Kidney Stones

[carlso]

I agree with it all. I will let you know what I learn next Wednesday. I have read a great deal about struvite stones and their treatment. Right away, in reading your first posts, it was apparent they had not been controlling the infections. Struvite stones need infected urine to develop and grow. I was surprised initially they had not monitored your urine for urease splitting bacteria to control the development of stones. (I do have the handbook). Sometimes it is difficult to believe specialists can miss steps or diagnoses that seem apparent after even a little research. You sound as though you are in much better hands now. Joining this forum has been so enlightening but also discouraging to see so many people go through so much pain, treatment and really hardship over a condition which most people don't even need to consider. Take care.

[lioness]

Thank you. You too.

I have also read a lot about struvite stones. Realizing that urease splitting bacteria causes the struvite stone material which causes the staghorn calculi that could clog up your entire kidney. Lowering my urine PH was never brought up. I have had E Colil, Proteus (urease splitting bacteria) and now I keep getting Enteroccous (gram positive). My concern has been that these infectious stones grow fast and with infected urine going over them doesnt help just makes it worse.

I just bought the handbook last week. Lots of references. I first bought the "No More Kidney Stones" book written by a stone specialist. Even though it wasnt written by a urologist it opened my eyes certainly more than my doctors have.

Honestly I wish these two years were a dream but its really more like a nightmare, but I need to face reality and accept the condition I have.

I hope your appointment goes well. Think about your vacation coming up. When I was in Africa on safari two years ago I didnt think about my kidney stones or was I in pain because I was seeing & taking pictures of lions, elephants, buffalo, hippos, and getting pampered to death. and I wasnt thinking about the frustration with my urologists, then I had flank pain when I got back and knew I had to deal with urology and schedule my second treatment.

I am also glad i found this forum. If there was a local support group for kidney stone sufferers I would attend. It helps to talk to someone else who has been through almost the same medical condition you have.

[lioness]

How did your appt go? Were you able to go on your trip?

I just got back from Jamaica a week ago. . .

Saw my new uro on 9/9 (finally someone who talks to me & agrees w/me) URS w/lasertripsy is set for 10/24. You opened my eyes on females being patients in a predominantly male medical field. My former uro probably didnt have very many female stone patients & didnt want to hear someone complain about pain. .

I dont have retention anymore. He still doesnt think the stones are the cause of the infection. might be able to twist his arm on that :). At least he is willing to treat them and not wait b/c they arent blocking or causing problems. .

Hope things are going well for you. .

Look forward to hearing from you. .

[carlso]

We did go on our trip. My problem may be more serious than stones or cysts. Am having intestinal biopsies, lower and upper. The problem may be kidney involvement with a different origin. We will see. It has been a long road and we may finally have some answers. I have read your posts and think you have been very helpful to many. I hope you have resolution to your issues also. Take good care.

[lioness]

You too. I'm glad your doctors are finally finding out what is wrong.

Good luck to you!

[artemis102006]

Wow, I thought I was the only one who felt that way. Been to 4 urologist, they all say "hmmm.... interesting... that can't be possible" I should go to an internist next. Thanks for the post, I feel a bit less crazy : )

[haylee_beutler]

I would go to a different urologist and have them to a KUB or another CT scan. I have a 1" stone and it barely showed up on my first KUB. It is the cause of my flank and horrible back pain even though it has not moved at all. I agree with a previous post who said to go to a urologist who does the surgeries and the tests himself. Talk with him thoroughly about your history so he will get a feel for what is going on. --Haylee--

[dazza]

i had exactly the same as you ,it turned out to be a water infection which apparently happens with
the passing of stone.the pain was just as bad a course of antibiotics cured it within a week
i hope this might have helped
good health in the future dazza