Can kidney stones cause anemia?

[WonderWomanof3]

It took a while but the pain I was having was finally diagnosed as a kidney stone and I have another symptomatic one in the other kidney. But I wonder if kidney stones cause anemia because I suddenly became anemic just over a year ago and we have not been able to find a cause. Although I had occult blood in my urine due to the stone, it was not a lot.

I was wondering if anyone else has experienced this too or if anyone might know if stones can cause anemia?

[tinkwinkler]

Interesting. I have been told I'm anemic for some time now but did not realize I had kidney stones until a couple years ago when I was struck by a painful one that put me in the emergency room.
I wonder if there is a correlation but my doctor's believe the anemia is due to heavy menstrual bleeding and kidney stones are due to not enough fluids. When I had my original stone, I may not have had enough fluids but generally I drink quite a bit of water throughout the day. Last night I got another painful stone but more mild than before, the only thing I can contribute it to is an increase in nut intake (oxlates) and specifically I decided to try drinking cashew milk.
My doctor also gave the same advice about actually needing to consume calcium to avoid the kidney stones. I was also told to drink orange juice with the iron because it helps with the absorption. Hope that helps.

[jemma116]

Sounds like the theory of eating calcium foods has changed since I had my stone.

My stone was a calcium oxalate one and I was told to avoid dairy produce, rhubarb, strawberries and beetroot.  I do not particularly like cheese, so I don't have a problem with that.  I do eat and drink live yogurt now though.

I'm not 100% , but I am sure that I have read that to help absorb calcium we also need to have vitamin D.

As with iron, to help absorbtion of this mineral, we require folic acid (found in cerials and brown bread).

[WonderWomanof3]

Thanks for your comment. I am inclined to think that the stone was causing the anemia because it started shortly after I started having the pains. I didn't have typical kidney stone symptoms so it took a while before it was diagnosed and actually taken care of.

However, the pain did not stop me from eating. I had no problem eating! I did have trouble with physical activity though and actually gained weight.

I have been taking iron for the anemia and it has kept me just above normal levels, barely above.

My urologist explained that not getting enough calcium actually causes excess calcium in your urine and that I should actually try to consume more. It made sense when they said it but I don't know the specifics on that. My stone was made of calcium oxalate and I was advised to stay away from foods with lots of oxalate, consume more calcium (not supplements), consider taking magnesium and of course, drink lots of water with real lemon juice in it.

I hope all these changes keep my kidneys from making stones. And I send the same wishes to all those other stoners out there.

[jemma116]

Having a kidney stone in the urinary tract will not cause anemia.

If the stone is moving and tearing the linings of the urinary tract that causes bleeding then depending on the loss of blood and for how long the blood loss goes on for can cause anemia.

As you have had kidney stones and have been feeling unwell, your food intake was probably not the same as when you were well.  When I had my stone I was not able to eat and lost a lot of weight.  I had no appetite at all.

The anemia has more than likely come about you not eating well becasue of your kidney problem.  Your doctor should prescribe you with a course of iron.  Make sure you do not drink tea when taking the iron tablets at the same time, becasue it hinders its absorbtion.

Once yu have had stones, you will be prone to getting them again.  Hope you had yours analysed so you know what the composition was.  

I was told to avoid dairy products becasue mine was a calcium stone.

Always drink plenty of water.  2-3 litres being the norm.  

[WonderWomanof3]

Thanks for your reply. I've had one kidney stone removed via lithotripsy and the existing one is still small. My erythropoietin levels have always been fine and all other blood labs indicate iron deficiency anemia. I think I'll go ask the doc to have my iron tested again to see if removing the stone has helped with my iron levels. I take a small amount of ferrous sulfate but it has kept me hovering just above the normal levels. I'm glad to know that kidney stones could be a possibility though. I hate not knowing why this happened so suddenly.

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Constantly losing blood in the urine can cause anemia, even if it is occult. Stones can sometimes cause kidney failure. Chronic kidney failure can cause anemia. This is due to a decreased secretion of the hormone erythropoietin. This hormone is a necessary stimulus for normal bone marrow to produce red blood cells. Just cautioning you.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.