1 reply to this topic

[eman]

Today I was peeing( I don;t use a catheter) by my usual method of stimulation. int he middle of it the stream of urine stopped and when i pushed a stone came out. The stone is small but visible and dark in color and smooth. I had bladder sones many years agao and I was wondering what this is. Any insights would be helpful.

E

[kewlcatkez]

Hi,

The only real way to know for sure if it was a stone is to get a scan to be honest, however there are many factors at play, which may have you at risk of them...

Sometimes stones can only be seen at cystoscopy, occasionaly they can be seen on U/S and rarely X/ray. Softer stones ( like those caused as a result of catheter use) can be broken up and flushed out through a cystoscope (endoscopic litholopaxy). Sometimes, like you found, they can be pee'd out if small enough. This is less likely if using a catheter as the 'eyes' on the catheter are usually too small to allow the stone to escape.

Also, its worth mentioning that some of the material passed can appear to be calcified matter/stones, but may not be the case. Some people have more 'sediment' in their urine and occasionally mucus ( related to uti and residual urine sometimes) which can look similar to stones when passed.

You have I would think, a reduced risk of stone formation by not using a catheter than if you did. However, factors relating to SCI ( and other neurological disabilities) still impose a greater risk of stone formation than the rest of the population. I know this is not what you are asking in the title, but I hope it is of some use to you/maybe others..

I am not sure if you take an medications/any which have documented/anecdotal evidence of stone formation. Some meds such as Topamax ( Topirimate) etc, do carry an increased risk of stones if combined with reduced water intake...Something many of us are guilty of - limiting our drinks. Also, Are you taking Calcium Suppliments for any reason? They can incur a risk of kidney/bladder stone development if taken in excess, and sometimes in smaller doses in those who are prone to them. ( Although some newer Research questions if very high doses may be the opposite, very confusing) Some folks who have risk of/actual osteoporosis are prescribed calcium tablets, so it is worth mentioning.

Also, due to the nature of the disability which sees us in a chair/with reduced mobility, the fact that a person is more immobile also adds to the risks. This immobility and the inevitable documented loss of muscle tone after injury/disease can cause the bones to lose a lot of calcium and other minerals that pass via the blood into the urine.

They can then form stones in the kidneys or bladder. Other factors also encourage stone formation including the presence of catheters in the bladder and urinary infection ( not a factor in your case).

You do not state whether or not you have had an surgery to your bladder to increase its size ( or similar) which may have used your bowel etc. If you have had such surgery, then it does impose a slightly increased risk of bladder ( especially) and kidney stone formation.

The commonest stones in people with paralysis are bladder stones, usually associated with catheter use (indwelling urethral is biggest risk of catheters, followed by suprapubic), causing frequent catheter blockages and bladder irritation causing bypassing of the catheter or AD symptoms.


I hope that this helps some,

Take care,

K

Edited by kewlcatkez, 23 December 2007 - 08:59 PM.