Kidney stones

Hello everyone !

Just a quick update. I posted a few days ago!

I had a (2) week history of what began as a bladder infection. Quite honestly it has been difficult. Struggling with pain and discomfort...

Last night it progressed into horrific and unimaginable pain. Crazy back, pelvic & groin pain.

I went into Emergency. The entire experience was horrific. I ended up spending 5 hours begging for them to help me. I've had back to back surgeries in November and RNY in January. I was able to cope with Plain Tylenol. The CT of my abdomen found a kidney stone that had entered the ureter. After 5 litres of IV Fluids & a whack of Dilaudid & Zofran I finally passed the stone into my bladder.

What I found most interesting is that the Emergency room nurse said this is common for post RNY patients.

I have three children & this was worse then childbirth...

My question is why & what can I do to prevent it from happening again?

RNY classes did not prepare me for this !

Sandra

Mahalo

Sorry you went through that. I don't agree with it being common in RNY patients.

Several people in my local coffee group have also had kidney stones and been told they were more at risk after surgery. I always appreciate your insight so I'm wondering what makes you say this? Thank you.

Fluids, fluids and more fluids. Remember that 64 ounces in the minimum required amount. Many of us drink double that amount. I have to drink at least 120 ounces to stay healthy.

Also make sure you are taking calcium citrate and not calcium carbonate. Check your multi vitamin too. Many of them have calcium carbonate in them. If you are sensitive to that, even a small amount can cause kidney stones.

Did they give you a screen to use when you pee? If you can catch the stone, it can be analyzed to see what it's made of. My husband is prone to stones caused by oxylates, so he avoids high oxylate foods. Stay hydrated and catch the stone for analysis if you can.

Jen

Drink a lot and make sure your calcium is calcium CITRATE.

I'm so sorry. Rest well.

I agree with Jenorama's post. You need the stone to be examined to find out what it is made from, then you'll know how to prevent them. Flush your system with fluids!

Feel better soon!!!

I did not receive great care in the Emergency...

As a nurse you expect everyone to deliver great care.

My while experience was horrific. It started with being triaged to urgent care and asked to sit in a chair. Waiting one hour for the RN to do blood work... I was in considerable distress and begged repeatedly to see the doctor...

I felt like a drug seeking addict. I kept apologizing for my behaviour and even went as far as telling them that I did not take any narcotics post RNY. Trying to explain that something crazy was going on.

They became more empathetic when the kidney stone was confirmed. They didn't care what kind of stone it was, only that I had passed it into my bladder.

Sent me home... WTH????

Being a nurse as well, I find that empathy is nearly gone from the profession. :(

If it's possible, try to somehow catch all your pee. You may feel when the stone is on it's way out. If you can save it, bring it to your primary, or let them know so you can bring it to where you have your labs done and get it analyzed.

Good luck!!