[Fresia]

I had an argument with a new urologist, may sound ridiculous but, that vitamins change the color of urine. Isn't this the case, shouldn't he know this?! I've heard others mention this in their experience; has anyone else had this happen when taking vitamins?

I am so angry because he lectured me on not taking care of myself, that I am not drinking enough and he can tell by the color. Due to the kidney stone, I know from past history and my normal urologist, protocol dictates to increase fluids. I have been drinking 14-20 oz every hour and am floating. The urine should be clear at this point but it is still darker. They tested and there is blood in the urine, which colors it too, and despite this, he still lectured me.

I am tempted to stop the vitamins, despite the GP's orders, for a few days before the next time I go in to see him to quiet him. I just am not feeling real good about the consequences of stopping them or the faith in the doc for how I was treated, which was more than just about color. I can't get in to anyone else; for example, my normal doc is booked until July.

I have not had a problem with these fragments in 10 years since the initial stone was broken up; they have not increased in size but one has finally moved. Shame on me I guess. The other doc said, he can tell over the years, I have been doing all that I am supposed to do with my diet and exercise to keep them in check. I need help because this one is stuck now and infection is setting in, besides the pain is intolerable at this point. I guess I am just so surprised over being lectured for something I can't control at this point; ten years ago, yes, I have made changes to my diet and lifestyle but not to be lectured. I'm just not sure how to handle this and I don't want to go back but I have to.

[lynn P.]

(((Fresia)) - so sorry you're in pain and upset. I heard it's one of the worst pains to have kidney stones. To answer your question, yes vitamins particularly B vitamins can affect the color of the urine. Just stop those vitamins for 2 days before you give a sample and drink a good amount of water before the sample, preferably not in the morning when the urine is typically darker.

If your doc was lecturing you, it really does mean he cares about you, even if he might be a little hard headed. If he didn't care he wouldn't go the extra mile. Here's an excellent website on this problem and I pray your condition gets better soon.

http://www.kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudi...sadults/#cause

[Perna]

Vitamins turn it a "different" color; your heavy color probably means it's infected:

http://www.mayoclinic.com/health/urine-color/DS01026

[Fresia]

Thank you for your feedback and the links.
I didn't take the vitamins and he appreciated being able to see the normal color. He was very friendly this visit today, very personable with humor in fact; perhaps he had had a bad day that day. I had to go to the ER last night, stopped urinating despite all the fluids and the pain was severe. Turns out from the CT scan, it is too low for lithotripsy and too large for passing, and with the hydronephrosis and hydroureter (enlargement due to back up of fluids, 3x the size its supposed to be), I am going for surgery on Friday to remove it. Wish me luck.

[lynn P.]

((((Fresia))) - glad your doctor was nicer today but soooo sorry to hear you have to have surgery on Friday. That's so sudden and I feel bad for you. I pray you'll be feeling much better once you get relived of this problem. How long do you have to stay in the hospital??

[Fresia]

An outpatient procedure, typically and hopefully. Because of the size of the stone and depending on the pieces, I may have to stay overnight to hydrate and flush them out. There are no incisions, so it is actually considered more of a procedure than surgery: a uretroscopy with a laser to break the stone up as it is stuck/ blocking right above where the ureter meets the bladder, turns out is the narrowest part of the ureter; then he is going to remove as many of the pieces as possible with a basket that is attached to the scope, then place stents to in the ureters afterward to prevent inflammation, help with drainage, and the swelling.

http://kidney.niddk.nih.gov/kudiseases/pubs/cystoscopy/

The other nice thing was that he apologized about taking care of myself, as I have no new stones and the kidneys are clear other than this one in my ureter. This is the last fragment from the previous stone 10 years ago which was a relief to hear, in an of itself. Will stay vigilant though as don't want them to come back.

[lynn P.]

I always wondered what causes stones like this Fresia. I know genetics probably play a role but are there lifestyle habits that cause them too? Thanks for explaining the procedure and it doesn't sound as scary now. I hope it all goes well for you.

[Fresia]

Thank you for the well wishes. starting to get nervous.

Genetics vs diet? For me, both.
It started for me when I changed my diet 12 years ago to vegetarian per docs orders for my health to help with another condition; some of significant protein sources were nuts, soy (tofu, cheeses, milks), (and among other things) and for iron- spinach, which were all high in oxalates, to name a few of the things that have them. Within a year and a half of the diet change I developed calcium oxalate stones; no family history, no prior personal history, and it would have shown with previous tests that I had had for other conditions. Genetics plays a role, as later testing confirmed my body does not absorb or need as much calcium as others do but the dietary changes made the big difference. When changed back to the other diet, oxalate free, stone fragments stopped enlarging; for 10 years stayed the same size but just wouldn't pass. Every once in awhile, one works it way down fortunately/unfortunately. So for me it is both genetic makeup and diet. Moderation is the key and variety of diet, many food sources to get all the things needed in one's diet.

[lynn P.]

Thanks ((Fresia)) for explaining more about what makes the stones develop. I know the procedure is tomorrow and wanted to wish you good luck and a speedy recovery. I'll be praying the procedure goes perfectly for you.

[lynn P.]

Just checking on you to see how your surgery/procedure went today ((Fresia)). I hope everything went very well and you'll be feeling better soon.

[Fresia]

The procedure was successful and he said I definitely needed it; no way I would have passed it on my own and he got all the fragments. So I should be clear, very good news. The downside is that things are not meant to go in that opening, it is not expandable and very painful afterward but it should subside. It's difficult to sit at the moment and go to the bathroom. I also have to pull the stent out myself Monday; a bit creepy and not looking forward to it but the nurse suggested taking a pain med a hour or two before doing it. Definitely will.

I recommend anyone dealing with stones, get checked, sometimes they are of size you can pass on your own with fluids but sometimes not. It is important to get checked through imaging (X-ray or CT scan) to find out where it is and it's size, and get appropriate treatment to prevent possible blockages and infection. Not worth with risk or the pain, do not have to go it alone.

[lynn P.]

Thanks for the update ((Fresia))..so happy all went well. Sorry you're in pain.

[splitimage]

Glad that the treatment was successful, but I'm sorry that you're in pain. Good luck on Mon., that's something I wouldn't want to have to do.

Thanks for updating us.

splitimage

[Perna]

I'm glad you are mending; hope you got the stent out with minimum pain, etc. I've never had stones, my husband did once and it did not look at all fun!

[Fresia]

I took the pain med beforehand and the stent was easy to remove; there was only a brief bit of pain and some discomfort afterward. It has all but subsided now thankfully. Still tired though as the infection and fever have not passed yet; new round of antibiotics started yesterday. I did not have to take any pain medicine, which is a good sign, but I woke with a splitting headache today. I wonder if it is due to cutting it out so fast and nauseated too, but not like a migraine; it's weird. Hopefully will be on the mend soon with all the stuff out of me now. Looking forward to to it.

Thank you everyone for your well wishes and support. Means a bunch! Hope this finds you well in the meantime. Thanks again!