Biking and kidney stones

[colorisnt]

Oye. So, today I had surgery to remove kidney stones that we noticed on Monday when I woke up in the most incredible pain imaginable. I am no stranger to pain, as I also have migraines and endometriosis, but I do have trouble dealing with the stones. My family has a history of UT problems and my mom had stones when I was a kid, so I know I am predisposed to it. As a kid I had various UTI's and my urologist believes I am just prone to such things.

I do drink a TON of water, but because of my steroids which I am on for asthma and my migraine medication, it seems to not always matter! I never want to do this again, so I want to be as careful as possible.

Do any of you ladies have UT/kidney stone issues? How do you cope with them and prep/ride/recover? Is drinking a lot of water enough or are there other things to consider. I had someone tell me to drink stuff with citric acid, but I am allergic. I know, I'm a blast. But seriously, I love biking a lot and being off for a week and a half has KILLED me. I just want to get back on the bike as soon as my doctor clears me. I have a stent in now, but pretty soon I will be good as new he says!

[bmccasland]

Hope you feel better soon. I've heard cranberry juice helps.

Take it easy and let your body heal.

[buffybike]

I was diagnosed yesterday with a kidney stone. Five days ago (my last ride) I was so tired and my heart rate was racing up so high that I had to cut my ride in half. I knew then that something was wrong. I chalked it up to dehydration but then the back pain started. I've got an appointment with a specialist today and I plan to ask lots of questions, including when I can get back on my bike. Honestly, I'm too scared to ride right now. We're experiencing temps in the high 90s...by 10 a.m. it's already 85 with 100% humidity. My worst fear is that I'd be out in the country, alone, and my kidney stone would decide it wants "out"! I'll re-post after I speak with the specialist today. Hopefully this thing will resolve itself soon and I can get back on my bike. Seeing other cyclists on the road has me burning up with jealousy!!

[KnottedYet]

I had a kidney stone, it passed on its own. (HUGE relief!) However... I didn't want to reach in and retrieve it (long story) so I don't know what it was made of.

My doc said there are two different materials they can be made of, and the dietary restrictions are radically different for the two. Since I didn't grab mine, she couldn't tell me what foods to avoid and what to eat more of.

Be sure to ask for the lab report on your stones!

[colorisnt]

Thanks for the replies. Yeah, I am definitely going to get the report back on my stones from the urologist when I go Tuesday. I already feel tons better, but with temps in the 90's through the weekend, I am almost glad I am on bedrest. I would be too tempted to do something stupid.

I know cranberry juice is great for UTI's and uric acid stones, but not calcium stones, so I will be sure to get that information. I am easily drinking 1/2 a gallon of water and two bottles of G2 a day, so that is good. I was told minimum 6-8 glasses of water today and I have done that already this afternoon.

I also have to strain my urine (ick!) to catch anything that was left. I am sooooo sick of doing it though. They should better be able to tell me what is going on when I go back for my follow up. Now, though, even with the stent in I am 10x's more comfortable.

[Owlie]

Do you drink tea? Apparently the tannic acids have a tendency to bind calcium and form precipitates. (So, black tea with milk or taking calcium supplements with tea is not a good idea...) Depends, of course, on what your stone is...