Hi Andrea. Welcome to Daily Strength. I am so sorry you have this illness and that you have depression and anxiety. I also have had depression and anxiety for most of my life. You will find many people on this site who can relate to you. Continue to post and you will make new friends who are ready to listen and offer support.

Hi, thank you very much I appreciate it!

I'm sorry to hear about your kidney disease. I have had many (to many to count) I have kidney disease also plus I have fibromyalgia with depression. This is a great sight you can meet some wonderful people so welcome and you can write me anytime.

Hi, welcome to DS. This is a great place to talk to others that have similar issues, or even totally different issues that result in the same depression issues. I have depression and anxiety disorder and I have found a lot of help chatting with people on here. Its nice to know your not alone. Good luck and god bless. You can pm me anytime you need to talk.

Hi Andrea,

Please keep in mind that medical research is moving forward at a fast pace, and today's qualify of your life does not predict a year from now.

Right now you may want to ask your doctor about prescription probiotic "Oxalobacter formigenes", which has been shown in clinical studies to prevent formation of kidney stones. Based on: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2396938/

There's also a supplement you can try without a prescription (though probably best to ask your doctor about it anyway), which also can slow down formation of kidney stones:

https://www.amazon.com/Solgar-Hydroxycitrate-Vegetable-Capsules-Count/dp/B0001VW1DC/ref=sr_1_1_a_it?ie=UTF8&qid=1502080598&sr=8-1

Based on: http://www.webmd.com/kidney-stones/news/20160808/diet-supplement-may-help-prevent-kidney-stones-study

Hang in there!

Thank you all for your support, to be honest I wasn't really expecting a reply! I will try any new ideas that anyone has, that I haven't yet tried. Feels like I have tried everything but I find the hardest part is that I never know when the pain will come on, how bad it will be or how long it will stay. I know the triggers (anxiety and depression being the top ones), along with my diet, exercise, etc. I am on a low oxalate diet (my stones are calcium oxalate) but it's hard to tell how much it's helping- perhaps right now I'd be even worse off if I weren't on the diet...most likely. The goal obviously is to get to a point where I have something to control the pain so I can lead a normal life and we are not at that point yet. Another big issue is pain killers. In Alberta it wasn't a problem but you can't even get a prescription for Tylenol 2 here!!! Don't get me wrong, pain killers are not the answer in the long run however if the doctors cannot get a handle on what my problem is yet and I'm doing everything else I know to do, just give me some damn pain killers until you figure it out! End rant. Lol thanks for listening.

Hi Andrèa, I’m sorry about your medical condition and your anxiety and depression. It’s understandable that medical conditions are difficult and discouraging at times. I can relate to this the advice I can give is to keep yourself surrounded around the ones closest to you who support and understand. Most importantly, stay current with your doctor appointments and take your medicine and communicate with your doctor. Have faith and remain hopeful. In the future if you feel you need someone to talk with you may call the Samaritans it’s a 24-hour confidential hotline at (212) 673-3000. The Samaritans is there for any event or crisis. Hugs! Please try these for your anxiety and depression 1. Take a time-out- Practice yoga, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, learn relaxation techniques. Stepping back from problems helps clear your head.
2. Limit caffeine and alcohol if you drink these- these trigger panic attacks. Drink Water.
Exercise daily- makes you feel good and maintains your health.
3.Slowly count to 10- Repeat and count to 20 if necessary.
4.Accept that you cannot control everything
5.Give back to your community- Volunteer. This creates a support network and gives you a break from everyday stress.
6.Talk to someone-vent and let them know you need help. Friends, family, doctor, therapist
7.Eat well-balanced meals- Do not skip meals and eat energy boosting snacks.
8.Take deep breathes- Inhale and exhale slowing throughout the day when you are feeling stressed.
9.Do your best- Instead of aiming for perfection which is not possible. Be proud of how close you get.
10.Maintain a positive attitude- Replace negative thoughts with positive thoughts.
11.Write in a journal and look for a pattern.