perky1730

Ah the eight glasses of water a day fact of myth.

Hydration is extremely important as I have learned the hard way. Water is the best source of hydration and 6-8 (8oz) glasses of water a day will keep those wonderful filtering organs flowing. The kidneys if not well hydrated can form crystals, which if they back up harden into stones. And if you are one of the lucky people in this world who has had to pass one you will forever drink 8-10 glasses of water a day to make sure you never have to experience it again. On the other hand if you end up in the situation I'm in I've already had two surgical procedures to remove the 2.3 centimeters of stones lodged in my left kidney while my right is still popping out 3-4 millimeter stones. Yes, even with the increase of water I consume I still produce stones. I will now have to undergo yet another surgical procedure that actually sticks a tube into my kidney and the urologist literally goes into the kidney crushes the stones and sucks them out. I will have to have this tube in my kidney for a few days to drain, sounds wonderful doesn't it. So, my suggestion is: tolerate the trips to the bathroom it beats having to have a surgical procedure that could possibly damage your kidney it's a small price to pay.

You are absolutely right!
Do not be intimdated by a doctor. I work in the field and believe me I recently found myself in the emergency room where the physician was none to happy to take care of me due to my advocacy for my health care. If you do not feel that you can advocate for yourself effectlively (due to your illness), make sure you bring someone you trust with you. If you are uncomfortable with the doctor you DO NOT need to continue your care with that physician, you have the right to go to another. I, who works in the field and respects my primary care physician, had to reject the specialist he sent me to because the specialist did not want to answer my questions to my satisfaction nor did his staff treat me with any type of respect. I can only stress is that you are the customer if you went to Wal-Mart and got bad service you would complain, right. Physicians and thier staff work for you, you bring in the money to run thier office, you are thier customer if they want you back then they better treat you well or you take your buisness elswhere.
Also, try to get all your prescription medication at the same pharmacy, this will help prevent any type of drup interaction should you forget a drug you are taking. The Pharmacist should be able to pick up on it quickly and notify the physcian and prevent a serious problem.