Kidney stones, gout, and uric acid

I had my surgery 7 months ago. Since then, I have passed 4 kidney stones (1 large, 1 medium, and 2 small), and I have had 3 bouts of gout in my feet. Previous to my surgery I had never had gout, and I averaged about 1 kidney stone a year over the last 15 years. After my last problem with gout (this last weekend) I decided to do some research online to see if there was anything I should add or subtract from my diet help control the gout. In my reading I found that gout can be a concern for people with increased levels of uric acid (among other things). I also read that rapid weightloss can cause this condition. From my experience with kidney stones, I was already aware of the relationship of uric acid to the stones. I am going to my PCP tomorrow to discuss it, but I was curious if any one else had experienced these types of issues and what was done about it. Thanks

Jim, Heard of people getting Kidney Stones. Asked my Doc and he said not enough water intake. Are you getting in all of yours? I am curious, Would you ask your doc how long it takes to "grow" A kidney stone? I saw a woman out on the Boards that thought they could Be free of them and any history of them And as a result of the surgery, have multiple ones in under the first week. I know that a Kidney stone can "present" quickly, But I had always heard that they grow first and then can "break off" And suddenly appear. Her message was the first I'd heard of "growing one" from scratch In 3 days! Hope they get your issue cleared up at once! Best Wishes- Dx

My doctor is sending me in for a bunch of blood test (of course), to see if indeed I have an elevated level of uric acid. In our discussion, the doctor did confirm that the raised uric acid level would explain the gout and thought that it could be related to the kidney stones. We also discussed medications that help lower my uric acid levels. Since I had a history of stones before my surgery, I always tried to get in plenty of fluid intake to minimize the number of episodes (which used to be about one a year). With passing 3 or 4 in the last few months I am not sure how much water I would have drink. I do not think that a new stone (of any consequence) can grow in just a few days. It is more likely that a large stone has formed in one or both kidneys and is coming out in pieces. I am guessing that the stones I am passing now most likely started forming last summer when I had my surgery which is when I had my most dramatic weight loss and did have a problem getting in all of my fluids. I also had my first case of gout a week after my surgery. Thanks for the well wishes, Jim

Hi Jim, Congratulations on being 7 months out of surgery. In August, I will be 7 years out. I am sorry that you have been having a rough go with the Kidneys. My husband has not had surgery, but has problems with his kidneys and is experiencing a gout attack this week. You may already know these things but I will give you the information that we know. My husband has always been a picture of health. Never over-weight, physically fit, yada yada yada. Well, because he seemed so healthy, he didn't go for check ups. He had high blood-pressure that we didn't know about. Unfortunately, by the time he was diagnosed, it had already affected his kidneys. After a while, the kidneys cannot filter the uric acid and it builds and forms the crystals which cause the gout. He has not had any problems with stones. He cannot take pain meds for the gout because they are toxic to his kidneys. He does have a prescription for Colchicine which he takes when the gout gets real bad. I think this is to help break the crystals down. He has recently begun taking sour cherry concentrate and thinks it has helped some. It is important to take it everyday, though as it needs to build up. Check it out. One of the biggest things that he cannot have much of is protein. If you are eating like we need to during the first yr. after surgery, you know how important of a role protein is in our diet. You have probably been eating a lot of it. Perhaps this has something to do with the added frequency of your gout condition. The more protein you eat if you have renal insufficiency, the worse you will experience gout. Perhaps you should consult a kidney specialist. It is quite a serious thing. My husband's kidneys were only functioning at 25% by the time he even knew anything was wrong. I hope all will be well with you and you will have great success with your weightloss. I certainly don't want to worry you needlessly, but would feel bad if I didn't share my husband's story with you after reading your post. I have been down to goal for 5.5 years and am holding steady. I feel really good and only wish I had had this surgery years before. My prayers are with you. Together in the Journey, Shar

Thank you for your reply. I have never had a problem with blood pressure, and I did have a bunch of test done (including a 24 hour urine sample) when I first started getting stones. Nothing was found, but it has been over 10 years since this was done. I am going for my blood and urine test on Tuesday, I will ask to make sure that they are going to check my kidney function as well. I also read that increased protein intake can contribute to the uric acid problem. I "assumed" that we have to eat extra protein to counter our mal-absorptive issues and we are not actually digesting an increased amount. My PCP mentioned taking allopurinol to lower my uric acid levels, if needed. Are you familiar with this or do you know if it is safe to take after WLS? Thanks, Jim