Dolly Parton, the 79-year-old country music icon, had to skip a big event at her Dollywood theme park this week. The reason? A nasty kidney stone that turned into an infection. Fans gathered to celebrate the park’s exciting new NightFlight Expedition ride, but Dolly couldn’t make it. Instead, she sent a fun pre-recorded video message, looking cheerful in a bright outfit.
In the clip, Dolly shared, “I had a little problem. I had a kidney stone, which caused me a lot of problems. Turns out there was an infection. And the doctor said, ‘You don’t need to be traveling around this minute, so you need a few days to get better.’ So he suggested I not go to Dollywood today.”
Anyone who’s dealt with kidney stones knows how rough they can be. These tiny, hard deposits form from minerals and salts in your urine when things get too concentrated. They can cause sharp pain, make it hard to pee, and even bring on nausea or vomiting. In the US, about 11% of men and 6% of women will face a kidney stone at some point in their lives.
What causes kidney stones? Dehydration tops the list—drinking enough water helps keep urine diluted and flushes out stuff like calcium, oxalate, and uric acid. If you sweat a lot or live in a hot, dry place, you’re at higher risk. Diets loaded with salt (which boosts calcium in urine) or animal proteins can also trigger them. Think red meat, organ meats, or shellfish—they’re packed with purines that ramp up uric acid levels.
Spotting kidney stones early can save you a lot of hassle. Doctors point out these six common signs besides the obvious pain:
– Cloudy or foul-smelling urine
– Burning feeling when you pee
– Blood in your urine
– Sharp cramps in your back, just below the ribs
– Fever and chills (a sign of infection, like Dolly’s)
– Nausea or vomiting
If you notice these kidney stone symptoms, don’t wait. Head to the ER or urgent care if things feel severe. Otherwise, call your doctor right away—they’ll only get worse if ignored.
Treatment for kidney stones depends on the size and type. Small ones often pass on their own with plenty of fluids and pain meds. Doctors might prescribe drugs to relax your ureter and help the stone move along. For bigger or stubborn ones, surgery could be needed. In rare cases, they can turn serious or even life-threatening, so staying hydrated and watching your diet is key to preventing kidney stones. Get well soon, Dolly—we’re rooting for you!
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