Kidney Stones

Kidney stones are stone-like lumps that can develop in one or both of the kidneys.
The medical name for stones in the kidneys is nephrolithiasis. If the stones cause severe pain, this is known as renal colic.

Kidney stones
The waste products in the blood can occasionally form crystals that collect inside the kidneys. Over time, the crystals may build up to form a hard stone-like lump. Read more about the causes of kidney stones.
After a kidney stone has formed, your body will try to pass it out of the body in urine. This means it will often travel through the urinary system (the kidneys, kidney tubes and bladder).
Small stones may be passed out painlessly in the urine and may even go undetected. However, it is fairly common for a stone to block part of the urinary system, such as the ureter (the tube connecting the kidney to the bladder) or the urethra (the tube through which urine passes out of the body). If this happens, it can cause severe pain in the abdomen or groin and sometimes causes a urinary tract infection (see symptoms of kidney stones for more information).

How common are kidney stones?
Kidney stones are quite common and usually affect people aged 30–60 years of age. They affect men more than women. It is estimated that renal colic affects about 10–20% of men and 3–5% of women.

Check out some celebrities with kidney disease

Erma Bombeck-Famous columnist. writer and humorist died of complications following a kidney transplant. Ms. Bombeck suffered from the heriditary disease, polycystic kidney disease. Many people think she died of breast cancer, but this is not true, even though she did battle cancer and was in remission at the time of her transplant.

George Lopez-Comedian and actor, he had a sitcom a few years ago and now has a late-night talk show on the cable station TBS. He received a kidney from his wife.

Natalie Cole-Daughter of the unforgettable Nat King Cole and a talented entertainer and singer in her own right, Natalie suffered from hepatitis. She received chemotherapy for the hepatitis and it destroyed her kidneys. On dialysis for awhile, she now has had a kidney transplant and is doing well.

Art Buchwald-Famous humorist and columnist, Mr. Buchwald died in hospice after stopping his dialysis treatments voluntarily.

Alonso Mourning-Retired now, Mr. Mourning played basketball for 16 years in the NBA! 

Nicknamed "Zo", Mourning played at center. His tenacity on defense twice earned him NBA Defensive Player of the Year Award and perennially placed him on the NBA All Offensive Team. He made a comeback after undergoing a kidney transplant and later winning his first NBA Championship with with the Heat. He has also played for the Charlotte Hornets and New Jersey Nets. On March 30, 2009, Alonzo Mourning became the first player in Miami Heathistory to have his number retired.   (source: Wickepedia)

Scott MacIntyre (finalist on American Idol) Scott was the young, blind man on American Idol in the 2008 season of the popular show. Scott declined to mention his kidney disease and transplant because he thought it might detract from the reason he was on the show: his incredible talent.

Steven Cojocaru-Style maven to the stars, "CoJo" can be seen on the red carpet, interviewing celebrities and giving his opinion on their fashions. CoJo suffers from polycystic kidney disease and received one transplant from his mother, which failed. He then was on dialysis for awhile and subsequently received another kidney from his best friend-she was truly his lifesaver!

Steven Furst-Actor who was best known as "Flounder" in "Animal House" and also Dr. Elliot Axlerod in the medical drama, "St. Elsewhere". Since 2006, Steven has co-hosted The Renal Support Network's radio show, " Kidney Talk". Steven was extremely overweight, had diabetes and nearly lost a leg to this disease. He lost 80 lbs, but diabetes had taken its toll on his kidneys and he is now a dialysis patient.

Emily Dickenson-An accomplished American poet, Ms. Dickenson's poems are now known worldwide...she died of kidney failure at the age of 55 yrs in the year 1886. 

Below are more famous people who suffered and died from kidney disease:

Wolfgang Amadeus Motzart- Famous composer of some of the world's most beautiful classical music

Jean Harlow-Beautiful blond bombshell of the 20's and 30's-she made several movies, but sadly, died at the age of 26 yrs old from uremic poisoning caused by failed kidneys.

Chester A. Arthur-The 21st President of the United States

James Michener-Prolific author of sweeping sagas such as Hawaii, The Drifters and Centennial, Mr. Michener ended his daily dialysis treatments which he had endured for four years and died in 1997 of kidney failure at the age of 90.

Barry White-Soulful singer of the 70's, Mr. White recorded many albums in that decade. He was a dialysis patient and died of a stroke in 2003.

Neil Simon-Famous playright who penned such Broadway plays as Barefoot In The Park, Sweet Charityand The Odd Couple and writer of screenplays for such blockbusters as The Goodbye Girl and Brighton Beach Memoirs, Mr. Simon suffered for years with kidney disease. He received a transplant at the age of 76 from his friend.

 

Interestingly, it is widely thought that Tiny Tim from the Charles Dickens classic A Christmas Carol had a form of kidney disease. Taking into account the time and conditions in which the story is set, medical experts have concluded that the little boy most likely suffered from renal tubular acidosis, which could be treated with proper medical intervention. The Cratcahetts did not have the resources to have Tim treated and he would have died had Mr. Scrooge not had a change of heart.

Symptoms of Kidney Disease

Changes in your urinary function: The first symptom of kidney disease is changes in the amount and frequency of your urination. There may be an increase or decrease in amount and/or its frequency, especially at night. It may also look more dark coloured. You may feel the urge to urinate but are unable to do so when you get to the restroom.

Difficulty or pain during voiding: Sometimes you have difficulty or feel pressure or pain while voiding. Urinary tract infections may cause symptoms such as pain or burning during urination. When these infections spread to the kidneys they may cause fever and pain in your back.

Blood in the urine: This is a symptom of kidney disease which is a definite cause for concern. There may be other reasons, but it is advisable to visit your doctor in case you notice it.

Dizziness & Inability to concentrate: Anaemia associated with kidney disease also depletes your brain of oxygen which may cause dizziness, trouble with concentration, etc.

Swelling: Kidneys remove wastes and extra fluid from the body. When they are unable to do so, this extra fluid will build up causing swelling in your hands, feet, ankles and/or your face.

Extreme fatigue and generalised weakness: Your kidneys produce a hormone called erythropoietin which helps make red blood cells that carry oxygen. In kidney disease lower levels of erythropoietin causes decreased red blood cells in your body resulting in anaemia.  There is decreased oxygen delivery to cells causing generalised weakness and extreme fatigue.