Thought I noticed what might be blood in my urine so I went to see a urologist. Yep, it’s there.
They ordered a CT urogram. My first thought was “great, my 6th exposure to radiation in 6 months”
Anyhow, I complied. The results…
"Number of CT scans and/or myocardial perfusion studies in the past 12 months: 0.
COMPARISON:
2/11/26.
FINDINGS:
Abdomen: The kidneys are symmetric in size. There are bilateral nonobstructing renal calculi. A calculus in the lower pole of the left kidney measures 1.3 cm (internal density of 1140 HU). There are 2 additional left renal calculi measuring up to 4 mm. A calculus in lower pole right kidney measures 1.7 cm (internal density 1000HU). There are 3 additional right renal calculi measuring 2 to 3 mm. Benign renal cysts are identified. No abnormal enhancing renal mass. The renal vasculature is patent. There is uniform excretion of IV contrast into the renal collecting systems. There is no abnormal ureteral enhancement or ureteral filling defects.
The liver, gallbladder, pancreas, spleen, and adrenal glands are within normal limits. There is low-attenuation adreniform thickening of the adrenal glands. The small bowel is not dilated. The appendix is normal. No enlarged retroperitoneal or mesenteric lymph nodes. Abdominal aorta is normal in caliber.
Pelvis: No pelvic mass. No enlarged pelvic or inguinal lymph nodes. No bladder calculi. There is no abnormal bladder enhancement or bladder wall thickening. No bladder filling defects.
IMPRESSION:
- Bilateral nonobstructing renal calculi. No hydronephrosis or ureteral calculi.
- Benign bilateral renal cysts.
- No acute findings in the abdomen or pelvis."
Ok, I made the urologist aware of the number of Ct scans the past 6 months. Four were on my chart and I had mentioned the Dexa scan in October '25 that didn’t appear on my chart. I also reminded the staff at radiology of it before the ct urogram.
The results open with…
“Number of CT scans and/or myocardial perfusion studies in the past 12 months: 0.”
Not happy with that.
Otherwise, the results were encouraging. No signs of cancer, inflammation, obstruction, or infection.
Now time to see how to prevent new stones, or enlargement of the existing stones.
Quick search suggests adequate hydration, reduced sodium intake, increased citrate intake, and limiting animal protein. As well as limiting oxalates. Citrates and calcium look like the way to bind oxalates and keep them out of my kidneys. The urine tests (2) indicated calcium oxalate crystals, so I suppose that’s where the citrate and calcium comes in.
I’m also scheduled for a uroscopy next week. Urologist says that’s to get a better look at my bladder. She said I may not need it, pending results of the CT urogram. Evidently bladder cancer tumors can be flat and not show up on a ct scan. Fingers crossed the ct scan results are a good enough indication of renal stones are causing blood in my urine and we can cancel the uroscopy thing. It’s an outpatient thing with little prep.
Anyone here dealt with renal stones ? If so, how were you treated for them ?
Also, how did the diagnosis affect your keto diet choices ? Specifically protein choices.