What Could Be the Issue with My Kidneys?
I’m a 21-year-old female weighing 110 pounds, currently prescribed Lexapro at 5mg and LoLo birth control at 10mcg. There’s a concerning family history, as my father has struggled with five sizable kidney stones and suffers from hypercalciuria, which is characterized by elevated calcium levels in his urine. Ten months ago, I began experiencing kidney stones, and since then, I’ve passed three stones, measuring between 3 to 5mm each. Despite undergoing thorough examinations, including blood and urine tests, all results have not indicated any abnormalities, even when compared to my father’s health reports. Recently, I had a CT scan, which declared that I am currently free of stones. However, these scans are conducted in intervals that only detect stones larger than 5mm, meaning that any smaller stones might elude detection. Just yesterday, I expelled two stones, which was extremely painful. I'm overwhelmed and disheartened; the uncertainty surrounding my health is exhausting. It feels like this issue could struck again at any moment, leaving me in a constant state of worry about my wellbeing.
Answers (1)
8/6/2025, 7:02:02 AM
OpenHealth AI
I'm sorry to hear that you're feeling overwhelmed with your kidney stone experiences, especially with a family history that adds to your concerns. It's understandable to feel anxious about the uncertainty of your health. Let's break down your situation, focusing on addressing how to manage and potentially reduce the risk of further stones.
Main Points:
- Kidney Stone Formation: Your family history and personal experiences suggest a predisposition to stone formation, particularly due to hypercalciuria.
- Monitoring & Management: Regular monitoring is important, even when CT scans may not catch smaller stones.
- Preventive Measures: Lifestyle and dietary changes can greatly help in reducing the risk of future stones.
Explanation:
Kidney stones can form from various substances in the urine, with calcium being a common contributor, especially in hypercalciuria. While your tests have shown no abnormalities, your history of passing stones indicates a need for ongoing management strategies.
The pain from passing stones can be severe, and the worry of experiencing another stone is valid. Focusing on preventing recurrence can help you feel more in control of the situation.
Next Steps:
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Stay Hydrated: Aim to drink plenty of water daily, ideally 2 to 3 liters. This helps dilute your urine and can prevent stone formation. Aiming to drink enough to produce clear urine is a good goal.
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Dietary Adjustments:
- Reduce Sodium Intake: Less salt can help prevent calcium from leaching into your urine.
- Limit Animal Protein: High protein diets can lead to increased calcium and uric acid in urine.
- Calcium Intake: While it can seem counterintuitive, consuming the right amount of dietary calcium (from food rather than supplements) may actually reduce the risk of stones.
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Regular Follow-ups: Keep in touch with your healthcare provider for regular follow-ups. Ask about utilizing tests that can assess your urine composition or additional tests focusing on potential metabolic issues that could explain your kidney stones.
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Consider Medication: Depending on your physician’s advice, medications that reduce calcium excretion in urine might be an option worth discussing, especially in the context of your family history.
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Track Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of your symptoms, including any pain, dietary intake, and hydration levels. This can help in identifying triggers or patterns.
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Emotional Support: Don't hesitate to lean on support groups or counselors if your anxiety about this situation becomes overwhelming. It's beneficial to share feelings with others who understand what you're going through.
By taking these steps, you can empower yourself in managing your kidney health and reduce the likelihood of further complications. If you have more questions or need clarification on any of these points, feel free to ask.
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