Kidney stones....Hi everyone have not been here for a while, whole story book of tales to tell but the one I need help with is...

[honeybee13]

I was diagnosed last August with RA and have been taking Methatraxate, Hydroxychloroquine, Prednisolone .I have never suffered with kidney stones before but have had to take two weeks off work because of pain and feeling absolutely awful. I was wondering if its to do with having to take calcium tablets , Aleoldronic acid, eat cheese, yoghurt etc because steroids have excelerated oesto. Could it be that my body (small frame) cannot cope with the amount of calcium I am taking therefore produced stones? I would prefer to have a baby than go thru that again!!!! Has anybody out there had the same?

[helixhelix]

You poor thing! I've never had them but my sister has and says they are excruciatingly painful. She reckons I'm better off with RA! Can't really answer your question, as I have no idea whether the amount of extra calcium you're taking has sparked them off, but have you asked your GP? I can imagine that you don't want to go through that again, but osteoporosis is no joke either so you can't risk not having the extra calcium for that. Maybe there's some way the GP can check your levels so you take what you need but not more than that?

[honeybee13 in reply to helixhelix]

Thank you Helix, I shall ask the question as I really would not want them again!!! I am seeing the nurse this very week

[lilianisaac]

Dear honeybee, I've had RA for many years now and last year I had a kidney stone for the first time. Although I had previously had pain in my back, I think my NSAIDS and pain killers possibly masked it. Consequently it wasn't until the stone was travelling from my bladder into the urethra that the pain started to become unbearable and I had to be hospitalised for 36 hours until I passed it as I needed pain control. I don't know the answer to your question but I believe the stone may have been caused by my medication of which I take a cocktail. I don't take calcium supplement but perhaps I should as I am now 54 and also quite small framed. I did have the stone analysed and it was made up of mainly calcium. I was given dietary advice (eat lots of veg and drink a lot of water- the usual thing) but I actually eat quite well except probably drinking too much tea but not much water. Like you I dread getting another one as I have never experienced pain quite like it! I would be grateful if you're given any information or advice that you could let me know. Sorry I've not been any help to you but I certainly can empathize with the pain you are going through. Hope you feel better soon - Pat

[honeybee13 in reply to lilianisaac]

HI Pat, thank you for your reply. I too have been told lots of fresh veg, fruit, lots of water etc of which is my way of living! Pain well OMG never again. I am seeing my consultant in April and shall discuss and will certainly let you know of any relevance.) Am now much better

[Tinwoman2]

Hi Honeybee, I have had kidney stones 3 (or 4) times in about 20 years. I take calcium supplements-the calcium citrate kind and also take Vitamin D. My Dr also put me on Potassium Citrate because I wasn't processing calcium correctly. I am on the same meds as you are and I also have a very small frame, have osteoporosis, & I'm super skinny. I drink a lot of water because of Sjogrens and I started a walking program & eating better and I feel pretty good-for the most part.

Unfortunately, my left foot has gone bad, very recently-(2 weeks ago), and that has cut into my walking schedule so I don't know if I can keep the stones at bay, but I hope so though.

Good luck to you, and I hope you are feeling better now.

Christine

[honeybee13 in reply to Tinwoman2]

Hello Tinwoman, thank you for replying. Have taken on board all you have said especially the potassium citrate. Sorry to hear your foot is not so good and I am feeling much better now the stone has past!