RE: from Marilyn Morin

[Guest guest]

Hi, Sheila and any others who remember me. It's been 3 years since my MGB. 1

1/2 years since my kidney stone episode. Just having the stones wasn't too bad

an issue. Unfortunately, the surgeon who was to shatter them using sound waves

turned the machine up too high and blew a whole in my kidney causing a huge

blood clot around the kidney. Let me tell you, that makes a person really sick

for months. I changed urologists, cleared stones out of my other kidney and

have had no problems since then. Two or three times a year, I have a 24 hour

urine test. No change in diet or medications in those 24 hours, just bottle up

all urine in a 24 hour hour period and rush it to the med center for testing.

In those tests, my calcium level and citrate level are way, way too low. My

oxalate level is way too high. Not sure I am spelling all that right. Anyway,

I have now added Citracal, 2 pills 2 or 3 times a day. I pop Tums whenever I

think of it. I make sure I eat more yogurt and drink at least one glass of milk

per day. I added orange juice and fruit to my diet. Just did the test last

Sunday. I'll go to the med center for a KUB (kidney, ureter and bladder) Xray

and see the doc on Tuesday. So far, no more stones have formed, but I can't get

my test results to improve much. Maybe this time will be better.

Other than that tiny problem, life is good. I can eat almost anything now. For

the first 2 years, I couldn't eat eggs. Weird. I have to watch what I eat

because although I cannot eat big quantities, I have grazing down to a science.

I still love chocolate, crackers, popcorn. I've eased back into size 14 pants

and I don't like it at all. I need to get back intomore cardio exercize. I do

weight training 3 times a week, but that won't burn up this belly fat that Ihave

sprouted.

In July, I'll be riding back down the Blue Ridge Parkway, heading for South

Carolina for a Goldwing Rally. This time, it won't be solo. My wonderful

husband will be riding on the back. Life is really good. Marilyn Morin

Colchester, Vermont

______________________________________________________________Hi Marilyn,It's

nice to see an " old timer " still posting once in a while. Of course, by old

timer I am referring to your MGB experience only, lol. There may not be too many

on this pre op list who still remember you. Most of the people who had their

surgery way back then have all but disappeared for the emails. I was here back

before you had your surgery and followed your progress as you prepared, traveled

down to No. Carolina and back to Vermont with your support person, your solo

motorcycle trip, your wedding, Kidney stone issues, etc. I was a faithful reader

of your blog back when you were posting it to the hospital website. It took me

several years before I could get the surgery, but finally did it in Sept. 2007

and I've done great.I was especially interested in your issues with the kidney

stones, because I have two that are non symptomatic. I had them pre op and have

an ultra sound every four months or so, but my PCP doesn't think we need to do

anything right now other than watch for changes. I only have one kidney so I'm a

little protective of it. I've followed you advice regarding calcium

supplementation. I take it religiously hoping to prevent any more stones. Have

you had any more recurrences? I hope all is well with you.SheilaDr.

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