pharmacy just called

My primary had called me with some test results that showed the citric acid level in my urine was low so he wanted me to go back on the medication to bring it up so as to discourage the formation of kidney stones. I had stopped the medication just prior to surgery because I was taking 5 horse caplets each day and they don't dissolve. The medicine leaches out and the base passes through the digestive tract. I was very afraid of these things getting stuck in my pouch. I called my surgeon's office yesterday and spoke with the nurse (new nurse, she has had GBP also, very nice) anyway, she told me to call my pharmacist and see if the med could be cut in half since anything larger than a regular M&M has the potential to get stuck. The pharmacy staff (at Kroger) researched to find another medication that would provide the same desired results in the body but is available in a liquid form. They called my primary this morning to get his authorization to change the prescription and called to let me know it has all been taken care of and when I can pick up my meds. I think this is so-o-o-o awesome! Let this be a lesson for us to take advantage of the knowledge of ALL healthcare providers we deal with and make them a part of our team. I would have never thought of asking my pharmacist for help in this situation. I cannot thank them enough!

That is a wonderful tip, sometimes I think we forget that all our healthcare providers should work as a team instead of seeing someone for this and someone else for that. Thanks for sharing such helpful info! Toni

Susan, here's another tip from one who has had 12 stones, and one sitting in the left kidney now for about 3 years. Lemonade also keeps kidney stones from forming. Especially in warmer weather. Take a gallon jug, 3 cups of splenda and 1 1/2 cups of lemon juice with a gallon of water. Tastes great and keeps the stones from forming. I agree with Toni. I have to see so many specialists because of my leukemia, and they aren't keeping my pcp kept up-to-date on what they are doing. He does get angry when they change my treatments with medication from what he put me on or took me off of. Love Kathy

On the advise of my urologist I had been drinking strong lemonade every day since I stopped taking the Urocit K. It didn't do the trick for me. I take one medication that puts me at higher risk for stones and don't see myself coming off of that one any time soon. Most of the stones I've had I've been able to pass without help. I've had to go to the ER twice. The first time I just knew it was my appendix and turned out to be a small stone and a LOT of gravel. My Primary was shocked when I took in the stuff I had collected in the strainer in just one day. The second ER trip was for what turned out to be a 6mm stone that they did internal lithotripsy on. Stents are the DEVIL!!!!!!!!!!!! I ask every doctor I see to copy my PCP on everything. He's the one who has been treating me the longest and is familiar with my overall health history. He definitely has to be part of the loop. None of them have ever had a problem with this request.