to 2 or 3.

Good luck.

A fellow stoner - (No Allie I was not insulted to be called a stoner - I thought it was funny)

2+1 not 3

Hi: Thanks for the info. I did have a bunch of bloodwork done and all they came up with was "idiopathic stone formation". I do have the Theralith and am NOT going to take calcium supplements again. I just can't believe that in a few weeks, I've formed more stones!!!! Happy 4th of July everyone.

Litholink is a urine test not blood. Give it a try, you have nothing to lose - except some stones :-)

Hi allie: Thanks for asking. I'm doing OK. How are you feeling? I'll ask my Dr. about the Litholink. Hugs, Sue

I'm sorry allie. I'm sending you a big hug. {{{{{{allie}}}}}}. Love, Sue

Just be careful you don't squish her with those hugs ---- she's a tiny thing. She is the thin twin and I am well.....the not so thin......twin.

Hey Sue! Sorry to hear that you have stones!! They stink. I also haev stones in both kidneys. The urologist is talking about taking them out in Spetember. I wish he would do it sooner. I don't know how many there are, but the CT scans say there are multiple in both. I hope that you start feeling better soon!!!
Daisy

OK, I'll be careful. lol.

Hi Daisy: I'm sorry you have multiple stones too. Have you been getting stones since you were a teenager or younger? It really sucks, doesn't it? I guess you'll be having a Lithotripsy too? One thing that concerns me about the Lithotripsy is that it can cause high blood pressure and diabetes, 2 things I've been fighting to control as it is b/c my mother had both. It's so frustrating. Good luck to you too. Love, Sue

Sue,
I have been told that I can't have the lithotripsy (though maybe with another opinion when I go to the Mayo Clinic at the end of the month, I may). The urologist said that he will go through my back to get them out. I am only 20, and have had stones only since May of this year, so only a couple of months. They did a ureteroscopy in May to get 3 of them, but I am stuck with a handful. I am already Diabetic, so I guess I won't have to worry about getting that. I didn't realize that litho could give you those. Wierd. I hope that you can keep away from both of those. I am having to find ways to lower my blood pressure as well. I think with all of the stress my body has been under these past couple of years with multiple health problems has caused it to go up. It isn't really high yet, but slowly getting there.
Hope you feel better soon, and can get those stones taken care of!!
Daisy

Hi bananarama: Thanks for writing. I'm sorry you're dealing with stones too.

Why does the Dr. say you can't have a Lithotripsy? I was about your age when I first had a kidney stone attack. A friend and I had driven to orange county in Ca. to see a concert and we had to leave before it even started. My BP numbers are creeping up there too and I'm trying to exercise a lot to keep my blood sugar levels down. Do you have to give yourself insulin injections? My husband is diabetic, but so far has it under control with oral medications. I wish you well. Let me know what you find out at The Mayo Clinic. Hugs, Sue

I feel fine today, thanks. Are you doing OK?

You're welcome. I have time now to sit down and read the posts.

Hey Sue. Sorry I haven't been on for a little while. Computer was on the fritz due to a storm. Could get on for like 5 minutes, and then I was kicked off, but my dad fixed it today. I am on oral medications right now, so I am good to go with that, luckily. Once it gets to injections, I am done with it. I can't barely stick myself for testing my sugar, much less give myself a shot. Eek. I don't exactly know teh reason that I can't get the lithotripsy. I didn't really ask. I have been thinking lately about calling the urologist and asking them to go ahead and remove the stones now, because I am tired of being in pain, and if it is them, after the surgery, teh pain will go away, but if not, then we can find the reason for it, and I won't have to worry about passing stones later on.
I'm glad that you are feeling better today. Hopefully it stays that way! Have a good night!!
Daisy

Hi Daisy:

My Urologist was reluctant to do anything about my stones right away, but I called his office and left a message with his nurse that I wanted to have the Lithotripsy done as soon as possible. You shouldn't have to suffer any longer than necessary!!!! If I were you, I'd call your Dr. and talk to him about it on the phone or in person if necessary. Let me know what happens. Hugs, Sue

Thanks Sue! I called today, but couldn't talk to him, but he is calling me tomorrow. I will call in the morning just to make sure. I posted on my thread (kidney stone update), about the decision of having the surgery soon. I don't know whether he will even think about it and give me an option to do it sooner, but I hope so.
Did your doctor give you a date for the Litho? Or did you already have it done? Sorry, I can't remember. How are you feeling today? Hopefully good. I am in a lot of pain, but I will be fine, I'm sure.
Have a good night!!
Daisy

Hi Daisy: I'm glad you called your Drs. office. Keep on them if you don't get a call back right away. Yes, my Litho is scheduled for July 25th. I don't have any pain from my stones, but I have vulvar burning from Vulvodynia. If it isn't one thing, it's something else with me. I'm so sorry you're in pain and hope you can get it taken very soon. Hugs, Sue

Hi allie: The best relief I get from the burning is to sit on an icepack. If only I could attach an icepack to my crotch. lol. How's it going for you today?

Sorry that you are having so much discomfort!! I totally understand as well if its not one thing its anotehr! the doctor thinks I am crazy, becasue one time I'll go in and complain about my back and sides, and the next time I'll complain about my head, and so on. Hope that the Litho works for you!! Have a good night!!
Daisy

Hi Daisy: I'm glad you called your Drs. office. Keep on them if you don't get a call back right away. Yes, my Litho is scheduled for July 25th. I don't have any pain from my stones, but I have vulvar burning from Vulvodynia. If it isn't one thing, it's something else with me. I'm so sorry you're in pain and hope you can get it taken very soon. Hugs, Sue

How terrible for you! Why are you taking that?

ACtually you may be able to. They do sell cool pants for triathlethes which is exactly that. I am not sure where to get them though.