Bringing in the New Year with a BANG!!!

Yep you read that right! Mom is bringing in the New Year with yet another Lithotripsy!!!!  Mom can't remember if this is the 13th litho she has had because she has had so many. Mom also laughs when they say it is "shockwaves" that smash the stones. Technically it is, but it is really a machine that BEATS THE LIVING HELL OUT OF YOU 2500 TIMES. SERIOUSLY. Mom will ALWAYS HAVE KIDNEY STONES due to the metabolic make-up of her kidneys. They will NEVER be gone.  The reason Mom has to have so many is because she has MSK (Medullary Sponge Kidneys).

"Medullary sponge kidney (also known as Cacchi–Ricci disease) is a congenital disorder of the kidneys characterized by cystic dilatation of the collecting tubules in one or both kidneys. Individuals with medullary sponge kidney are at increased risk for kidney stones and urinary tract infection (UTI)."

"Patients with MSK typically pass twice as many stones per year as do other stone formers without MSK. While described as a "benign" disorder with a low morbidity rate, as many as 10% of patients with MSK have an increased risk of morbidity associated with frequent stones and UTIs. While some patients report increased chronic kidney pain, the source of the pain, when a UTI or blockage is not present, is unclear at this time. Renal colic (flank and back pain) is present in 55% of patients. Women with MSK experience more stones, UTIs, and complications than men. MSK was previously believed not to be hereditary but there is more evidence coming forth that may indicate otherwise."

So, when someone tells me they have had one or two stones  and never have had another, please excuse me while I laugh (maniacally) ............

It's that time again! Please Stand By............

It's Lithotripsy time again!!!

FOUND HERE

No worries all! It's just my usual "maintenance". It's kind of like a car, if I keep up on lithos, (aka oil changes), then the pain as shown in the first photo isn't as bad!!! I think this is Litho 4 so far this year? (Heck but who's counting!!!???)

My stones are caused by a congenital condition called Medullary Sponge Kidneys.........I have stones all day every day that will NEVER go away!

Picture Me This Photohunt Week 10 "Pointed" and Panic Day

Once again we are happy to be participating in a fun blogging event that was created by our friends over at A Tonk's Tail. It is a weekly photohunt. There is no pressure to participate, just jump in whenever you are able as we are doing this week! You can post on any social media channel that you wish, there is ZERO pressure (which is something WE LOVE!!)

This week the theme is:

Try not to be too jealous when you see the photo below. I passed this stone this past Saturday night (the pain started Friday evening at around 6pm)...........since today is also "Panic Day"............when one knows they are passing a stone they go into "Panic Mode!!" This photo is the PERFECT choice for the word "Pointed."

History of Panic Day
When it comes to holidays, you may think if the ones that are to celebrate fun moments. Panic Day is the day to recognize how stressful life has become and see what can be done to minimize the effects. Stress is dangerous to your health. Stress can bring on illnesses such as heart disease, high blood pressure, diabetes and obesity.

Some people respond to stress by having feelings of panic which can be very debilitating. Panic can make a person feel that their fear cannot be overcome. While this may not seem rational, the panic takes over and makes it difficult for the once stricken to be able to make rational choices. If you feel that your fears and stress are overwhelming you, Panic Day is the day to make a step forward and reach out to a mental health professional.

That photo above  is the actual stone that I passed. Fun times, right? Had another litho on the left kidney yesterday.......joy oh joy!!!

If you participate in this photohunt be sure to tag #PMTphotohunt and @tonkstail

Cat Video that "Voices" My Sentiments EXACTLY!!

While going through my email on Monday I nearly died laughing when I saw this video that was sent to me by my dear friend who writes the blog Tails Around the Ranch.....

The cat not only looks just like Cody, but...since I am off having lithotripsy number-I-lost-count-I-have-had-so-many, it sums up my mood exactly!!!

Have a great day all!!

For those that wonder, no....I don't get 1 or 2 stones. I have 100s. All day, every day! It's the nature of the condition that I have. No, they will never go away. The purpose of the lithotripsies are to keep the stones a manageable size so that:

1) I can pass them at home myself without going to the hospital
2) So they do not block my kidneys causing them to shut down
3) So I hopefully don't have to wear a stent

 Catch ya after I'm done getting "stoned"!

A Stone Smashing Good Time and the Winner of The Extraordinary Life of Buffy the Cat by Sandy Robins and Paul Smulson

Before we get to the winner of our give-away, Mom and I wanted to say that we probably won't be around all day Wednesday (and we are not sure about Thursday yet) because Mom is having another Lithotripsy today, (we think this is approx. Litho Number 10 or so?)  to smash a 7mm stone. She will be in the hospital most of the day but will be home later. So, if we are not able to visit today and part of tomorrow that is why!  We have included a graphic to give you a better understanding of Mom's congenital condition. Her stones will NEVER be gone because it is actually her kidney's JOB to MAKE STONES. She just has to try and keep them at a manageable level so that she can either pass them on her own, or with the help of a lithotripsy.

We will do our best to visit you as soon as we can!

NOW FOR SOMETHING
COMPLETELY DIFFERENT!
THE REAL REASON YOU 
VISITED US TODAY!

Thanks to all who entered our give-away for:

HUGE CONCATULATIONS

 TO THE LUCKY WINNER

LISTED BELOW!!

a Rafflecopter giveaway

Off to get "Stoned!"

OFF TO HAVE LITHOTRIPSY NUMBER 8, 9 or 10?

CAN'T REMEMBER

BUT WHO'S COUNTING!?

For those that Google "Lithotripsy". They mention "shock waves" which makes it sound like nothing. The "shock waves" are transmitted by being under anesthesia and your kidney is lined up with a machine that PULVERIZES your kidney, which translates to YOUR SIDE...

 2500 times

 (No, I am NOT kidding). Sometimes you are fine after, sometimes you are  bruised, sometimes not. Other times they hurt like.......

Each one I have had has been completely different than previous lithos. The nice part? You get a FABULOUS "nap."

CATCH YOU ON THE REBOUND!!!