[Dean Oliver]

I had two kidney stones that knocked me for a loop. I passed one in the ER a week ago this past Saturday only to be back in the hospital to have a second one removed the following Monday. After they removed the second one they inserted a stint from my kidney to my bladder, and that thing was uncomfortable to say the least. I had to have five different pain medications including morphine to make the pain go away in the ER, so I guess that tells you that it either hurt really bad or I'm a big sissy. Anyway, I actually feel normal today. Thanks to Alan and others with diet advice for kidney stone people like me.

I would like to share this with everyone in case it might help somebody. My doctor said that despite all of the dietary changes suggested by various internet sources that are supposed to help prevent the formation of kidney stones, there are basically two things that have been shown to consistently help patients. He said that for 85% of kidney stone people, if you (1) drink enough water (divide your weight by 2 to determine the number of ounces of water that you should drink per day) and (2) don't add salt to your food, you will never have another stone. Hopefully I'm in that 85%........

Thanks everyone for the calls and the get well wishes.

Dean