Community Forum

Have a question, or want to share your own tips and experiences? Join the discussion in the community forum. You must be registered to participate. Our forums are moderated by Crohn's & Colitis Foundation staff to facilitate a safe environment.

Crohns, Short Bowel & Chronic Kidney Stones

Sun, June 28, 2009 12:00 AM

Hello to all,

I've had short bowel syndrome for 30 plus years. I was born with a Meckels Diverticulum that was not found and it blocked off my bowel. Luckily, I had 2 surgeries in one week and even though I was septic, I survived. I spent 11 days in ICU and another month in a regular room trying to recoup. I was diagnosed with Crohn's Disease about 3 years ago and in the last year and a half have been inundated with kidney stones. I don't smoke or drink, but really love my iced tea. They tell me that's what causes the stones. I just have to laugh because my only vice in life causes me this agony. I work in the local school district, but I wonder if I would qualify for SSI? I force myself on many days during the school year. Other people just don't understand. Our buildling only have so many private bathrooms. Lets face it, we need private bathrooms far away from everyone else. Some days in the summer, I barely leave my home. I just hate this and it never ends! I'm also blessed with arthritis, fibromyalgia, and glaucoma. My poor husband is wonderful, but sure didn't sign up for this. I feel bad and tell him he needs to turn me in for a new model. Any ideas out there? Would the fact that I have several other noted medical issues help me with qualifying for SSI?

lsf
Joined Jun 28, 2009

Sun, June 28, 2009 12:00 AM

Reply posted for Snaptie.

Thanks for the posts. I appreciate your thoughts. I have tried to switch to just juices and lemonade. Water is definitely a no-no. Because of the short-bowel, my system can not tolerate much water at all. I have to drink other things or I can't absorb liquids very well. Water just kind of sits in there and doesn't go on thru.

A neighbor friend just passed away over night. He had a blood clot in his small intestine and when they did the surgery, he became septic .His organs shut down and they could do nothing more for him but call his family in. It was a complete shock, they sure didn't see this coming as he was a basically healthy guy.

I know I take a lot for granted when situations like this occur, so I guess even though I fight a lot of battles, I basically survived when they didn't think that I would. I am so fortunate!

Good Luck to all!

lsf
Joined Jun 28, 2009

Sun, June 28, 2009 12:00 AM

Reply posted for LSF.

Ice tea has sugar and caffeine in it. It is something you do not want to drink when you have Crohn's and known to damage your kidneys. It was one of the many contributing factors to my constant UTI's and bladder infections.

It took me the better part of six weeks to adjust to drinking water and pure fruit juices - apple, mango, pear, peach. Since that time, my kidneys have healed and I feel much better.

Good luck on the SSI. It will be an uphill battle but boils down to a good attorney!

aca11
Joined Mar 3, 2009

Sun, June 28, 2009 12:00 AM

Reply posted for LSF.

Hi,

I feel your pain. Kindney stones are no joke. I had 5 in one year and never had one before that. I had 2 at one time and ended up having a shock wave treatment because they were too large to pass. I had applied for SS and was denied, I had to get a lawyer to appeal it. I was put in the hospital for 2 weeks. Anemic, dehydrated, pain beyond belief from my Crohns. I couldn't stand up straight they pain was so bad. Whatever could be wrong with my body was. A month after I got out of the hospital, I had my hearing for SS, I was approved, I cried. I worked in a bank and there was no way, I could just leave a customer to run to the bathroom. Anyway, I was approved for 3 years to get my health back, probably like you I am on lots of meds and am finally feeling better. At the end of this year I need to go back to work, now I worry about finding another job with insurance. My remicaide treatments run about $18,000 in my area. The more ammo you have for a case, I think the better you will be off for approval.

Good luck, Karen