January/February 2001
Page 7
Urolithiasis
Urostomates, ileostomates and transverse colostomates have one thing in common - continuous output with a loss of fluids. If the liquid intake does not exceed the output (i.e., stool, urine), these ostomates may be dehydrating their bodies, making themselves prone to a condition called "urolithiasis."
Urolithiasis refers to the presence of stones in the urinary system. These stones may be found anywhere from the kidneys to the bladder. They vary in size from mere granular deposits, called sand or gravel, to bladder stones the size of an orange. The majority of stones (90%) are composed of calcium, with uric acid (9% to 7%) and cystine (1% to 3%) accounting for the rest.
Conditions which predispose stone formation include:
- Infection
- Periods of immobility
- Concentrated urine
- Abnormally high concentrations of calcium in the blood
- Heredity
- Dehydration
If you develop urolithiasis, you may experience the following symptoms:
- Low back pain and/or severe, sharp pain in the lower back, radiating to the groin
- Chills, fever
- Difficulty or burning with urination
- Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea
See your physician as soon as possible if these symptoms appear.
Measures to prevent stone formation include:
- Drink 2 to 3 quarts of fluid daily, preferably water and juices. Include acidic juice, such as cranberry juice to maintain acid urine. This helps to prevent infection.
- Urinate during the night if necessary
- Exercise daily
- Use caution with foods containing calcium. A certain level of calcium is required for good health, so restrict diet ONLY ON THE ADVICE OF A PHYSICIAN.
Dallas Ostomatic news, via Oshawa & District The Bulletin and Vancouver Ostomy Highlife, June 2000, via Inside Out On-line Jan/Feb 2001.
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