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Kidney stones, high calcium, and uric acid

Over the past ten years or so, I have suffered from more kidney stones than I can count. Fortunately, most were able to pass on their own, though they were unpleasant. A 6.5 mm stone put me in the hospital two years ago. Though I passed it naturally while in the hospital, it's an experience I never want to re-live. Last year, I had a 9mm stone broken up by lithotripsy.

My urologist has been making me do 24 hour urine collections every six months. On my last one, he said my urine calcium and uric acid levels were both through the roof and my oxalate levels were high as well. My blood work also showed uric acid levels very high. The urologist said he has no idea how I do not have gout.

I avoid all the foods that are recommended to be avoided to reduce risk of stone production, yet my numbers remain high. The urologist said he thinks this is related to my Crohn's, but I was wondering if anyone else has had a similar experience. He's considering putting me on medications to reduce the calcium and uric acid, which I really don't want to do unless I absolutely have to.
 
Surprised you don't have a response to this yet. Have you had bowel surgeries at all? Do you know what type of stones you form? There are 3 basic types, oxalate stones are the most common.
I am unfortunately acutely aware of your situation. Crohn's can for some reason cause your body to absorb more oxalate. I have had multiple surgeries and no longer absorb water that well at all. I form stones at a ridiculous rate. Had open surgery two years ago to remove a 2 cm stone from one kidney and have had a lithotrypsy the following year with another one to come. This doesn't count the large number of stones that I have already passed. I have changed my diet, tried the lemon juice and tums and it honestly doesn't seem to make a difference for me one way or the other. I am resigned to the fact that I will have this as a regular function of my life going forward. I just don't absorb enough water regardless of what I do to prevent the stones from forming.
 
I don't know if this will help you but it's a thought that I had - my dad had many kidney stones. His doctor had him do the 24 hour collections and eventually diagnosed him with a parathyroid issue based on the calcium levels. He had surgery on the parathyroid 10 years ago and hasn't had any stones since. As for the Crohn's aspect - my dad doesn't have CD but my brother and I both have CD. Good luck!
 
Surprised you don't have a response to this yet. Have you had bowel surgeries at all? Do you know what type of stones you form? There are 3 basic types, oxalate stones are the most common.
I am unfortunately acutely aware of your situation. Crohn's can for some reason cause your body to absorb more oxalate. I have had multiple surgeries and no longer absorb water that well at all. I form stones at a ridiculous rate. Had open surgery two years ago to remove a 2 cm stone from one kidney and have had a lithotrypsy the following year with another one to come. This doesn't count the large number of stones that I have already passed. I have changed my diet, tried the lemon juice and tums and it honestly doesn't seem to make a difference for me one way or the other. I am resigned to the fact that I will have this as a regular function of my life going forward. I just don't absorb enough water regardless of what I do to prevent the stones from forming.
I've had two kinds of stones - calcium oxalate and uric acid. Luckily I've been able to avoid surgery for Crohn's so far. Hope it continues.

When I had my routine appointment with my GI, she said it's likely related to malabsorption, which makes sense as most of my Crohn's is in the small intestine. My Vitamin D levels were also low, even with taking supplements.
 

Lisa

Adminstrator
Staff member
Location
New York, USA
I have a history of stones too, related to malabsorption. My issues usually pop up when I have a flare. I do see a urologist 1x/year for a checkup and so far so good the last few years.
 
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